Young African innovators are reshaping the continent, tackling challenges across various sectors. Here are some opportunities designed to support these changemakers, including fellowships for mentorship, grants for project funding, job openings offered by the International Monetary Fund Economist Program, and accelerator programs to grow startups. Apply for them as soon as possible because the deadlines are fast-approaching!
2025 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship [November 20]
Applications are now open for the prestigious 2025 Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship, a 12-month programme designed to identify and mentor the future generation of outstanding African leaders. Established in 2011, the Fellowship provides an immersive experience for three Fellows each year, who are hosted in the executive offices of:
- African Development Bank (Abidjan)
- United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (Addis Ababa)
- International Trade Centre (Geneva)
Programme Overview:
- Fellows will spend 12 months at one of the three host institutions, working alongside senior leadership teams in Abidjan, Addis Ababa, or Geneva.
- The Fellowship equips participants with both technical and leadership skills while offering them the chance to contribute to impactful projects that shape Africa’s future.
Key Benefits:
- Fellows will contribute directly to research and policy design while gaining technical and leadership skills.
- A key feature of the programme is personalized mentorship from the heads of the host organizations.
- Fellows receive a $100,000 stipend to support living expenses during the programme.
- Fellows also become members of the Now Generation Network (NGN), continuing to contribute their skills to building a better Africa.
- Fellows gain access to influential leaders and organizations across Africa and beyond.
Eligibility Criteria:
- National of an African country.
- Minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience.
- Master’s degree required.
- Under the age of 40 (or 45 for women with children).
Application Deadline: November 20, 2024
Application details:
African Development Bank
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
International Trade Centre
- Fellowship details (EN)
- Application Link
WomenLift Health Southern Africa Signature Leadership Journey 2025 [November 22]
WomenLift Health invites mid-career women leaders in public health to apply for the Southern Africa Signature Leadership Journey 2025.
This 12-month, fully-funded program focuses on building authentic leadership skills through self-reflection, mentorship, and peer support. Participants will develop strategies to enhance their influence and presence while addressing key challenges in global health.
The program includes two in-person residencies and monthly virtual sessions.
Who Should Apply?
- Women with 10-25 years of work experience.
- Citizens residing in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, eSwatini, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
- Professionals in public health policy, practice, or research serving populations at a national or regional level.
- Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English and be available during Central African Time (CAT) (+/- 1 hour) for most of the program.
Why Join?
The Leadership Journey aims to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the health sector, enabling participants to expand their leadership skills and build strong networks. It is ideal for those eager to broaden their influence and support others within their organizations.
Participation is fully funded, covering all travel, lodging, and program costs.
For more information and to apply, visit WomenLift Health.
MASDAR Youth 4 Sustainability Programs 2024/2025. [Deadline: November 22]
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) initiative by Masdar is calling the next generation of sustainability leaders! This global program is designed to equip young minds with the skills needed to shape a sustainable future.
Y4S Programs Overview:
1. Future Sustainability Leaders (FSL) Program
A year-long journey for university students and young professionals (ages 19-35) to learn from global business leaders, policymakers, and technology pioneers. Starting at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) in January, participants will gain hands-on experience, critical skills training, and invaluable networking opportunities. Become part of a community that actively contributes to global sustainable development goals.
2. Sustainability Ambassadors (SA) Program
Designed for senior high school students (ages 15-18), this program empowers young ambassadors with core knowledge and practical experience. Participants will engage in high-impact events, including ADSW, and take part in activities throughout the academic year, learning how to drive the sustainability agenda forward and contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Application Details
- Application Deadline: November 22, 2024 (11:59 pm CAT)
- FSL Program Eligibility: University students and young professionals, aged 19-35.
- SA Program Eligibility: Senior high school students, aged 15-18.
Apply Now:
- Apply here for the Future Sustainability Leaders (FSL) Program
- Apply here for the Sustainability Ambassadors Program
For more information, visit the official page for MASDAR Youth 4 Sustainability Programs.
Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2024-2025 [Deadline: December 4]
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is an 8-month program that provides African students and recent graduates with the tools, training, financial support, and mentorship needed to develop their entrepreneurial skills and start their own ventures.
Who Can Apply:
- Students and recent graduates from any academic discipline at African post-secondary institutions.
- Participants who are either working on an existing business or looking to start a new venture.
- Individuals committed to developing their entrepreneurial mindset and leveraging the provided resources.
Program Details:
- Program Duration: 8 months, delivered virtually with a flexible schedule.
- Language: The program content is in English, and mentorship is available in English and French. Assignments and pitches must be completed in English. Non-English speakers are encouraged to form teams or collaborate with their university for language support.
Key Benefits:
- Access to world-class training in entrepreneurship.
- Financial support to help launch and scale ventures.
- A network of mentors to provide guidance throughout the program.
- Development of a socially impactful and financially sustainable business.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025 cohort will close on December 4, 2024.
International Monetary Fund Economist Program [Deadline: December 5]
The International Monetary Fund Economist Program offers recent PhD graduates a chance to launch their careers by working directly on essential policy issues affecting 190 member countries.
This three-year program provides hands-on experience through rotations in different IMF departments, engaging in economic analysis and policy development related to fiscal, monetary, and debt issues.
Eligibility:
- PhD in macroeconomics, international economics, finance, or related fields (either completed or near completion by the time the program starts).
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct research and policy analysis.
- Strong interest in global economic issues.
- National of an IMF member country.
- Under age 34 at the time of joining.
Participants will be employed by the IMF on a two-year contract, with competitive salary and benefits.
Application Deadline: December 5, 2024.
For more details, visit the IMF Career Site.
Global Solvers Accelerator 2025 [December 15]
The Melton Foundation Global Solvers Accelerator is an eight-month, immersive learning journey that connects social impact leaders from around the world to develop skills, amplify their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) impact, and foster collective leadership.
