Are you an entrepreneur in Africa tackling climate change and poverty? The Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded chance to grow your business and leadership skills. This program from Acumen Academy targets leaders in East and West Africa who build green solutions for real impact.
About the Opportunity
The Green RISE Africa Fellowship stands for Resilient Impact through Sustainable Entrepreneurship. It is a six-month hybrid program that mixes online learning with in-person events. Entrepreneurs stay in their jobs while gaining tools to scale climate-friendly businesses.
This fellowship stresses moral leadership. That means learning values and skills to make decisions that create lasting change. It helps build companies that offer dignified jobs, especially for women and youth in poor areas. Applications open on May 11, 2026, and the program starts in July 2026.
East vs West Africa Tracks
The fellowship runs in two tracks, one for East Africa and one for West Africa. Each fits local needs but shares the goal of green growth.
West Africa Fellowship
This track helps entrepreneurs create green jobs for young rural women and youth. It focuses on businesses that promote fairness and steady progress. Fellows join in-person sessions in Nigeria and connect with others facing the same issues.
East Africa Fellowship
Open to people from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, and Somalia. It strengthens business models that fight climate risks and grow community strength. In-person events happen in Kenya, with links to experts worldwide.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Africa faces big climate threats but also leads in new ideas. Entrepreneurs work on solar power, better farming, waste recycling, and more. Yet scaling these ideas is hard due to limited resources.
The Green RISE Africa Fellowship fills this need. It pairs leadership training with hands-on business help. Participants learn to handle tough problems, work with partners, and design systems that protect the planet and include everyone. The network built here leads to teamwork and deals that last after the program ends.
What You’ll Gain
Fellows get a full package at no cost. Key benefits include a six-month leadership course. You join Acumen’s global alumni group, The Foundry, with over 2,000 members.
Training covers adaptive leadership, storytelling, and ways to build inclusive businesses. Expect virtual classes, in-person trips, mentorship, and group work. After the program, stay in a climate community for more support. Some fellows even find funding to expand later.
Program Structure
The setup fits busy schedules, with about 10 hours a month. It starts with a three-day online welcome. Then a two-day virtual workshop follows.
Two five-day in-person trips build skills. Monthly group meetings and labs add practice. Self-study tasks and personal coaching help apply lessons right away to your work.
Eligibility Criteria
This fits leaders who run or start green businesses. Your work must create fair job chances and fight climate change plus poverty. Show strong leadership and a clear plan for change.
You need to live in East or West African countries listed for each track. Check the applicant toolkit for full details.
Application Process and Timeline
Start by reading the Applicant Toolkit. Online forms open May 11, 2026. If picked, join a Selection Conference on June 4-6, 2026.
The fellowship begins in July 2026. Visit the West Africa page or East Africa page for more and to apply. Ready to build Africa’s green future? Take the step now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Green RISE Africa Fellowship?
It is a six-month hybrid program for entrepreneurs in East and West Africa who build green businesses to fight climate change and poverty. It mixes online learning with in-person events to grow leadership and business skills.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Leaders from specific East or West African countries who run or start green businesses that create fair jobs and tackle climate change and poverty. Check the applicant toolkit for full details.
When do applications open and when does the program start?
Applications open on May 11, 2026, with a Selection Conference on June 4-6, 2026. The program begins in July 2026.
What benefits do fellows receive?
Fellows get free leadership training, mentorship, in-person trips, access to a global alumni network, and ongoing support in a climate community. Some even find funding later.
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