The Anzisha Fellowship 2027 is open to African citizens aged 15 to 22 who already run a real venture. The programme is a partnership of Anzisha, the Mastercard Foundation and African Leadership Academy, and fellows gain access to a multi-year programme built to strengthen their ventures and create jobs. Applications close on 10 November 2026, and applying is free.
At a glance
| Deadline | 10 November 2026 (time zone not stated) |
| Who can apply | Citizens of an African country aged 15 to 22, founding members of a venture that has customers, revenue or beneficiaries |
| Benefit | Access to a multi-year programme. The page states no amounts |
| Language of the guide | English, Arabic, French and Portuguese |
| Cost to apply | Free, with no fees required |
| Official page | Anzisha application page |
Who can apply
The application page asks for three things. You must be between 15 and 22 years old and a citizen of an African country, with a valid ID or passport. You must be a founding member of your business. And the venture must already have started, with customers, revenue or beneficiaries to show for it.
Business registration is not required, which matters for founders under 18 who often cannot register a company. The page does not say that the venture must be profitable, only that it is launched and active.
What you get
Selected fellows gain access to a multi-year programme designed to strengthen their ventures, accelerate growth and increase their ability to create jobs. The application page gives no cash amount, no list of benefits and no number of fellows. Anzisha describes its work as backing young changemakers with funding, coaching and a platform to lead, but treat any figure as unconfirmed until the application guide or the team states it for this cycle.
Key dates
- 29 September 2026: applications open.
- 10 November 2026: applications close.
- November 2026 to March 2027: evaluation period.
- May 2027: fellows announced.
How to apply
- Open the official application page and confirm you meet the age, citizenship and venture criteria.
- Download the application guide in English, Arabic, French or Portuguese. You fill in a short form with your name, email and language first.
- Submit your application on the Anzisha application portal before 10 November 2026.
Advice from the Africapreneurs team
- Read the guide before you open the form. The page points to it for detailed eligibility and documents, so it tells you what to prepare.
- Write down your proof of traction in plain numbers: customers served, sales made or people reached. The call names these three signals.
- If you are under 18, ask a parent, teacher or mentor to read the guide with you. The page does not list consent requirements, so check the guide for any.
- Teachers and mentors who know a young founder can point them to the guide in the language they read best, including Arabic and Portuguese.
FAQ
Is there a fee to apply?
No. The page says the application process is free of charge.
Does my business need to be registered?
No. The page says business registration is not required.
Can I apply with an idea only?
No. The venture must already be launched and show customers, revenue or beneficiaries.
