Application Deadline: May 11th, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 Acumen Green RISE Africa Fellowship. The Green RISE Africa Fellowship (Resilient Impact through Sustainable Entrepreneurship) is a six-month hybrid leadership program that equips entrepreneurs with the tools, frameworks, and networks needed to grow sustainable, climate-aligned businesses.
Unlike traditional business programs, this fellowship focuses on moral leadership—helping participants develop the values, mindset, and decision-making skills required to create long-term, inclusive impact. Fellows remain in their current roles while engaging in virtual learning, in-person immersives, and peer collaboration.
The program is designed to support entrepreneurs who are not only building businesses, but also creating dignified work opportunities, particularly for women and youth in underserved communities.
Eligibility
This opportunity is ideal for individuals who:
- Are building or leading a green enterprise
- Focus on creating inclusive economic opportunities
- Are committed to addressing climate change and poverty
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a strong vision for impact
- Are based in eligible East or West African countries
The Green RISE West Africa Fellowship
The Green RISE West Africa Fellowship is open to entrepreneurs working in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia who are driving climate solutions and solving problems of poverty by creating dignified work and green job opportunities for young rural women and youth.
East Africa Fellowship
The East Africa track is open to entrepreneurs in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, and Somalia.
It focuses on strengthening climate-aligned business models, improving resilience, and scaling impact across communities. Fellows participate in in-person immersives in Kenya and benefit from access to regional and global expertise.
Program Structure
Fellows remain in their jobs and participate in a 6-month hybrid program consisting of virtual sessions, in-person immersives, and self-paced learning. Fellows are expected to commit up to 10 hours each month to the Fellowship.
This is a high-level program overview:
- One 3-day virtual Orientation
- One 2-day virtual Workshop
- Two 5-day full-time in-person immersives (8 hours of assignments for each immersive consisting of self-paced learning and group calls). In-person immersives will be held in Nigeria and Kenya.
- Three Learning Labs (4 hours each along with assignments)
- Monthly virtual cohort learning and peer connection sessions requiring attendance at specific dates and times
- One-on-one support calls with the program team throughout the Fellowship
- Self-paced work to be completed by the individual Fellow (including online lessons, assignments, and readings)
Available Opportunities
