The Green RISE East Africa Fellowship is a transformative leadership program designed to support entrepreneurs who are building inclusive, climate-focused businesses across East Africa. Delivered by Acumen in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the Fellowship focuses on equipping women and youth with the tools, networks, and leadership capacity needed to drive a sustainable green economy. Participants are drawn from countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, and Somalia. These entrepreneurs are united by a shared mission: addressing poverty through dignified work and environmentally responsible innovation. Applications for the 2026 cohort close on May 11. Program Overview Acumen’s approach combines capital investment with leadership development, ensuring entrepreneurs are not only financially supported but also equipped with the mindset and skills needed for long-term impact. The Fellowship emphasizes both technical expertise and moral leadership—encouraging participants to rethink systems and create lasting change. Through the Green RISE Fellowship, participants gain: Practical tools and frameworks to refine business models Leadership training focused on values, ethics, and decision-making Access to a supportive cohort of like-minded entrepreneurs Opportunities to scale climate-aligned solutions Strategies to expand inclusive green job creation The program ultimately prepares entrepreneurs to grow resilient enterprises that strengthen livelihoods while addressing climate challenges. Leadership Development Experience The Fellowship delivers a comprehensive leadership journey that blends personal growth with enterprise development. Participants enhance their ability to: Lead teams effectively and with empathy Navigate complex stakeholder environments Communicate vision and inspire action Build scalable, impact-driven business models A strong emphasis is placed on moral leadership, helping Fellows develop self-awareness and the ability to manage competing values in challenging environments. By the end of the program, participants are better equipped to lead organizations that prioritize both people and the planet. Community and Lifelong Support Upon completion, Fellows join Acumen’s global community known as the Foundry, which includes over 2,000 social entrepreneurs and leaders worldwide. This network provides ongoing support, collaboration opportunities, and access to resources that help businesses grow and scale sustainably. Fellows benefit from: Continuous learning and mentorship Peer collaboration and knowledge sharing Access to funding opportunities Participation in a climate-focused Community of Practice This lifelong network reinforces the idea that meaningful change is driven collectively rather than individually. Ideal Candidate Profile A Green RISE East Africa Fellow is characterized by ambition, purpose, and a commitment to social impact. Ideal candidates: Aspire to scale both personal leadership and enterprise impact Believe in dignity as the foundation for addressing poverty Build businesses that create jobs for rural women and youth Demonstrate urgency in addressing climate and economic challenges Seek a collaborative community of mission-driven peers These entrepreneurs are not only building businesses but also reshaping systems to be more inclusive and sustainable. Curriculum and Learning Approach The Fellowship curriculum is designed to foster “moral imagination,” enabling leaders to create transformative change. Learning is interactive, reflective, and grounded in real-world challenges faced by African entrepreneurs. Key curriculum components include: Polarity Management: Navigating opposing perspectives in climate and business decisions Adaptive Leadership: Understanding stakeholders and managing uncertainty Storytelling: Communicating impactful narratives to mobilize support and investment Inclusive Impact Strategies: Expanding green job opportunities across value chains Good Society Readings: Exploring themes of justice, leadership, and economic inclusion Participants engage in discussions, case studies, and hands-on exercises that strengthen both strategic thinking and practical execution. Program Structure The Fellowship runs over six months in a hybrid format, allowing participants to remain active in their professional roles. The program requires a commitment of approximately 10 hours per month. Structure highlights include: Virtual orientation and workshops Two in-person immersive experiences in Africa Learning labs and cohort sessions One-on-one coaching and support Self-paced assignments and readings Following graduation, Fellows continue engaging in collaborative learning for an additional six months, further strengthening their impact. Extended Opportunities: Green RISE Accelerator In addition to the Fellowship, Acumen offers the Green RISE Accelerator—a 10-month program tailored for early-stage enterprises ready to scale. While the Fellowship focuses on individual leadership, the Accelerator emphasizes business growth and job creation. Eligible enterprises typically demonstrate: Minimum annual revenue of $50,000 At least one year of audited financials A workforce or value chain involving 100+ individuals Participants may access funding opportunities and targeted business development support to expand their impact. Impact and Success Stories The Fellowship has contributed to a growing network of changemakers whose work spans sectors such as energy, healthcare, agriculture, and education. Collectively, Acumen’s community has impacted millions of lives across more than 70 countries. Fellows have gone on to: Build innovative climate technologies Create sustainable livelihoods in underserved communities Scale enterprises that address systemic inequalities Gain global recognition and funding support These stories highlight the transformative power of combining leadership development with community support. Application Process The application journey is structured to identify committed and high-potential leaders: Review the Applicant Toolkit Submit the online application by May 11, 2026 Participate in the Selection Conference (June 4–6, 2026) Begin the Fellowship in July 2026 Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend information sessions to better understand the program and expectations. Conclusion The Green RISE East Africa Fellowship represents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to deepen their leadership, expand their impact, and contribute to a more inclusive green economy. By combining practical training, moral leadership development, and a strong global network, the program empowers individuals to create lasting social and environmental change. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs 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.