Are you an entrepreneur in Africa tackling climate change and poverty? The Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded chance to build your skills and grow your business. This program from Acumen Academy helps leaders in East and West Africa create sustainable solutions that benefit communities.
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-focused 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 for women and youth in areas with few opportunities.
East Africa vs. West Africa Tracks
The program has two tracks to fit local needs.
West Africa Fellowship
This track targets green jobs for young rural women and youth. Entrepreneurs build businesses based on fairness and steady growth. In-person sessions happen in Nigeria, and fellows connect with others facing the same issues.
East Africa Fellowship
Open to people in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, and Somalia. It helps strengthen business models that fight climate risks and grow impact. In-person events take place in Kenya with links to experts worldwide.
Why the Fellowship Matters
Africa faces big climate risks but also leads in new ideas for energy, farming, and waste. Many entrepreneurs struggle to expand. The Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026 fills this need with leadership training and real business help.
Fellows learn to handle tough problems, work with partners, and build systems for the environment and people. The community lasts after the program, leading to teamwork and new links.
Benefits for Participants
The fellowship covers all costs. Key gains include:
- A full six-month leadership course.
- Entry to Acumen’s global network of over 2,000 members called The Foundry.
- Skills in adaptive leadership, storytelling, and inclusive strategies.
- Virtual classes, in-person trips, mentorship, and group work.
- Ongoing support in a climate group.
Fellows might also find funding later to grow their work.
Program Details
It takes about 10 hours a month, so it fits busy schedules. Parts include:
- A three-day online start.
- A two-day online workshop.
- Two five-day in-person trips.
- Monthly group meetings and labs.
- Self-study tasks and personal coaching.
People apply lessons right away to their own companies.
Who Can Apply
You qualify if you:
- Lead or start a green business.
- Create fair job chances.
- Fight climate change and poverty.
- Show strong leadership and clear goals.
- Live in eligible East or West African countries.
How to Apply
Applications open May 11, 2026. Steps are:
- Check the Applicant Toolkit.
- Fill the online form.
- Join a Selection Conference June 4-6 if picked.
- Start in July 2026.
Visit the sites for West Africa or East Africa tracks to learn more and apply. This is your shot to shape Africa’s green economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Green RISE Africa Fellowship?
It is a six-month hybrid program for entrepreneurs in East and West Africa that builds skills in sustainable business, moral leadership, and climate solutions while keeping participants in their jobs.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
You qualify if you lead or start a green business that fights climate change and poverty, creates fair jobs, shows strong leadership, and live in eligible East or West African countries.
What benefits do participants get?
Fellows receive a full leadership course, access to Acumen’s global network, skills training, in-person events, mentorship, and ongoing support, with all costs covered.
How do I apply for the 2026 fellowship?
Applications open May 11, 2026; check the Applicant Toolkit, fill the online form for your track, and attend a Selection Conference if selected, starting in July.