Applications are now open for the Acumen Academy Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026, a prestigious leadership program designed for African climate entrepreneurs working to build sustainable and impactful solutions across the continent.

The fellowship targets founders and leaders tackling climate challenges while creating jobs and improving livelihoods, particularly for underserved communities.

About the Fellowship

The Green RISE Africa Fellowship is part of Acumen Academy’s mission to develop leaders who are solving problems of poverty and driving sustainable development. The program focuses specifically on the green economy, supporting entrepreneurs working in sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.

Acumen Academy is globally recognized for equipping social entrepreneurs with both technical skills and “moral leadership” needed to build scalable, impact-driven solutions.

The fellowship is delivered through regional cohorts, including East Africa and West Africa, ensuring localized learning and collaboration.

Fellowship Tracks

Applicants can apply to the track that matches their region:

Benefits of the Fellowship

Selected fellows will gain access to:

Fully funded leadership development program
World-class training in social entrepreneurship and climate innovation
Access to a powerful network of African and global changemakers
Mentorship and peer learning opportunities
Tools to scale impact and build sustainable enterprises

The program emphasizes both personal leadership growth and business impact.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants should:

Be social entrepreneurs or leaders addressing climate or sustainability challenges
Have a minimum of 5 years of work experience
Be actively working on solutions that tackle poverty or environmental issues
Demonstrate strong leadership potential and commitment to impact

The fellowship is open to applicants from across Africa, depending on the regional cohort.

Program Structure

The fellowship typically includes:

Immersive seminars and workshops
Leadership and values-based training
Peer-to-peer learning and collaboration
Real-world application of climate and business solutions

Acumen fellowships are cohort-based and designed to build long-term collaboration among participants.

Application Deadline

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as deadlines may vary by region and cohort, and the selection process is highly competitive.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply

Follow these steps to successfully apply:

Step 1: Choose Your Region

Select the fellowship track that matches your location (East or West Africa).

Step 2: Visit the Application Portal

Step 3: Review the Requirements

Carefully read through eligibility criteria and program expectations.

Step 4: Prepare Your Application

Get details about your work, impact, and leadership experience ready.

Step 5: Complete the Application Form

Fill in all required fields accurately.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Review your responses before final submission.

Step 7: Participate in Selection Process

Shortlisted applicants may be invited for further assessment stages such as interviews or selection conferences.

Why You Should Apply

Climate innovation is one of the most critical areas for Africa’s future. The Green RISE Fellowship provides entrepreneurs with the skills, network, and support needed to scale impactful solutions while addressing environmental challenges.

For founders building in climate, agriculture, energy, or sustainability, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to grow both as a leader and as a change-maker.