Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded for Climate Entrepreneurs
Are you an entrepreneur in Africa tackling climate change and poverty? The Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded chance to grow your business and leadership skills. This program from Acumen Academy targets leaders in East and West Africa who build green solutions. Applications open on May 11, 2026, and the fellowship starts in July 2026.
About the Green RISE Africa Fellowship
The Green RISE Africa Fellowship stands for Resilient Impact through Sustainable Entrepreneurship. It is a six-month hybrid program that mixes online learning with in-person events. Entrepreneurs stay in their jobs while gaining tools to scale climate-friendly businesses.
This fellowship stresses moral leadership. Participants learn values, mindsets, and skills for decisions that create lasting change. It supports businesses that offer dignified jobs, especially to women and youth in poor areas.
East Africa vs. West Africa Tracks
The program runs in two tracks to fit local needs.
West Africa Fellowship
This track helps entrepreneurs create green jobs for young rural women and youth. It includes in-person sessions in Nigeria. Fellows connect with peers facing the same issues.
East Africa Fellowship
Open to people in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, and Somalia. It builds strong business models for climate action and community resilience. In-person events happen in Kenya, with links to experts.
Both tracks share goals of green growth and inclusion.
Why the Fellowship Matters
Africa faces big climate risks but also leads in green ideas like renewable energy, farming, and waste solutions. Many entrepreneurs struggle to grow. The Green RISE Africa Fellowship fills this gap with leadership training and business help.
It teaches how to handle tough problems, work with others, and build systems for the environment and people. The community lasts after the program, sparking teamwork and partnerships.
Benefits for Participants
Fellows get a full package at no cost:
- Six months of leadership training.
- Entry to Acumen’s global network, including The Foundry with over 2,000 members.
- Skills in adaptive leadership, storytelling, and inclusive strategies.
- Virtual sessions, in-person immersives, mentorship, and peer groups.
- Ongoing climate community access.
- Possible future funding to expand businesses.
Program Structure
The setup fits busy schedules, with about 10 hours per month. Key parts include:
- A 3-day virtual start.
- A 2-day virtual workshop.
- Two 5-day in-person immersives.
- Monthly group sessions and labs.
- Self-study tasks and personal coaching.
Fellows apply lessons right away to their work.
Who Can Apply
You qualify if you:
- Lead or build a green business.
- Create jobs with inclusion.
- Fight climate change and poverty.
- Show strong leadership and clear goals.
- Live in eligible East or West African countries.
How to Apply
Follow these steps:
- Check the Applicant Toolkit.
- Submit online when applications open on May 11, 2026.
- Join a Selection Conference on June 4-6, 2026, if chosen.
- Start in July 2026.
Visit the official sites for details: West Africa at https://fellowship.acumenacademy.org/green-rise-west-africa-fellowship-2026 and East Africa at https://fellowship.acumenacademy.org/green-rise-east-africa-fellowship-2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Green RISE Africa Fellowship?
It is a six-month hybrid program for entrepreneurs in East and West Africa who build green solutions to fight climate change and poverty. The fellowship offers leadership training, business tools, and access to a global network at no cost.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
You qualify if you lead a green business that creates inclusive jobs, tackles climate change and poverty, and you live in eligible countries in East or West Africa. Strong leadership and clear goals are key.
When do applications open and when does the program start?
Applications open on May 11, 2026, with a Selection Conference on June 4-6, 2026, if selected. The fellowship starts in July 2026.
What benefits do fellows receive?
Fellows get six months of training, in-person events, mentorship, peer groups, and access to Acumen’s global network. They also gain skills in leadership, storytelling, and possible future funding.