Deadline Date: May 11, 2026
The Green RISE West Africa Fellowship is inviting applications to support entrepreneurs building inclusive climate and green economy solutions across West Africa.
The key focus areas of the fellowship include building a more inclusive and sustainable green economy, supporting women and youth living in poverty, strengthening leadership capacity, refining business models, expanding inclusive green jobs, developing climate-aligned solutions, promoting moral leadership, increasing self-awareness, improving team leadership, navigating values in tension, communicating vision effectively, creating long-term social and environmental impact, supporting climate resilience, creating dignified work opportunities for young rural women and youth, accelerating enterprise growth, fostering impact-focused learning, building community support, and providing opportunities for project funding through Angels Green RISE Africa.
The Green RISE Africa Fellowship is delivered by Acumen Canada in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. The program is designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical tools, frameworks, and community support to strengthen their enterprises and leadership capabilities. The fellowship focuses on helping participants contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable green economy while addressing poverty through enterprise development.
The Green RISE West Africa Fellowship is open to entrepreneurs working in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. Applicants are expected to be developing climate solutions that also create dignified work and green job opportunities for young rural women and youth.
Through the fellowship curriculum and a supportive cohort environment, participants develop enterprise-building and leadership skills needed to grow resilient green businesses. Fellows are encouraged to strengthen their self-awareness, improve their ability to lead teams, navigate complex stakeholder relationships, and communicate their vision effectively.
The fellowship also supports entrepreneurs in designing business models that create inclusive green jobs while delivering social and environmental impact over the long term. Participants complete the program with stronger capabilities to grow their enterprises, motivate teams, and build solutions that improve livelihoods and climate resilience.
Selected fellows gain access to impact-focused learning opportunities, a supportive community of peers, and opportunities that help accelerate enterprise growth. Participants may also receive opportunities for project funding support through Angels Green RISE Africa to increase their impact.
The fellowship seeks individuals who are committed to contributing to Africa’s growing green economy and who want to strengthen both their personal leadership and enterprise development. It is intended for entrepreneurs who believe in creating dignity through work, respect, recognition, and inclusive economic participation while building enterprises that place people and the planet at the center of their mission.
For more information, visit Acumen Academy.
