Are you a young African entrepreneur building a growing business? The Anzisha Prize Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications! This prestigious two-year venture-building fellowship is designed to support and celebrate Africa’s youngest entrepreneurs who are creating jobs, generating revenue and driving change in their communities.
For over 15 years, Anzisha has championed very young founders, offering coaching, funding, resources and a powerful pan-African network. If you have already started a business or social enterprise and are ready to scale, this opportunity is for you.
About the Fellowship
Over two years, fellows receive intensive business support, mentorship and performance tracking. Outstanding entrepreneurs who show strong growth at the end of the fellowship will compete for major grand prizes valued at USD $40,000, across four categories:
- Job Creation Prize
- Revenue Growth Prize
- Storytelling Prize
- Systems & Processes Prize
Graduates will join the Anzisha Alumni Network — a lifetime community of changemakers and leaders across Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be between 15 and 22 years old (Born between 1 September 2003 and 31 August 2010)
- Hold a valid African ID or passport
- Be a citizen of an African country, with a business operating in Africa
- Already run an existing venture; idea-stage businesses are not accepted
- Be a founding member or co-founder of the business
- Operate in any sector: technology, agriculture, arts, manufacturing, services, social projects, etc.
- Dedicate at least 20 hours per week to the venture
What Fellows Receive
- Bi-annual cash stipends for eligible fellows
- Business education, short courses, and expert consultations
- Internships and professional opportunities
- Coaching on leadership, systems and scaling
- Eligibility for USD $40,000 grand prizes at the end of Year 2
Judging Criteria
Your venture will be evaluated based on:
- Evidence of customers, revenue or beneficiaries
- Founder’s leadership and direct involvement
- Demonstrated impact and potential for scale
- Job creation and capacity to create more
- Commitment to growing the venture full-time
Who Should Apply
This fellowship is ideal for:
- Teenagers and young adults who have already built a small business
- Entrepreneurs providing income for themselves and others
- Youth creating innovative solutions and local impact
🔗 Apply Here: https://anzisha.org/apply/
Applications for the 2026 Cohort are now open
