The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2027 is now accepting applications from African students and recent graduates who want to transform innovative ideas into impactful startups. Delivered by the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University, the fellowship provides world-class entrepreneurship training, mentorship, coaching, networking opportunities, and financial support at no cost to participants.
Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa, the fully online programme equips fellows with the practical skills and confidence needed to identify societal challenges, develop sustainable business solutions, and launch ventures capable of creating meaningful impact within their communities.
About the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship
The fellowship is a fully virtual entrepreneurship programme created specifically for African students and recent graduates with innovative ideas and a passion for solving pressing social and economic challenges.
Participants progress through three structured learning phases, where they receive entrepreneurial education, virtual coaching, business development guidance, and access to a growing network of mentors and fellow innovators. Advancement to each subsequent phase is based on successful completion of the previous course and demonstrated commitment throughout the programme.
The programme is delivered by the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University in collaboration with partner organisations across Africa.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows receive comprehensive support throughout the programme, including:
Fully funded participation at no cost
Entrepreneurship training through three online courses
One-on-one virtual coaching and mentorship
Business idea development support
Access to an international entrepreneurial network
Financial and innovation support designed to help launch impactful startups
Flexible online learning accessible across Africa
Because the programme is delivered virtually, participants can complete the fellowship from their home country while engaging with mentors and innovators from across the continent.
Programme Timeline
The fellowship runs from January to August 2027 and is divided into three progressive phases.
PhaseDatesExplore EntrepreneurshipJanuary – February 2027Ignite EntrepreneurshipMarch – April 2027Launch EntrepreneurshipMay – August 2027
Each phase builds upon the previous one, allowing participants to strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset, validate business ideas, and prepare for venture creation.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements before submitting an application:
Be a citizen of an African country.
Be currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution or have graduated within the past five years.
Demonstrate a genuine interest in solving pressing challenges through entrepreneurship.
Be able to commit to completing all three phases of the online programme.
Have reliable internet access and a suitable device for participating in virtual sessions and completing online assignments.
The fellowship welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, provided they demonstrate strong entrepreneurial potential and a commitment to creating positive social impact.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship online application portal.
Applicants should prepare to provide their educational background, entrepreneurial interests, and information about the problem they hope to solve through an innovative business idea. Since the programme is highly competitive, candidates are encouraged to present a clear vision for the impact they hope to create.
There is no application fee, and participation in the fellowship is completely free for selected candidates.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit applications is 1 December 2026 at 12:59 PM Eastern Time (ET).
Successful applicants will be notified of the selection results by the end of December 2026, with the programme commencing in January 2027.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship goes beyond entrepreneurship education by helping young African innovators develop practical solutions to real-world challenges. Through structured learning, coaching, mentorship, and access to an international innovation ecosystem, participants gain the tools needed to transform promising ideas into sustainable, impact-driven enterprises.
For students and recent graduates seeking to become founders, social entrepreneurs, or innovation leaders, this fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to build entrepreneurial capacity while connecting with a continent-wide community of changemakers.
How to Strengthen Your Application
A strong application should clearly demonstrate both entrepreneurial motivation and a commitment to solving community challenges. Applicants should:
Identify a meaningful problem they are passionate about addressing.
Explain how their idea could create sustainable social or economic impact.
Highlight leadership, volunteer, academic, or entrepreneurial experiences.
Demonstrate their commitment to completing all three programme phases.
Submit the application well before the closing deadline.
Eligible African students and recent graduates should complete the official online application before 1 December 2026 at 12:59 PM ET. All official programme communications will be sent through the fellowship’s official Queen’s University email address.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.
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