Green RISE West Africa Fellowship 2026: Leadership Program for Climate Entrepreneurs

Application Deadline: May 11, 2026

The Acumen Academy, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has opened applications for the Green RISE West Africa Fellowship 2026, a fully funded leadership program supporting entrepreneurs building climate-focused solutions. Designed for innovators tackling poverty through sustainable businesses, the fellowship combines practical training, mentorship, and regional collaboration. With limited cohort spots, the program targets high-impact founders across West Africa.

Quick Facts

About the Opportunity

Across West Africa, a new generation of entrepreneurs is quietly building businesses that tackle both climate challenges and economic inequality. The Green RISE West Africa Fellowship 2026 is designed to strengthen that work, not just by funding ideas, but by shaping the people behind them.

This six-month hybrid program blends virtual learning with in-person immersives, giving participants the tools to refine their business models while developing leadership capacity. The focus goes beyond technical skills. Fellows are trained to navigate real-world complexity, balancing social impact, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.

Participants remain actively involved in their ventures throughout the program, applying insights directly to their work. From storytelling and stakeholder management to inclusive job creation strategies, the fellowship is structured to produce measurable, long-term impact.

This opportunity is officially offered by Acumen Academy, and applicants should apply through the official application portal.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, applicants should meet the following:

• Currently leading or playing a key role in a green or climate-focused enterprise
• Operating within West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, or The Gambia)
• Demonstrate at least 5 years of professional experience
• Show evidence of impact, particularly in creating jobs for youth and women
• Have a minimum of 5 full-time employees within the enterprise
• Demonstrate consistent traction over the past 12 months
• Fluent in English (program language)
• Able to fully commit to all sessions and program activities

Looking for more opportunities? Check these:

• ERIA School of Government Fellowship 2026
• Anne van Biema Fellowship 2026
• MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

Benefits

Participants selected for the Green RISE West Africa Fellowship 2026 will receive:

• Full coverage of program-related costs (training, travel, accommodation, and logistics)
• Access to Acumen’s global alumni network of over 2,000 social entrepreneurs
• Hands-on leadership development tailored to climate-focused enterprises
• Opportunities to connect with investors, partners, and ecosystem leaders
• Continued engagement through the Foundry community after completion
• Potential access to follow-on funding and accelerator programs

Who Should Apply

This fellowship is built for individuals who are already doing the work, not just planning it.

It suits:

• Founders building climate-smart businesses
• Leaders creating jobs in underserved or rural communities
• Entrepreneurs focused on sustainability, clean energy, agriculture, or circular economy
• Professionals ready to scale both their impact and leadership capacity

If your work sits at the intersection of climate action and economic inclusion, this program is designed with you in mind.

Application Process

1. Review the Applicant Toolkit to understand expectations
2. Complete the online application form before the deadline
3. Participate in the virtual Selection Conference if shortlisted
4. Await final selection and onboarding (July 2026 start)

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the official Acumen platform. Take time to present your work clearly, especially your impact and leadership journey.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

For more details, visit Acumen Academy.