The program empowers emerging change agents with tools and knowledge to enhance their leadership capacity and drive sustainable development. Through a combination of blended learning, project assignments, and peer exchange, participants will build competencies for global citizenship, enabling them to scale their local impact projects and contribute to systemic societal change.
Eligibility
- Open to young community development practitioner aged between 20 – 35 years;
- Applicant should be curious, responsible, forward-thinking, with a proven track record of social impact, and actively engaged in or leading a local impact project currently;
- Be looking to connect with like-minded peers to make a better sense of the world together.
Application here by December 15.
Africa No Filter’s Kekere Storytellers Fund [Deadline: Rolling till December]
Are you a content creator, performance artist, visual artist, or journalist telling African stories that break away from stereotypes? Africa No Filter’s Kekere Storytellers Fund is here to support your next project by offering micro-grants to emerging storytellers whose work challenges common narratives about Africa.
Who Should Apply:
- Storytellers with projects that go beyond the usual stereotypes of poverty, conflict, and poor leadership, and instead showcase an innovative, evolving, and creative Africa.
- Content that amplifies unheard voices, challenges global perspectives, and introduces contemporary African narratives.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a member of Africa No Filter’s African Narrative Collective.
- Be an African based in Africa or the Diaspora.
- Be under 35 years old.
- Be able to express yourself in English or French.
- Have a track record of producing content that challenges stereotypical narratives about Africa.
- Have at least two years of related work experience.
Grant Details:
- Amount: $500 – $3,000
- Applications are open until the end of the year, or until 12-14 storytellers have been selected for funding.
Note: Applications can only be submitted in English or French.
Women Creating Wealth – Intergenerational Edition
The Graça Machel Trust has announced the expansion of the Women Creating Wealth – Intergenerational (WCW-I) edition, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. This program is dedicated to transforming Africa’s economies by providing meaningful support to women entrepreneurs, enabling them to scale their businesses, uplift their communities, and foster productive exchanges and collaborations among women.
Applications are now open to ambitious young and established women entrepreneurs who have the vision to grow their businesses 10X (times) in the next five years and create job opportunities.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a woman entrepreneur operating in one of the following countries at the date of application:
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Completed secondary school education.
- Have an annual business turnover of between USD 10,000 to USD 500,000 (or the equivalent in local currency).
- Have at least 2 years of experience operating any form of business.
- Not presently engaged in another entrepreneurship support program lasting longer than a week.
- Currently employ a minimum of 5 young people, with the potential to expand further, creating additional job opportunities for youth.
- Have an operational business or a product/service that can be tested in the market, with the potential for growth and impact.
- Sole proprietorships, partnerships, companies, cooperatives, or groups are eligible.
Program Delivery:
- The Ignite course will be offered on an online platform (Learner Management System), requiring internet access.
- Self-Learning: Sessions designed for independent study.
- Customized coaching sessions and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
- Virtual networking sessions, roundtables, and workshops, with opportunities for face-to-face events.
What Will You Receive?
- Structured training through the WCW Online Ignite courses.
- Dedicated support through customized coaching, mentoring, and technical advice.
- A toolbox of resources for business growth.
- Access to a vibrant and supportive Business Community.
- Invitations to regular entrepreneurship networking events and roundtables to build social capital.
- Access to a pool of rated service providers to support growth, market access, and finance.
Makerere Innovation and Incubation Centre Graduate Innovation Program [Deadline: Rolling]
The Makerere Innovation and Incubation Centre Graduate Innovation Program is an exciting opportunity for university students and faculty in Uganda to transform their ideas, research, and final year projects into innovative solutions.
Who Should Apply:
- Undergraduates and graduates of Makerere University or any other public or private university in Uganda.
- Applicants must have an idea, proof of concept, or Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
- Willingness to commit to and attend all mentorship sessions is required.
Areas of Focus:
- Agriculture, Finance, Tourism, Education, Sports, STEM, Creatives, Health, Environment, Legal, and more.
- Program Location: Makerere University, Makerere Innovation and Incubation Centre (MIIC).
Key Benefits:
- Access to group collaboration spaces and cutting-edge facilities.
- Tech Talent support for digital solutions.
- Business Development Support in areas like Legal, IP, Market Access, and Partnerships.
- Networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs.
- Access to funding and investment opportunities to help scale your solutions.
Fill out the form to apply for the program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Makerere Innovation and Incubation Centre Startup Advisory Support (SAS) Program [Deadline: Rolling]
The Makerere Innovation and Incubation Centre (MIIC) Startup Advisory Support (SAS) Program is designed to help early-stage startups and businesses transform their ideas, prototypes, and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) into market-fit ventures. The program offers customized advisory support, knowledge, and connections to talent, markets, and investment opportunities to help startups make better decisions and succeed.
Program Overview:
Duration: 3 months
Location: Makerere Innovation and Incubation Centre (MIIC), Makerere University
Fees: Free (Terms & Conditions apply)
Who Should Apply:
- Pre-revenue and early-stage startups with ideas, prototypes, Proof of Concept, and early-stage businesses.
- Startups from all sectors are welcome to apply.
Benefits:
Participants will receive startup advice in the following areas:
- Product Development/Refinement (Technology Transfer)
- Team Building (Talent sourcing and matching)
- Market Development (Research, Traction channels)
- Business Modeling
- Legal Guidance
- Investment Readiness
- Investment Access
- Business Partnerships (Private Sector)
At the end of the program, startups have the opportunity to enroll in a direct mentorship program to receive technical and financial support in areas like product development, market development, business development, and investment readiness through a network of experts, business coaches, investors, and private sector partners.
Fill out the form to apply for the program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
