The Green RISE West Africa Fellowship is a leadership development program designed to empower entrepreneurs building sustainable, climate-focused enterprises across West Africa. Delivered by Acumen in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the Fellowship supports individuals committed to addressing poverty through inclusive economic opportunities and environmentally responsible innovation. The program is open to entrepreneurs operating in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. Applications for the 2026 cohort close on May 11, offering a unique opportunity for changemakers to strengthen both their leadership capacity and enterprise impact. Program Overview Acumen’s model combines investment with leadership development, ensuring entrepreneurs are equipped to drive long-term, systemic change. The Green RISE Fellowship emphasizes both technical business skills and the deeper principles of moral leadership required to reimagine and rebuild inclusive economies. Through the program, Fellows gain: Practical tools to refine and scale business models Leadership training grounded in ethics and values Access to a strong peer network and mentorship Strategies to expand inclusive green job opportunities Support to grow climate-aligned enterprises This holistic approach ensures that participants are prepared to build resilient businesses that address both environmental challenges and economic inequality. Transformative Leadership Experience The Fellowship offers a comprehensive learning journey that integrates personal growth with enterprise development. Participants strengthen their ability to: Lead diverse teams with empathy and clarity Navigate complex stakeholder relationships Communicate vision and inspire collective action Build scalable solutions that deliver social and environmental impact A strong emphasis is placed on moral leadership, enabling Fellows to balance competing priorities and make decisions that align with long-term impact goals. By the end of the program, participants are equipped to lead organizations that contribute meaningfully to climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods. Community and Lifelong Support Graduates of the Fellowship join the Foundry, Acumen’s global network of over 2,000 social entrepreneurs and leaders. This community provides ongoing support, collaboration opportunities, and access to resources that enable continued growth and innovation. Fellows benefit from: Ongoing learning and leadership development Peer-to-peer collaboration and mentorship Access to funding and growth opportunities Participation in a climate-focused Community of Practice This network reinforces the importance of collective action in solving complex global challenges. Ideal Fellow Profile The Green RISE West Africa Fellowship seeks entrepreneurs who are driven by purpose and committed to creating inclusive, sustainable impact. Ideal candidates: Aspire to scale their leadership and enterprise impact Believe in dignity as a foundation for addressing poverty Build businesses that create opportunities for rural women and youth Demonstrate urgency in addressing climate and economic challenges Value collaboration and community-driven solutions These individuals are not only business leaders but also system changers working to redefine economic participation in their regions. Curriculum and Learning Approach The Fellowship curriculum is designed to cultivate “moral imagination,” enabling leaders to create lasting transformation. Learning is interactive, reflective, and grounded in real-world African contexts. Core curriculum areas include: Polarity Management: Navigating opposing perspectives in climate and business decisions Adaptive Leadership: Managing uncertainty and stakeholder complexity Storytelling: Communicating compelling narratives to mobilize support Inclusive Impact Strategies: Expanding dignified green job creation Good Society Readings: Exploring themes of justice, leadership, and inclusion Participants engage in hands-on learning experiences that combine theory with practical application, ensuring immediate relevance to their enterprises. Program Structure The Fellowship runs over six months in a hybrid format, allowing participants to remain active in their professional roles. Fellows are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per month. Key components include: Virtual orientation and workshops Two in-person immersive experiences Learning labs and cohort sessions One-on-one coaching and mentorship Self-paced assignments and readings Following graduation, Fellows continue participating in collaborative learning and community engagement, further strengthening their impact. Green RISE Africa Accelerator In addition to the Fellowship, Acumen offers the Green RISE Africa Accelerator, a program designed for early-stage enterprises ready to scale. While the Fellowship focuses on leadership development, the Accelerator emphasizes business growth and job creation. Key features of the Accelerator include: A 10-month hybrid learning program One-on-one business development support Cohort-based learning experiences Access to funding for impact-driven projects Eligible enterprises typically meet criteria such as minimum revenue thresholds, audited financials, and significant workforce engagement within their value chains. Impact and Success Stories The Green RISE Fellowship is part of a broader ecosystem that has impacted millions of lives across more than 70 countries. Fellows are driving innovation across sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, and community development. Notable outcomes include: Expansion of clean energy access in underserved regions Creation of sustainable livelihoods for rural communities Strengthening of climate-resilient value chains Increased global recognition for African-led solutions These success stories highlight the transformative potential of combining leadership development with community support and practical tools. Application Process The Fellowship application process is structured to identify high-potential, mission-driven leaders: Review the Applicant Toolkit Submit an online application by May 11, 2026 Participate in the Selection Conference (June 4–6, 2026) Begin the Fellowship journey in July 2026 Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend information sessions to gain deeper insight into the program and its expectations. Conclusion The Green RISE West Africa Fellowship provides a powerful platform for entrepreneurs to grow as leaders while scaling solutions that address climate change and economic inequality. By combining practical training, moral leadership development, and a strong global network, the program equips participants to build enterprises that create lasting impact across West Africa. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPY 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.