Anzisha Fellowship 2027: Apply for Up to $40,000 in Prizes (Young African Entrepreneurs, 15-22)

Applications for the 2027 Anzisha Fellowship are open to young African entrepreneurs aged 15-22. Learn the benefits, eligibility, deadline (10 Nov 2026) and how to apply.

 /anzisha-fellowship-2027-application

Anzisha Fellowship 2027, Anzisha Prize, fellowship for young African entrepreneurs, Mastercard Foundation, African Leadership Academy, youth entrepreneurship funding, opportunities for Nigerians 2026

Are you a young African founder already running a real business? The 2027 Anzisha Fellowship could be the opportunity that takes it to the next level. Applications officially opened on 29 September 2026, and the application is completely free.

What Is the Anzisha Fellowship?

The Anzisha Fellowship is a multi-year programme for very young African entrepreneurs who are already building and growing real ventures. It is a partnership between the African Leadership Academy and the Mastercard Foundation. It aims to strengthen young founders' businesses, accelerate growth and increase their ability to create jobs.

The movement has supported 300+ fellows across 36 African countries. Together they have created 8,000+ jobs and received over $1.5 million in stipends.

What Do Fellows Get?

Up to $40,000 in prizes. At the end of year two, fellows pitch their ventures and compete for a share of the prize pool. The categories are Job Creation, Revenue Growth, Storytelling and Systems of Delivery.

•Milestone-based cash stipends tied to business progress.

•Finance readiness support to build strong systems and investor-ready materials.

•Personalised coaching and self-paced digital courses with live sessions.

•Experiential learning, including shadowing high-performing entrepreneurs.

•A peer community of nearly 300 young entrepreneurs across Africa for collaboration and cross-border expansion.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)

You qualify if you:

•Are 15 to 22 years old with a valid national ID or passport.

•Are a citizen of an African country. Nigerians are eligible.

•Have already started a business, invention or social project that operates in Africa and serves African customers or beneficiaries.

•Are a founding member leading the venture.

•Spend 20+ hours per week working on it.

Important: This is not for ideas or business plans. You must show real activity, such as customers, sales or beneficiaries. Your business does not need to be formally registered, and any industry is welcome.

Key Dates for the 2027 Cycle

Stage

Date

Applications open

29 September 2026

Application deadline

10 November 2026

Evaluation of applications

November 2026 to March 2027

Announcement of fellows

May 2027

How to Apply

•Read the official Application Guide, which lists the documents and images you'll need.

•Gather proof of your business activity, such as sales records, customer numbers or photos.

•Submit your application on the official portal before the deadline.

👉 Apply here: Start your Anzisha Fellowship application using the link below 👇🏼 https://join.anzisha.org/apply

📄 Official details and Application Guide: anzisha.org/apply

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

•Lead with numbers: customers served, revenue, jobs created.

•Show traction, not just passion.

•Explain clearly how Anzisha's support would help you grow or create more jobs.

•Don't wait until the last week. Start gathering your documents now.

Don't Miss Out!

Opportunities like this move fast, and many are missed simply because people find out too late. Bookmark Ganarious Blog (ganarious.blogspot.com) and check back weekly for the latest grants, fellowships and business opportunities for Nigerian and African entrepreneurs. Share this post with a young founder who needs to see it, and subscribe so the next opportunity lands straight in your inbox.