The Green RISE East Africa Fellowship 2026 is a transformative opportunity for entrepreneurs and changemakers across East Africa who are working to build a more inclusive and sustainable green economy. This fellowship targets youth and women leaders from countries such as Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and others who are actively addressing climate challenges while creating economic opportunities.
Delivered by Acumen in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, the program is designed to strengthen both business and leadership capacity among social entrepreneurs. It focuses not only on technical skills but also on “moral leadership”, the ability to lead with purpose, empathy, and long-term vision.
What makes this fellowship particularly valuable is its fully funded structure, hybrid learning model, and access to a powerful global network of over 2,000 social innovators. Participants will gain practical tools, mentorship, and community support to scale their climate-focused enterprises and create dignified green jobs.
In this article, you will find complete details including eligibility criteria, program benefits, application steps, and expert tips to help you succeed.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM (OVERVIEW)
- Host Region: East Africa
- Host Institution: Acumen
- Partners: Mastercard Foundation
- Duration: 6 Months (Hybrid)
- Program Type: Fellowship (Leadership & Entrepreneurship)
- Number of Awards: Limited (Highly Competitive)
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 11 May 2026
Short Explanation: This fellowship supports entrepreneurs building climate-focused businesses by providing leadership training, mentorship, and tools to scale impact while creating green jobs in underserved communities.
KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM
- Promote sustainable and inclusive green economic growth
- Support entrepreneurship and leadership development
- Strengthen capacity building in African communities
- Encourage climate innovation and job creation for youth and women
FINANCIAL BENEFITS
Participants will receive:
- Fully funded participation in the fellowship
- Access to leadership and business training
- Mentorship and coaching support
- Participation in in-person and virtual learning sessions
- Access to a global network of social entrepreneurs (Acumen Foundry)
- Opportunities for future funding and accelerator programs
This funding is designed to fully support participants during the program period.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants must:
- Be entrepreneurs based in East Africa (including Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan)
- Be running or leading a business that contributes to the green economy
- Focus on creating jobs for youth and women, especially in rural areas
- Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to social impact
- Be proficient in English
- Be willing to commit time to the 6-month program
This program is competitive, and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- CV / Resume
- Business or enterprise details
- Personal statement or motivation responses
- Supporting documents (if requested)
HOW TO APPLY (STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE)
- Visit the official Acumen website
- Read the Applicant Toolkit carefully
- Prepare all required documents and information
- Submit the online application before the deadline
- If shortlisted, participate in the Selection Conference
- Await final selection and onboarding
Applicants are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
EXPERT INSIGHT
Based on experience with competitive fellowships, many applicants focus too much on their idea and not enough on their impact and leadership journey. Programs like this are not just looking for good businesses, they are looking for purpose-driven leaders.
To improve your chances:
- Clearly explain how your work creates real impact (jobs, environment, community)
- Show measurable results, not just ideas
- Demonstrate leadership growth and self-awareness
- Align your mission with climate and inclusion goals
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Submitting incomplete or rushed applications
- Writing vague or generic answers
- Focusing only on profit instead of impact
- Ignoring program values like inclusion and sustainability
- Missing deadlines
WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY
This opportunity is not only about funding, but also about:
- Strengthening your leadership and business skills
- Gaining international exposure and mentorship
- Joining a powerful network of global changemakers
- Scaling your impact in the green economy
- Creating long-term social and environmental change
FINAL NOTE
This is a highly competitive fellowship with limited spots. Applicants are encouraged to prepare strong, thoughtful applications and ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission.
CALL TO ACTION
Apply early and carefully follow all instructions provided on the official program website.
APPLY NOW
