Are you an African entrepreneur tackling climate change and poverty? The Acumen Academy Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026 offers a chance to build stronger businesses while creating jobs for women and youth. This six-month program helps leaders grow sustainable companies that make a real difference in underserved communities.
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 businesses focused on climate solutions. Unlike standard training, this program stresses moral leadership. Participants learn values, mindsets, and skills to make decisions that create lasting impact.
Fellows stay in their current jobs. They join virtual classes, in-person events, and group work. The goal is to scale businesses that fight poverty and climate issues. It creates dignified work, especially for young rural women and youth.
Who Can Apply?
This fellowship suits leaders with a clear vision for change. You need to build or lead a green enterprise. Your work should create inclusive jobs and address climate change and poverty. Strong leadership skills are key. You must live in certain East or West African countries.
West Africa Track
The West Africa fellowship is for entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. It supports climate solutions that solve poverty. The focus is on green jobs for young rural women and youth. In-person events happen in Nigeria.
East Africa Track
East Africa covers Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, and Somalia. This track builds climate-smart business models. It boosts resilience and community impact. Fellows attend in-person immersives in Kenya. They gain access to local and global experts.
Program Details and Time Commitment
The hybrid program lasts six months. Fellows commit about 10 hours per month. It mixes online and in-person activities. Here’s the breakdown:
- A 3-day virtual orientation.
- A 2-day virtual workshop.
- Two 5-day in-person immersives in Nigeria and Kenya. Each includes 8 hours of prep work like self-study and group calls.
- Three 4-hour learning labs with assignments.
- Monthly virtual sessions for cohort learning and peer talks. Attendance is required at set times.
- One-on-one calls with program staff.
- Self-paced tasks such as online lessons, readings, and assignments.
This setup lets fellows apply new ideas right away in their businesses.
Application Deadline and How to Join
Applications close on May 11th, 2026. Check the official pages to apply:
Select the track that matches your country. Prepare to show your business impact and leadership. This fellowship equips you with tools and networks to grow your green enterprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Green RISE Africa Fellowship?
The Green RISE Africa Fellowship is a six-month program for African entrepreneurs building green businesses that fight climate change and poverty. It focuses on moral leadership, skills, and scaling companies to create jobs for women and youth.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Entrepreneurs from specific East or West African countries who lead green enterprises addressing climate change and poverty can apply. You need strong leadership and a vision for inclusive jobs.
What is the time commitment for the program?
The hybrid program lasts six months with about 10 hours per month. It includes virtual sessions, workshops, in-person immersives, and self-paced tasks.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on May 11th, 2026. Apply through the official East or West Africa track pages on the Acumen Academy site.