The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship invites African students and recent graduates with bold, innovative ideas to take their ventures to the next level. This prestigious 8-month virtual program, hosted by Queen’s University’s Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Center (DDQIC), equips participants with the skills, mindset, and resources to drive both social and financial impact.
Whether you already have a startup or simply an idea, this fellowship offers everything you need to transform vision into reality, from mentorship and seed funding to access to a powerful global network. Designed for African students and recent graduates, the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship offers a hands-on learning experience that helps participants build, validate, and launch innovative ventures that tackle real-world challenges.
The fellowship nurtures the entrepreneurial mindset—a combination of resilience, creativity, and leadership that allows participants to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in Africa’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Why Join the Fellowship?
The program offers a structured approach to entrepreneurship—one that blends learning, mentorship, and real-world application. Here’s why it stands out:
1. Access World-Class Training
Participants engage with a curated collection of online entrepreneurship courses based on the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework, guiding them step-by-step from idea validation to launch.
2. Receive Mentorship from Global Experts
Each fellow gets access to experienced coaches, mentors, and industry leaders from around the world. These experts provide personalized guidance to help refine business strategies and accelerate growth.
3. Gain Financial Support
Selected fellows receive a $500 stipend during the incubation phase and can compete for additional seed funding of up to $15,000 through pitch competitions.
4. Expand Your Network
Join a thriving community of African innovators, investors, and business mentors. This fellowship connects you to a lifetime network of changemakers driving progress across the continent.
5. Learn Flexibly
Delivered entirely online, the program allows participants to complete training at their own pace while committing approximately 10 hours per week
Who Can Apply.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be 18–30 years old at the time of application.
- Must be an African national or permanent resident.
- Must demonstrate a strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Must commit to the required hours and deadlines.
Applicants from all backgrounds, including those with limited access to resources or those facing language challenges, are encouraged to apply. Mentorship is available in English and French, and teams can collaborate to meet program requirements.
Program Outcomes and Impact
The fellowship has already transformed hundreds of African entrepreneurs into impactful leaders. Its measurable results speak volumes:
- 84% of participants have hired at least one youth after completing the program.
- 97% found the training “very” or “extremely” helpful for their ventures.
- 100% increase in startups gaining paying customers post-program.
The fellowship supports multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- Goal 1: No Poverty
- Goal 3: Good Health & Wellbeing
- Goal 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
Meet the Fellows Making a Difference
Joan Bayega (Uganda) – Founder, DMB Translation Services
A 2022 fellow from Makerere University, Joan developed assistive technologies for persons with disabilities and won $15,000 in funding plus $10,000 in brand consulting.
Fadzai Muramba (Zimbabwe) – Founder, Strictly Diabetic
Fadzai created an affordable diabetes management platform and community, earning $15,000 in funding and pro bono brand consulting.
Prince Archimedes (Uganda) – Founder, Canva Soap
Prince produces accessible health and hygiene products for underserved communities, winning $5,000 in seed capital.
Reitumetse Kholumo (South Africa) – Founder, Kwela Brews
Reitumetse designed a low-cost brewing machine for traditional African beer makers, securing $10,000 to grow her venture
Applications are now open! Interested candidates can apply directly through: official DDQIC website.
Deadline: December 15, 2025.
