Applications are open for the 2027 Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship, an eight-month programme supporting African students and recent graduates to develop entrepreneurial skills and build ventures with social and financial impact.
Delivered by the Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University, the fellowship has trained more than 8,000 early-stage entrepreneurs from over 45 African countries over the past five years. The programme combines entrepreneurship training, coaching, venture development and access to a wider network of mentors and entrepreneurs.
Who Can Apply
The fellowship is open to citizens of African countries who are either currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution or graduated within the past five years.
Applicants should demonstrate an interest in entrepreneurship and using entrepreneurial approaches to address pressing challenges. No prior business experience is required, making the programme accessible to participants at an early stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
How the Fellowship Works
The programme runs from January to August 2027 and is structured around three online phases:
- Explore: Develop foundational entrepreneurship skills and identify opportunities.
- Ignite: Strengthen business concepts and develop ventures further.
- Launch: Selected participants receive additional support to advance their businesses.
Participants receive online entrepreneurship training and virtual coaching as they progress through the programme. The fellowship also provides access to resources, mentorship and financial support at different stages of the programme.
The programme is particularly relevant to students and recent graduates who want structured support to develop an entrepreneurial idea, strengthen an existing concept or build the skills required to launch a venture.