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The Green RISE West Africa Fellowship is a leadership development program designed for entrepreneurs working at the intersection of climate action, job creation, and inclusive economic growth. It is delivered by Acumen Canada in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. The program focuses on supporting founders who are building enterprises that contribute to a sustainable green economy while expanding dignified employment opportunities for women and youth in rural communities.
Applications for the 2026 cohort close on May 11, 2026, with activities scheduled to begin later in the year.
WhatsApp ChannelWhat is the Green RISE West Africa Fellowship?
The fellowship is part of Acumen’s broader effort to support social entrepreneurs addressing poverty and climate challenges through market-based solutions. It targets West African founders operating in countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.
At its core, the program combines leadership training with practical enterprise support. Fellows are expected to be actively running or leading organizations that already demonstrate traction in delivering climate-aligned solutions and job creation outcomes.
The program is not designed for idea-stage entrepreneurs. It is focused on individuals already building and scaling real ventures in the green economy.
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Key focus areas
The fellowship centers on three interconnected priorities:
1. Climate-aligned enterprise development
Participants refine business models that contribute to environmental sustainability. This includes sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
2. Inclusive job creation
A major requirement is the ability to create dignified work opportunities, especially for young rural women and youth. Enterprises are expected to embed inclusion in both hiring practices and value chains.
3. Leadership and systems thinking
The program emphasizes “moral leadership,” a framework developed by Acumen that focuses on decision-making under complexity, stakeholder engagement, and long-term social impact.
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Program structure and learning format
The fellowship runs for six months and is delivered through a hybrid model that combines virtual learning with in-person sessions.
According to program details, participants can expect:
- A 3-day virtual orientation
- A 2-day virtual workshop
- Two 5-day in-person immersives held in Africa
- Three structured learning labs
- Monthly cohort sessions
- One-on-one mentorship and coaching calls
- Self-paced assignments and readings
Participants remain in their roles while engaging in the program, with a time commitment of roughly 10 hours per month.
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Curriculum themes
The learning experience is designed to build both leadership capacity and business resilience. Core modules include:
- Adaptive leadership: navigating uncertainty and stakeholder complexity
- Polarity management: working with competing priorities in climate and business systems
- Storytelling for impact: communicating enterprise value to partners and investors
- Inclusive impact strategies: expanding green jobs across value chains
- Moral leadership development: reflecting on values, identity, and long-term decision-making
Acumen’s global network informs the curriculum of practitioners and focuses on practical application in African market contexts.
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Eligibility requirements of Green RISE West Africa Fellowship 2026
The fellowship is selective and targets established entrepreneurs. General eligibility criteria include:
- Leadership of a green-focused enterprise addressing poverty and climate challenges
- Creation of employment or income opportunities for youth or women
- Active operations in West Africa
- Demonstrated business traction over the past year
- Minimum professional experience (typically several years in relevant sectors)
- Ability to participate fully in English-language sessions
- Reliable internet access for virtual components
The program is not open to purely academic candidates or individuals without active enterprise involvement.
Outcomes and post-fellowship support
Graduates of the program join The Foundry, a global network of more than 2,000 social entrepreneurs supported by Acumen. This network provides continued access to peer learning, collaboration opportunities, and professional support.
Additional post-program pathways may include:
- Access to funding opportunities for impact projects
- Entry into the Green RISE Accelerator for scaling enterprises
- Continued participation in a climate-focused community of practice
The Accelerator is a separate, more advanced program designed for higher-revenue enterprises with formal financial reporting and larger workforce structures.
Application timeline of Green RISE Africa Fellowship 2026
- Applications close: May 11, 2026
- Selection process: June 2026
- Program start: July 2026
Shortlisted candidates are invited to a selection conference before final admission decisions are made.
Why the program matters for West Africa’s green economy
West Africa is increasingly positioned at the center of climate innovation, particularly in renewable energy, agriculture, and circular economy solutions. Programs like the Green RISE Fellowship aim to strengthen leadership capacity among entrepreneurs already working in these sectors.
Rather than focusing only on funding, the fellowship prioritizes long-term capability building. The goal is to support founders who can design enterprises that are both financially sustainable and socially inclusive, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Conclusion
The Green RISE West Africa Fellowship 2026 is a structured leadership and enterprise development program for experienced founders building climate-focused businesses in West Africa. It combines executive learning, peer collaboration, and long-term ecosystem access through Acumen’s global network.
For entrepreneurs developing scalable green solutions with measurable social impact, the program offers a pathway to strengthen leadership skills and expand enterprise reach in emerging markets.
