Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026: Acumen Academy Program for Green Entrepreneurs
Are you an African entrepreneur tackling climate change and poverty through green businesses? The Acumen Academy Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026 offers a chance to build skills and networks for lasting impact. This six-month program helps leaders grow sustainable ventures while creating jobs for women and youth in underserved areas.
What Is the Green RISE Africa Fellowship?
The Green RISE Africa Fellowship stands for Resilient Impact through Sustainable Entrepreneurship. It targets entrepreneurs who run green enterprises focused on climate solutions. Unlike standard business training, this program stresses moral leadership. Participants learn values, mindsets, and decision skills to drive inclusive change.
Fellows stay in their current jobs. They join virtual sessions, in-person events, and group work. The goal is to scale businesses that fight poverty and build resilience. Applications opened recently, with a deadline of May 11, 2026.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Details
This fellowship suits leaders with a clear vision for impact. You must meet these key points:
- Build or lead a green enterprise.
- Create inclusive economic chances, especially dignified work for women and youth.
- Address climate change and poverty.
- Show strong leadership potential.
- Live in eligible East or West African countries.
West Africa covers Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. East Africa includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, and Somalia.
West Africa Track Focus
The Green RISE West Africa Fellowship supports entrepreneurs solving poverty with green jobs. It targets young rural women and youth. In-person immersives happen in Nigeria. Fellows gain tools to strengthen business models and community ties.
East Africa Track Focus
East Africa fellows work on climate-aligned models for better resilience. They join immersives in Kenya and tap into regional experts. The track helps scale impact across communities in places like Kenya and Uganda.
Program Structure and Time Commitment
The hybrid setup fits busy schedules. Fellows commit about 10 hours per month over six months. Here’s the breakdown:
- One 3-day virtual orientation.
- One 2-day virtual workshop.
- Two 5-day in-person immersives in Nigeria and Kenya, plus 8 hours of prep work each.
- Three 4-hour learning labs with assignments.
- Monthly virtual cohort sessions for peer links.
- One-on-one calls with program staff.
- Self-paced tasks like lessons and readings.
This mix builds skills through hands-on practice and connections.
Benefits for Fellows
Participants get frameworks to grow climate businesses. They form networks with peers and experts. The focus on moral leadership helps make tough choices for long-term good. Many past fellows report stronger teams and bigger reach in underserved spots.
How to Apply
Ready to join? Check the official pages:
Submit before May 11, 2026. Review full details on the sites to match your fit. This program could boost your venture’s path to real change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Green RISE Africa Fellowship?
The Green RISE Africa Fellowship is a six-month program by Acumen Academy that helps African entrepreneurs build skills and networks for sustainable green businesses tackling climate change and poverty.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
You can apply if you lead a green enterprise in East or West Africa, create jobs for women and youth, address climate and poverty issues, and show strong leadership potential.
What does the program structure look like?
The hybrid program requires about 10 hours per month over six months, including virtual sessions, in-person immersives in Nigeria and Kenya, learning labs, and peer networking.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Visit the official East or West Africa fellowship pages on Acumen Academy’s site to apply, with the deadline on May 11, 2026.