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Upcoming Fellowship / Training International

LEAP Africa Social Innovators Programme (SIP)

LEAP Africa · Verified watch-list
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About this opportunity

A 9-month fellowship for African social entrepreneurs aged 18–35 with ventures at least 3 years old. Combines virtual training, mentorship, networking with investors and policymakers, and an awards ceremony. You pay a programme fee; there is no grant.

A 9-month fellowship for young African social entrepreneurs. It combines virtual training, 4 months of mentorship, a 5-day in-person workshop and an awards ceremony, with chances to pitch to funders and policymakers. Fellows pay a programme fee, and no grant is advertised.

Who can apply

  • African citizen or permanent resident
  • Aged 18–35
  • Founder or co-founder of a social enterprise that has been operating for at least 3 years
  • Professional proficiency in English
  • Able to commit 12–14 hours per month for 9 months
  • Not a past participant in the Social Innovators Programme

Not eligible

  • Applicants under 18 or over 35
  • Non-African citizens without permanent residency in Africa
  • Founders of ventures with less than 3 years of impact
  • Previous SIP fellows

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Documents you will need

  • Business registration or proof of venture existence
  • Evidence of 3+ years of impact (impact reports, customer data, or beneficiary records)
  • Personal identification
  • Details of co-founder (if applicable)
  • Financial statements or revenue records (typically required for early-stage programmes)

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How to apply, step by step

  1. Go to the LEAP Africa website and click 'Register' on the Social Innovators Programme page
  2. Complete the online application form with details of your venture, impact to date, and your background
  3. Provide proof of your venture's 3+ years of operation and impact
  4. Confirm your availability for 12–14 hours per month and the full 9-month commitment
  5. Submit your application before the closing date (check the LEAP Africa website for rolling or cohort deadlines)
  6. Wait for LEAP Africa to review applications and notify selected fellows
Save and track it and we will email you 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, 24 hours and on the morning of the deadline.

How applications are selected

LEAP Africa assesses applications based on your venture's track record, demonstrated impact, your capacity to engage fully with the programme, and English proficiency. The process is competitive; past cohorts have drawn fellows from across 14 African countries. Selected fellows are notified and must pay the programme fee (in full or in three instalments) to confirm their place. The fellowship then runs for 9 months, ending with the Social Innovators Programme Awards ceremony.

What reviewers look for

  • Document your impact clearly. LEAP looks for ventures with measurable outcomes over 3+ years, not just ideas or pilot projects.
  • Show honest financials. The programme teaches financial management and capital strategy; reviewers will assess your current systems.
  • Be specific about your team and governance. Weakness here will count against you.
  • Demonstrate time availability. The programme requires consistent engagement; commitments to other ventures or jobs that conflict will reduce your chances.
  • If you have a co-founder, agree in advance who will be the primary fellow; only one per venture is accepted.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need funding or revenue to apply?

No minimum revenue or external funding is required. You must have a registered social enterprise operating for at least 3 years with documented impact, but the funding and capital strategy module is designed to help you access money.

What does the ₦375,000 or $250 programme fee cover?

The fee covers 4–6 weeks of intensive virtual training, 4 months of structured mentorship, access to the LEAP Africa learning platform with leadership and social entrepreneurship courses, the 5-day in-person awards ceremony, and pitch opportunities with investors and policymakers.

Can I pay the programme fee in instalments?

Yes. Selected fellows can pay in three instalments: ₦275,000 + ₦50,000 + ₦50,000 (or $150 + $50 + $50). Early bird registration is ₦300,000 or $200 with limited slots.

What if I live outside Africa or am not a citizen?

You must be an African citizen or permanent resident. The fellowship is open across all African countries, not just Nigeria.

How much time does the fellowship take per week?

About 12–14 hours per month. This includes virtual sessions during the first 4–6 weeks and ongoing mentorship, coursework, and reflection over 9 months.

Guide written from the official programme page on 15 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

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