The Acumen Green RISE West Africa Fellowship 2026 for green entrepreneurs is a fully funded opportunity that aims to equip women and youth living in poverty to build a more inclusive and sustainable green economy, and the application deadline is May 11, 2026. This fellowship is designed to provide practical tools, frameworks, and community to strengthen leadership capacity, refine business models, and grow climate-aligned solutions across the region. By applying for this fellowship, entrepreneurs can gain the skills and knowledge needed to create a positive impact on their communities and contribute to a more sustainable future.
About the Opportunity
The Acumen Green RISE West Africa Fellowship 2026 is delivered by Acumen Canada in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, with the goal of promoting sustainable entrepreneurship and reducing poverty in West Africa. The fellowship is part of a larger effort to support the development of a green economy in the region, which is critical for creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and protecting the environment. By supporting green entrepreneurs, the fellowship aims to address some of the most pressing challenges facing West Africa, including climate change, unemployment, and inequality.
The Acumen Green RISE West Africa Fellowship 2026 is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to gain the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to succeed in the green economy. The fellowship is designed to be highly interactive, with a focus on peer learning, mentorship, and practical application. Through the fellowship, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, share their own experiences and challenges, and develop new skills and strategies for growing their businesses.
The fellowship is also part of a broader effort to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty in West Africa. By supporting green entrepreneurs, the fellowship aims to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include goals related to poverty reduction, climate action, and sustainable economic growth. By applying for this fellowship, entrepreneurs can be part of a larger movement to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible for the Acumen Green RISE West Africa Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:
- Leading an enterprise that provides a green-focused good or service that has demonstrated the capacity to solve problems of poverty and has created work opportunities for young rural women and youth below the age of 35.
- Having demonstrable traction over the last 12-months, with a clear track record of success and impact.
- Having a minimum of 5 years of professional experience and being able to demonstrate commitment to solving issues of poverty.
- Being based and operating in West Africa, including countries such as Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, and The Gambia.
- Being able to provide evidence that leadership supports efforts to make the enterprise more environmentally sustainable and inclusive.
- Having a reliable internet connection and being fully available to participate throughout the entirety of the program.
What You Will Gain
By participating in the Acumen Green RISE West Africa Fellowship 2026, entrepreneurs can gain a wide range of benefits, including:
- Practical tools and frameworks to strengthen leadership capacity and refine business models.
- Access to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and mentors who can provide support and guidance.
- Opportunities to expand inclusive green jobs and grow climate-aligned solutions across the region.
- Increased visibility and recognition for their enterprise, including access to networking events and media opportunities.
- Improved skills and knowledge in areas such as sustainable entrepreneurship, climate change, and social impact.
Application Deadline
Do not miss this opportunity to take your enterprise to the next level and contribute to a more sustainable future for West Africa. The deadline for applications is May 11, 2026. Start your application early to ensure that you have enough time to complete all the required steps and submit a strong application.
How to Apply for The Acumen Green RISE West Africa Fellowship 2026 for green Entrepreneurs (Fully Funded)
To apply for the fellowship, entrepreneurs should start by reviewing the eligibility criteria and ensuring that they meet all the requirements. Next, they should carefully review the application form and instructions, and gather all the necessary documents and information. The application form will require entrepreneurs to provide detailed information about their enterprise, including its mission, goals, and impact, as well as their own background and experience. Entrepreneurs should also be prepared to provide examples of their work and achievements, and to explain how they plan to use the skills and knowledge gained through the fellowship to grow their enterprise and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Apply directly here: Click here to apply
Final Thoughts
The Acumen Green RISE West Africa Fellowship 2026 is a unique opportunity for green entrepreneurs to gain the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to succeed in the green economy and contribute to a more sustainable future for West Africa. By applying for this fellowship, entrepreneurs can take their enterprise to the next level, expand their impact, and join a community of like-minded leaders who are committed to creating a better world. Do not miss this opportunity – apply now and start your journey to a more sustainable and prosperous future.
