A new call is out for Africa’s boldest changemakers. Applications are now open for the 2026 Ashoka Venture & Fellowship pathway, offering social entrepreneurs a chance to secure funding, mentorship, and global recognition.
- A new call is out for Africa’s boldest changemakers.
- Applications are now open for the 2026 Ashoka Venture & Fellowship pathway, offering social entrepreneurs a chance to secure funding,...
- Through this pathway, selected entrepreneurs gain access to long-term support that goes beyond funding.
- This combination of financial backing and ecosystem support has helped many Fellows expand their initiatives across regions and influence public...
Keep reading for the full breakdown on Africa — everything you need to know is covered below.
The programme closes on September 1, 2026, and invites founders with system-shifting ideas to step forward and scale their impact.
A Gateway to Global Impact
The Ashoka Venture & Fellowship pathway identifies and supports individuals tackling deep-rooted social challenges. Since its founding in 1980, Ashoka has built a network of over 3,800 Fellows across more than 90 countries, according to data from Ashoka’s official platform.
Through this pathway, selected entrepreneurs gain access to long-term support that goes beyond funding. The model focuses on empowering individuals who are not just solving problems but redefining how entire sectors operate—from education and healthcare to climate action and human rights.
What Selected Fellows Receive
Successful applicants are inducted as Ashoka Fellows and receive a tailored package of support. This includes a needs-based living stipend, typically covering up to three years, allowing founders to dedicate themselves fully to their ventures.
Fellows also join a powerful global network of peers, enabling collaboration, knowledge exchange, and increased visibility. In addition, Ashoka provides access to pro-bono professional services, leadership development resources, and strategic partnerships that help accelerate growth.
This combination of financial backing and ecosystem support has helped many Fellows expand their initiatives across regions and influence public policy and institutional practices.
Who Ashoka Is Looking For
Ashoka seeks entrepreneurs with original ideas that shift how systems work. Applicants must demonstrate strong entrepreneurial drive, ethical leadership, and a clear vision for social impact.
Candidates are expected to be working full-time on their ventures, which should already show early traction or measurable outcomes. While many applicants operate non-profits or hybrid models, the programme remains open to a wide range of organisational structures.
The selection process is rigorous, involving multiple stages such as screening calls, in-depth interviews, and panel reviews. In some cases, due diligence and site visits are conducted before Ashoka’s global board makes a final decision.
Application Timeline and Process
Although applications are accepted year-round, they are reviewed on an annual cycle, with September 1, 2026, set as the current deadline for this intake. Interested candidates can apply through Ashoka’s official website.
As Africa continues to produce a new generation of social innovators, the Ashoka Fellowship offers a rare opportunity to access global support while driving local solutions. For founders ready to scale ideas that reshape systems, this pathway could mark the next phase of their journey.