Pan-African youth entrepreneurship initiative Anzisha has opened applications for its 2026 Fellowship, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing Africa’s youngest business leaders and job creators.
The fellowship offers early-stage founders aged 15 to 22 access to venture-building support, leadership coaching, and peer learning opportunities helping them scale their enterprises and strengthen Africa’s growing MSME ecosystem.
According to Anzisha, the programme has already supported nearly 300 young entrepreneurs across the continent, providing funding, mentorship, and visibility for their ventures. The initiative also challenges policymakers, investors, and educators to create environments where youth-led businesses can thrive.
The announcement follows the recently concluded Entrepreneurship Education in Africa Summit at the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, where stakeholders discussed ways to bridge the gap between education, innovation, and job creation.
Four young entrepreneurs under 25 were honoured at the summit for their outstanding achievements, each receiving $10,000. Among them were Nigeria’s Bunmi Esther Olalude and Christianah Madu, recognised for empowering women and raising visibility for youth-led enterprises.
Speaking after the event, Anzisha Managing Editor, Didi Onwu, emphasised that youth entrepreneurship is central to Africa’s development agenda.
“Youth entrepreneurship isn’t the backup plan; it’s the blueprint,” she said. “Young people across Africa are redefining what innovation and impact look like, and they deserve the right support to build sustainable futures.”
Applications for the 2026 Fellowship are now open, with selected fellows sharing a $50,000 prize pool and gaining access to intensive mentorship and growth resources.
Through initiatives like the Anzisha Fellowship, Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs is being empowered not only to start businesses but to create jobs, drive innovation, and shape a resilient MSME future for the continent.
