The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO), in partnership with One Young World, is inviting applications for the Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026. This scholarship is targeted at young entrepreneurs and business leaders who are building scalable solutions to social and environmental challenges and are ready to expand their impact globally.
Successful applicants will participate in the One Young World Summit 2026, scheduled to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, where over 2,000 young leaders from more than 190 countries will convene to exchange ideas, learn from global experts, and collaborate on solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.
Why This Scholarship Matters
Entrepreneurs are key drivers of economic growth and innovation, especially within emerging economies. By creating jobs, introducing new products and services, and strengthening local value chains, they contribute significantly to sustainable development. Despite this, many young entrepreneurs lack access to global networks, mentorship opportunities, and international platforms that can help them scale their businesses.
The Enterprising Futures Scholarship bridges this gap by providing selected entrepreneurs with international exposure, leadership development, and access to a global community of changemakers. Through participation in the One Young World Summit and related programmes, scholars gain the tools, connections, and confidence needed to grow their ventures, attract partnerships, and create long-term impact in their communities.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old by the date of the One Young World Summit in November 2026.
- Candidates should be founders, co-founders, or key leaders within a scalable start-up or small to medium-sized enterprise that demonstrates clear social and/or environmental impact.
- Applicants must be nationals and residents of one of the eligible countries, which include Ethiopia, Jordan, Lebanon, Mozambique, Uganda, Tunisia, Palestine, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, South Africa, Burundi, Iraq (including the Kurdistan region), Sudan, Mali, and Algeria.
- All applicants are required to have a working knowledge of English, as the Summit and all related programmes will be conducted in English.
- Candidates must also be available to participate fully in the programme between 30 October and 7 November 2026, including all pre- and post-programme activities.
Benefits of the Scholarship
- Enterprising Futures Scholars will receive full access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, as well as participation in the Global Leadership Programme and lifetime membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community.
- The scholarship also covers hotel accommodation during the pre-programme and Summit, return economy flights from the scholar’s country of residence, domestic travel to the international airport, visa costs where applicable, meals throughout the programme, and transportation between accommodation and the Summit venue.
- In addition, scholars will take part in a two-day in-person pre-programme organised by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- This pre-programme focuses on leadership development, entrepreneurship skills, peer learning, and a pitching competition designed to help participants refine their ideas and maximise the opportunities available at the Summit.
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