Call for Applications: Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2026 for Young African Entrepreneurs | up to $40,000
Are you a young African entrepreneur building a small business or social enterprise that creates jobs and opportunities for others?
The Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2026 is your chance to grow your venture, access expert support, and win a share of $40,000 in prizes!
For over 15 years, the Anzisha Prize has championed very young African entrepreneurs — empowering them with mentorship, funding, and business-building skills to transform their ideas into thriving enterprises.
About the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship
The Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship is a two-year, fully supported program designed to recognize and accelerate Africa’s youngest changemakers.
The fellowship goes beyond recognition — it rewards real business growth. Over the course of two years, Anzisha tracks the progress of each entrepreneur, providing tools, mentorship, and funding to help them scale their ventures sustainably.
Entrepreneurs demonstrating outstanding initiative, creativity, and measurable growth are rewarded with cash stipends, short courses, expert consultations, and cloud services.
At the end of the fellowship, participants will pitch their businesses for a chance to win grand prizes worth up to $40,000 across four key categories:
- Job Creation Prize – For creating the most employment opportunities.
- Revenue Growth Prize – For achieving the highest business growth.
- Storytelling Prize – For effectively communicating their entrepreneurial journey.
- Systems & Processes Prize – For successfully integrating systems to improve business efficiency.
After completion, all fellows graduate into the prestigious Anzisha Alumni Network, gaining lifelong access to a community of successful young African entrepreneurs.
Overview of the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2026
- Type: Fellowship
- Sponsor: Anzisha Prize
- Duration: 24 months
- Eligible Countries: All African countries
- Program Location: Virtual and in-person learning sessions across Africa
- Application Deadline: November 7, 2025
Benefits:
- Bi-annual cash stipends
- Short-term educational and leadership courses
- Mentorship from industry experts
- Specialized technical consultations
- Access to exclusive networking opportunities
- Eligibility for $40,000 grand prize categories
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age Requirement: You must be between 15 and 22 years old. (Applicants born before 1 September 2003 or after 31 August 2010 are not eligible.)
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of an African country, with a business operating in Africa and serving African customers or beneficiaries.
- Business Stage: The fellowship is not for ideas or plans — your venture must already be active and operational.
- Venture Type: Your project can be in any sector — from technology, agriculture, health, arts, sports, or community development — as long as it has tangible impact or revenue.
- Leadership Role: You must be one of the founding members actively managing the business (spending at least 20 hours a week on it).
Fellowship Prizes and Benefits
The Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship provides multiple forms of recognition and financial support, including:
- Bi-annual cash stipends to support your business operations.
- Access to short-term educational programs, internships, and industry-specific training.
- Consultations with technical experts to improve your business model.
- Grand Prizes worth $40,000, awarded in Year 2 for outstanding performance in:
- Job Creation Prize
- Revenue Growth Prize
- Storytelling Prize
- Systems & Processes Prize
Judging Criteria
Your business will be evaluated based on five key criteria:
- Established Venture: Your business must already have customers or beneficiaries.
- Leadership: You must lead and manage the venture personally.
- Impact: The venture should demonstrate a measurable positive impact.
- Revenue or Reach: Your business should already generate income or reach beneficiaries — with clear potential for growth.
- Job Creation: You must show evidence of creating or planning to create more quality jobs.
To be selected as an Anzisha Fellow, you must also demonstrate that:
- You are the primary driver of your venture’s operations and strategy.
- You dedicate at least 20 hours per week to your business and plan to continue doing so.
Also Apply: Call for Applications: Rainoil Limited Graduate Trainee Program 2025
Why Apply for the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship?
- Access to mentorship and personalized coaching from Africa’s leading entrepreneurs.
- Join a network of 200+ alumni building innovative ventures across the continent.
- Receive funding and technical assistance to scale your impact.
- Get recognized as one of Africa’s most promising young founders.
Application Deadline: November 7, 2025
Apply here
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