Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship For African Students 2025

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship empowers African students and recent graduates to turn their innovative ideas into impactful ventures through an 8-month program of training and mentorship. Apply Below: 

When is the Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship For African Students 2025 is December 4, 2024.

Tell Me About The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship:

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship offers African students and recent graduates the chance to develop entrepreneurial ideas that address pressing issues. This 8-month program provides access to training, resources, financial support, and a network of mentors, empowering participants to build entrepreneurial skills and launch their ventures. The fellowship is designed to cultivate leaders with an entrepreneurial mindset to create social and financial impact.

Check: Mawazo Fellowship Program 2025 For African Women PhD Students  

Which Fields are Eligible?

Entrepreneurship 

Type:

Fellowship 

Who can Apply For The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship?

Also, applicants are to meet the following criteria:

• Open to students and recent graduates from any academic discipline and African post-secondary institution.
• Applicants may have an existing business or be interested in starting one.
• Participants should be committed to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and leveraging program resources.
• The program is virtual, with a flexible pace, though a minimum commitment of 10 hours per week is recommended.
• Program content is in English; mentorship may be offered in English and French, but assignments and pitches must be completed in English.
• Non-English speakers are encouraged to apply and form teams with English-proficient peers or work with their university to access language support.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

African countries 

Where will the Award be Taken?

Africa 

How Many Awards?

Not specified

Check: Anzisha Prize Venture Building Fellowship Program 2025 for Innovative Young African Entrepreneurs ($140,000 Prize)

What is the Benefit of the Award?

• Additionally, applicants will benefit the following:
  Participants join a business boot camp led by Queen’s University experts, gaining valuable entrepreneurship training.
• The program provides access to the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework and workshops on pitching, marketing, and recruiting.
• Fellows earn Queen’s University micro-credentials and connect with a global network of mentors and alumni.
• Ongoing feedback and guidance help participants advance through key startup milestones.
• Fellows can compete for a $500 CAD stipend and pitch for prizes up to $15,000 CAD.
• The program is inclusive, with adaptations for participants with limited internet access, language support, and a focus on diversity.
• Selected Fellows may travel to the Queen’s Innovation Centre to expand their ventures and build lasting connections.

How Long Will the Award Last?

8 months 

How to Apply:

To apply for this fellowship program, fill out the application form here.