LEAP Africa Social Innovators Programme (SIP) 2026 — Applications Are Now Open!
Are you a young African building a business that solves real problems? This 9-month fellowship could be your biggest breakthrough yet.
What Is the Social Innovators Programme?
The Social Innovators Programme (SIP) is a 9-month fellowship that recognises the transformative potential of social innovation in Africa. It is designed to address systemic challenges and promote sustainable development by providing early-stage social entrepreneurs with the essential skills, resources, knowledge, and support needed to overcome barriers to growth.
For the past 13 years, LEAP Africa, through the SIP, has empowered over 294 young social innovators, transforming the lives of over 4 million people across 14 African countries, with over $7.8 million in funding and revenue generated. (LEAP Africa) That is not a small achievement — that is a track record you want to be part of.
Who Is This For?
This fellowship is built for YOU if you are:
A young African between the ages of 18 and 35, running a social enterprise that addresses challenges within Africa. Fellows are drawn from fields such as Agriculture, Technology, Climate Action, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Affordable and Clean Energy, and Workforce Development.
Applicants working in education, technology, climate action, health, youth empowerment, agriculture, and related sectors are especially encouraged to apply.
⚠️ Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
To be eligible, you must:
-Be a citizen or permanent resident of an African nation
-Be running a social enterprise based in an African community
-Have founded or co-founded a social venture with at least 3 years of impact
-Be between 18–35 years old as at April 2026
-Be proficient in English (spoken and written)
-Be able to commit to fully participating in the entire programme duration from April to October 2026
What Will You Gain?
Selected fellows will participate in 4–6 weeks of intensive virtual training, followed by four months of mentorship from experienced professionals.
This is achieved through a 5-day physical enterprise sustainability workshop, virtual coaching and networking calls, immersive one-on-one mentoring sessions, and monthly virtual webinar sessions and site visits.
Beyond training, fellows gain:
-Access to funding opportunities and investor connections
-The opportunity to pitch their ventures to investors, funders, and policymakers
-Recognised certification that strengthens professional credibility
-A powerful network of African innovators and changemakers
The fellowship ends on a high note — it culminates in the SIP Awards (SIPA), where outstanding participants are recognised. Awards include the Outstanding Fellow Awards for top-performing fellows, the Mr. Seyi Bickersteth Prize for financial accountability and sustainability, and the Mr. Innocent Chukwuma Prize for contributions to gender empowerment and youth development.
What Is the Time Commitment?
In total, participants can expect to dedicate an average of 12–14 hours per month over the course of the fellowship.
All sessions are mandatory, with prior notice required for any exemptions.
Application Deadline
⏰ 12th June 2026 — but do not wait until the last minute.
LEAP Africa strongly advises completing the application early to avoid technical glitches or internet access issues. LEAP Africa cannot be responsible for applications not submitted on time, regardless of the reason.
Apply using the link below 👇🏼
When applying, describe the real problem your initiative solves and the communities you serve. Include numbers, achievements, growth metrics, or success stories where possible. Make your application count.
This opportunity was shared on the Ganarious Blog — your daily source for grants, fellowships, and opportunities for entrepreneurs and young leaders across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. Bookmark this page and check back every day!
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