The Jasiri Talent Investor Programme is inviting applications for Cohort 9, a 13-month entrepreneurship programme designed to support exceptional African talent before a venture exists. The programme provides founder-friendly funding, venture-building support, mentorship, infrastructure and practical guidance from problem identification and team formation through market validation and venture creation. For Cohort 9, Jasiri is focusing specifically on Food Systems, creating an opportunity for ambitious Kenyan, Rwandan and Ethiopian professionals who want to build solutions addressing major challenges across Africa’s food value chains. Applicants do not need to arrive with a fully developed business idea or an existing startup. Jasiri evaluates the individual’s capability, track record and potential to build a meaningful venture. What Is the Jasiri Talent Investor Programme? Jasiri Talent Investor backs high-calibre African talent at the pre-idea, pre-team and pre-venture stage. Rather than requiring applicants to already have a company, the programme brings talented individuals together to identify important problems, form founding teams, test solutions and create new ventures. The programme lasts 13 months and combines online learning, a fully supported residential phase in Rwanda and up to nine months of venture creation. Jasiri reports that its programme has selected hundreds of fellows and supported the creation of new ventures and jobs across East Africa. Cohort 9 Focus: Food Systems Cohort 9 is centred on Food Systems, reflecting Jasiri’s strategic decision to organise cohorts around specific challenge areas. The focus covers opportunities across different parts of the food system, meaning applicants can approach the sector from different professional backgrounds. Engineers, scientists, software developers, data specialists, financiers, marketers, operators and other professionals can all contribute to building food systems ventures. A previous background in agriculture or food systems is not required. Instead, Jasiri is looking for people with strong capabilities, evidence of achievement and a genuine commitment to solving important problems in the sector. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet the core Jasiri eligibility requirements. They should: Be a Kenyan, Rwandan or Ethiopian citizen, including citizens living in the diaspora. Be prepared to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. Be able to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda for the three-month Residential Intensive. Be committed to building a new venture focused on food systems. Be willing to co-found a venture from scratch with other ambitious participants. Be open to testing, validating and changing an idea based on evidence. Applicants should also demonstrate substantial depth in their professional field, whether in software, hardware, science, data, finance, operations, sales or another relevant area. What Jasiri Looks For Jasiri places significant emphasis on evidence of capability rather than credentials alone. Strong candidates are expected to demonstrate that they have built or accomplished something before. This could include establishing a business, developing a side venture, selling to customers, leading significant projects or creating measurable value in a professional setting. Candidates should be problem-solvers with a strong personal advantage, whether that advantage is technical expertise, commercial experience, operational ability or another capability that can contribute to venture building. What the 13-Month Programme Includes The programme begins with Jasiri Jumpstart, an online one-month phase starting January 18, 2027. Participants explore their entrepreneurial motivations, strengths and potential problems worth solving. The programme then moves into a Residential Intensive in Rwanda from February 17 to May 23, 2027. The three-month intensive focuses on team formation, identifying problems and opportunities, customer discovery and product development. Participants subsequently enter Venture Creation, which can last up to nine months. Ventures are launched in Rwanda, Kenya or Ethiopia. What Funding and Support Are Provided? The programme provides substantial financial and non-financial support throughout the journey. During the online Jumpstart phase, participants receive USD 30 in communication support. The three-month Residential Intensive is fully covered, including: Travel to and from Rwanda Accommodation Meals Local transport Health insurance USD 250 per month living support Once teams reach the market-validation stage, they can access up to USD 3,000 per team for prototyping and testing. During Venture Creation, Jasiri provides a venture creation grant of USD 28,200 per venture, according to the current official FAQ, with funding disbursed against milestones. The funding is grant-based rather than an equity investment. Participants also receive support from venture builders, coaches and specialist experts, alongside access to partner benefits and shared workspaces in Kigali, Nairobi and Addis Ababa. Selection Process The Jasiri selection process consists of several stages: Application form – Applicants present their experience, skills and track record. Entrepreneurial Intentions assessment – Candidates demonstrate their readiness and motivation to build. Psychometrics and video – Applicants complete a psychometric assessment and submit a short video explaining why Jasiri and why now. Selection Conference – Shortlisted candidates participate in live group assessments and casework. Interviews – Candidates discuss their entrepreneurial history and evidence of achievement. Offer – Successful applicants receive an offer to join Cohort 9. Jasiri states that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, encouraging candidates to apply early. Application Deadline A current opportunity listing gives October 12, 2026 as the deadline for Cohort 9 applications. However, Jasiri’s official page emphasises rolling review rather than displaying a fixed deadline. Applicants should therefore submit as early as possible and confirm the current deadline on the official application portal before applying. Why Apply to Jasiri Talent Investor? Jasiri is particularly valuable for experienced professionals who have demonstrated their ability to build, solve problems or create value but have not yet established a major venture. Unlike conventional startup accelerators that typically require an existing company, Jasiri starts with the founder. Participants receive an opportunity to discover a problem, find complementary co-founders, validate solutions and build a venture with financial and technical support. The Food Systems focus also provides a clear thematic environment for entrepreneurs seeking to address challenges involving production, processing, distribution, logistics, finance, technology and access across African food systems. How to Strengthen an Application Applicants should focus on demonstrating evidence rather than ambition alone. The strongest applications should clearly explain what the applicant has built, achieved or changed and what specific skills they would bring to a founding team. Candidates should also demonstrate a genuine interest in food systems and explain why they are prepared to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. Since Jasiri evaluates founders rather than simply business ideas, applicants should avoid presenting an overly rigid concept and instead demonstrate curiosity, adaptability and willingness to follow evidence. The short video should provide a convincing explanation of why Jasiri and why now, supported by specific examples from the applicant’s experience. Key Details Programme: Jasiri Talent Investor – Cohort 9Focus: Food SystemsDuration: 13 monthsEligible nationalities: Kenya, Rwanda and EthiopiaDiaspora applicants: EligibleOnline Jumpstart: From January 18, 2027Residential Intensive: February 17 – May 23, 2027Location: Kigali, RwandaVenture Creation: Up to nine monthsMarket Validation: Up to USD 3,000 per teamVenture Creation Grant: USD 28,200 per ventureResidential support: Fully covered, plus USD 250 monthly living supportEquity: No equity taken under the Talent Investor programmeApplication review: RollingReported deadline: October 12, 2026 How to Apply Interested candidates should complete the Jasiri Talent Investor application through the official application portal. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY Applicants should verify all current eligibility requirements, programme dates, funding terms and application information directly with Jasiri before submitting their applications. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel 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.