Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2026 | Fully Funded Fellowship for African Innovators

Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2026 | Fully Funded Fellowship for African Innovators

Applications are now open for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2026, a fully funded opportunity for African students and recent graduates who are passionate about solving real-world problems through innovative business ideas.

This prestigious program empowers young Africans with training, mentorship, resources, and funding to transform their entrepreneurial visions into sustainable ventures.

Over an 8-month intensive program, participants will develop the skills, mindset, and network needed to drive meaningful social and economic impact across the continent.

About the Fellowship

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship, hosted by Queen’s University, Canada, is designed to nurture Africa’s next generation of changemakers.

The fellowship helps participants refine their ideas, build viable startups, and gain access to a global ecosystem of mentors, investors, and entrepreneurs.

Participants will go through a structured and practical entrepreneurship journey that combines world-class education with hands-on mentorship and funding opportunities.

Also Apply: Federal Government Free CAC Registration for Nigerians 2025 | Apply Now

Program Benefits

Best-in-Class Training

• Participate in an intensive business bootcamp delivered by Queen’s University faculty and top industry leaders.
• Learn the Disciplined Entrepreneurship Framework, a proven 24-step startup-building methodology developed at MIT.
• Gain skills in pitching, marketing, goal setting, and team building through interactive workshops.
• Earn micro-credentials in Entrepreneurship awarded by Queen’s University upon successful completion of program milestones.

Mentorship & Global Networking

• Connect with experienced mentors and industry experts from North America and Africa.
• Join a vibrant community of innovators and young entrepreneurs across Africa.
• Receive personalized mentorship from entrepreneurial leaders during the final phase of the program.
• Access a lifelong global alumni network of Queen’s entrepreneurial community.

Financial Support & Growth Opportunities

• Up to 60 Fellows will receive a $500 CAD stipend during the final phase.
• Compete for cash prizes of up to $15,000 CAD in the final pitch competition.
• Selected fellows may be invited to Canada’s Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre for networking and venture development.

Also Apply: Apply Now: Fully Funded UNDP Nigeria Digital for Youth-Led Enterprise Programme 2025 for Young Nigerians

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to students and recent graduates from any African post-secondary institution and from all academic disciplines.
• Applicants can apply whether they have an existing business idea or are starting from scratch.
• Must be willing to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to the program.
• Strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation.
• The program is conducted virtually and primarily in English (mentorship available in English and French).
• Those not fluent in English are encouraged to form teams or partner with universities to access language support resources.

Also Apply: Petty Traders Grant Support Programme 2025 (₦10,000 – ₦100,000 Grant for Small Business Owners)

Application Timeline

Application Deadline: December 15, 2025 (12:59 PM ET)

Notification of Selection: End of December 2025

Apply here