Jasiri Talent Investor is a 13-month entrepreneurship programme that supports experienced African talent before they have an established venture. The programme provides founder-friendly capital, infrastructure, expert guidance and practical support to help participants move from pre-idea and pre-team stages to venture creation and market validation.
For Cohort 9, Jasiri is focusing specifically on Food Systems, supporting ambitious entrepreneurs who want to build ventures that address challenges and opportunities across Africa's food systems.
At a Glance
Programme: Jasiri Talent Investor Cohort 9
Focus: Food Systems
Duration: 13 months
Jasiri Jumpstart: From 18 January 2027, online for 1 month
Residential Intensive: 17 February – 23 May 2027, Kigali, Rwanda
Venture Creation: Up to 9 months
Eligible Applicants: Citizens of Kenya, Rwanda or Ethiopia, including those in the diaspora
Funding: Up to USD 28,000 venture creation grant
Application: Rolling basis
What Makes Jasiri Special?
Jasiri supports entrepreneurs before a traditional venture exists. Applicants can join at the pre-idea, pre-team or pre-venture stage and develop their venture through a structured process.
Cohort 9 has a specific focus on Food Systems. You do not need to have a background in agriculture or food systems. Jasiri is looking for people with strong skills and experience who are ready to apply their expertise to important problems within the food system.
Engineers, scientists, software developers, financiers, operators, marketers and other professionals can all contribute to building food systems ventures.
Financial Benefits
Selected participants can receive:
- USD 30 communication support during the online Jasiri Jumpstart.
- USD 250 per month living support during the three-month Residential Intensive.
- Fully covered accommodation and residence in Kigali.
- Covered travel to and from Rwanda.
- Covered meals and transportation during the Residential Intensive.
- Health insurance during the Residential Intensive.
- Up to USD 3,000 per team for prototyping and market testing during the validation stage.
- Up to USD 28,000 venture creation grant per venture, provided through three milestone-based tranches.
- Access to venture builders, coaches and experienced experts.
- Partner benefits and credits from organisations including AWS, Notion, Perplexity and HubSpot.
- Access to shared workspaces in Kigali, Nairobi and Addis Ababa.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Jasiri Talent Investor Cohort 9, you should:
- Be a Kenyan, Rwandan or Ethiopian citizen, whether living in the country or in the diaspora.
- Be ready to pursue entrepreneurship as a full-time career.
- Be able to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda for the three-month Residential Intensive.
- Be committed to building a new venture in Food Systems.
- Be willing to co-found a venture from scratch with other ambitious participants.
- Be open to testing, validating and changing your idea based on evidence.
Jasiri is looking for applicants with demonstrated ability and experience, rather than qualifications alone.
Applicants should ideally have:
- Strong depth and hands-on experience in their field.
- Evidence of having built something before, such as a business, side venture or other initiative.
- A track record of achievement and problem-solving.
- A clear personal strength, whether technical, commercial or operational.
- The motivation and ability to build a new venture.
Do I Need a Food Systems Background?
No.
Jasiri states that sector knowledge can be learned. What matters is your ability, experience, entrepreneurial potential and willingness to work on a meaningful problem within food systems.
Your 13-Month Journey
1. Jasiri Jumpstart
From 18 January 2027 | Online | 1 month
Participants explore their entrepreneurial purpose, strengths and the problems they want to solve.
2. Residential Intensive
17 February – 23 May 2027 | Kigali, Rwanda
This three-month intensive period focuses on team formation, identifying problems and opportunities, customer development and product development.
3. Venture Creation
Up to 9 months | Kenya, Rwanda or Ethiopia
Selected teams launch and develop their ventures while receiving funding, expert support and venture-building guidance.
How to Apply
Jasiri's selection process consists of six stages:
Stage 1: Application Form
Submit information about your entrepreneurial experience, technical skills, strengths and track record.
Stage 2: Entrepreneurial Intentions Assessment
Complete an assessment focused on your entrepreneurial intentions and readiness.
Stage 3: Psychometrics and Video
Submit a short video answering "Why Jasiri, and why now?" and complete the psychometric assessment.
Stage 4: Selection Conference
Shortlisted candidates participate in a live assessment involving group challenges and casework.
Stage 5: Interviews
Participate in an open discussion about your experience, achievements and entrepreneurial history.
Stage 6: Offer
Successful applicants receive an offer to join Cohort 9, beginning with Jasiri Jumpstart in January 2027.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Who Should Apply?
Jasiri Talent Investor Cohort 9 is particularly suitable for experienced professionals, entrepreneurs, builders and problem-solvers who want to create a new venture addressing challenges within Africa's food systems.
You can apply even if you do not yet have a final business idea or co-founder.
Important Note
The programme is specifically designed for Kenyan, Rwandan and Ethiopian citizens. Applicants must also be prepared to relocate to Kigali for the three-month Residential Intensive.
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