The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship is empowering Africa’s next generation of changemakers. With young Africans engaging in entrepreneurship at twice the global average, this fellowship provides a unique opportunity for emerging innovators to gain mentorship, hands-on experience, and access to global networks that help them turn ideas into impactful ventures. This prestigious program equips fellows with the confidence, knowledge, resources, networks, and financial support necessary to build scalable startups that address Africa’s most pressing challenges. About the Fellowship The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is designed for African students and recent graduates who are passionate about solving real-world problems through entrepreneurship. The fellowship provides a structured, step-by-step learning experience delivered through three online courses, offering a comprehensive foundation in entrepreneurial thinking, business development, and impact scaling. Each phase of the fellowship is carefully tailored to provide practical learning, coaching, and validation opportunities, helping participants evolve from idea to launch. Program Highlights Fully Funded Opportunity: The program is offered at no cost to participants. Flexible Online Learning: Accessible to fellows across Africa through virtual courses and coaching sessions. Mentorship and Global Networks: Connect with experienced entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry experts from across the continent and beyond. Hands-on Entrepreneurial Training: Gain practical experience in ideation, business modeling, and venture launch. Financial and Strategic Support: Selected fellows receive seed funding and continued mentorship to scale their ventures. Lifelong Community: Become part of a growing network of changemakers driving social and economic transformation in Africa. Program Structure The fellowship consists of three sequential phases, each focused on a different stage of the entrepreneurial journey. Phase 1: Explore Entrepreneurship Duration: January 2026 – February 2026Participants are introduced to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. This phase focuses on identifying challenges, developing problem-solving skills, and exploring innovative business ideas that align with local and global needs. Phase 2: Ignite Entrepreneurship Duration: March 2026 – April 2026In this stage, fellows refine their ideas into structured business concepts. They receive virtual coaching and mentorship, build business models, and begin validating their ideas through customer discovery and prototyping exercises. Phase 3: Launch Entrepreneurship Duration: May 2026 – August 2026The final phase focuses on execution. Fellows work on developing a minimum viable product (MVP), testing market readiness, and preparing to launch their ventures. Those who successfully complete the program gain eligibility for additional funding opportunities and post-program support. Program Benefits Participants in the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship receive a wide range of benefits designed to help them succeed as entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurship Training: Comprehensive online curriculum covering innovation, market analysis, business modeling, and social impact. One-on-One Coaching: Access to mentors and coaches with expertise in entrepreneurship and business development. Networking Opportunities: Connection with peers, alumni, and global partners within the Mastercard Foundation network. Practical Experience: Develop and test your own business idea throughout the program. Financial Support: Top-performing fellows may receive funding to help launch or scale their startups. Recognition and Exposure: Gain visibility through participation in an internationally recognized fellowship program. Eligibility Criteria To apply, candidates must: Be a citizen of an African country. Be a student or recent graduate (within the last five years) from any discipline. Demonstrate a strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation. Have a desire to create solutions that drive positive social or economic impact. Commit to participating in all phases of the program. No prior business experience is required — just the curiosity, creativity, and determination to make a difference. Key Dates Application Deadline: December 15, 2025, at 12:59 PM ET Notification of Results: By the end of December 2025 Phase 1 (Explore Entrepreneurship): January – February 2026 Phase 2 (Ignite Entrepreneurship): March – April 2026 Phase 3 (Launch Entrepreneurship): May – August 2026 How to Apply Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort. Interested candidates should complete the online application form available through the official fellowship portal. Important: The fellowship program and application process are completely free of charge. All official communications will be sent only from: jimleechfellowship@queensu.ca. Early applications are encouraged to ensure timely review and consideration. Join a Community of Changemakers By becoming a Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellow, participants join a powerful community of innovators, leaders, and problem solvers who are shaping Africa’s future. The fellowship not only builds entrepreneurial capacity but also fosters a lifelong commitment to driving sustainable impact for people and the planet. Apply today and take the first step toward transforming your idea into a venture that changes lives. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.