Young innovators across Africa now have an opportunity to grow their impact-driven ventures through the 2026 edition of the Social Innovators Fellowship Program (SIPA).
The fellowship is designed for early-stage social entrepreneurs who are building practical solutions to challenges affecting communities across the continent. Applications are currently open and interested candidates have until 12 June 2026 to apply.
What is the LEAP Africa SIPA Fellowship?
The Social Innovators Fellowship Programme is a 9-month initiative focused on supporting young Africans who are using entrepreneurship and innovation to solve social and economic problems.
Participants will receive training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to potential investors and stakeholders. The programme combines virtual learning sessions with mentorship support and concludes with a physical awards and showcase event.
The fellowship supports social enterprises working in sectors such as:
- Agriculture
- Technology
- Climate action
- Workforce development
- Affordable and clean energy
- Sustainable cities and communities
The programme aims to equip fellows with practical business and leadership skills needed to scale sustainable solutions across Africa.
What Fellows Will Learn
Selected fellows will participate in intensive learning sessions covering areas such as:
- Social innovation and enterprise design
- Business growth and market access strategies
- Funding and capital planning
- Financial management
- Governance and team leadership
- Impact measurement
- Stakeholder engagement and pitch development
Participants will also receive mentorship over several months from experienced professionals and industry leaders.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Successful applicants will gain access to:
- Structured entrepreneurial training
- Mentorship from experts
- Networking opportunities with innovators across Africa
- Exposure to investors, funders, and policymakers
- Practical tools for scaling social impact ventures
- A platform to showcase their enterprises
For young founders looking to strengthen both their impact and business sustainability, the fellowship can provide valuable support and visibility.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the programme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Citizenship or Residency
Applicants must either:
- Be citizens of an African country, or
- Be permanent residents of an African country
Age Requirement
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old as of April 2026.
Venture Requirement
Applicants must:
- Be founders or co-founders of a social enterprise
- Have at least one year of measurable impact through their venture
- Operate within an African community
Only one co-founder from a venture can apply, and previous participants of the SIP programme are not eligible.
Language Requirement
Applicants must be professionally proficient in English, as all applications and programme activities will be conducted in English.
Programme Commitment
Applicants must be available to fully participate in the fellowship from April to October 2026. Fellows are expected to maintain active participation throughout the programme.
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship may be suitable for:
- Young African entrepreneurs solving community problems
- Startup founders working on social impact projects
- Innovators in education, agriculture, health, climate, or technology
- Early-stage founders seeking mentorship and growth support
- Social enterprise leaders looking to expand their reach
Candidates with clear impact goals and scalable ideas are likely to benefit the most from the programme.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare details about their social enterprise, impact journey, and long-term goals before starting the application.
Applications must be submitted before the official deadline on 12 June 2026.
For application details and guidelines, CLICK HERE
