Are you an African student or recent graduate with an entrepreneurial idea that can make a difference?
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship offers you the chance to transform your ideas into impactful ventures.
Through comprehensive training, financial support, and mentorship from global experts, this eight-month program helps you develop the mindset and skills to drive social and financial change in your community.
💡 About the Fellowship
Hosted by Queen's University's Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre (DDQIC), the Fellowship provides African innovators with access to world-class entrepreneurship training and mentorship. Participants learn to apply the Disciplined
Entrepreneurship framework - a proven methodology developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology - and gain practical tools to build, test, and grow sustainable startups.
"Having gone through the program, I feel highly polished as an entrepreneur and more confident in my skills and ability to build a successful enterprise."
- Joan Bayega, Co-founder, DMB Translation Services (Makerere University, 2022 Fellow)
🎓 What You'll Gain
Fellows receive exceptional value and hands-on experience, including:
- Business bootcamps led by Queen's University faculty and industry leaders.
- Workshops and mentorship on marketing, goal setting, fundraising, and recruitment.
- Pitch coaching to prepare you for investors and real-world competitions.
- Micro-credentials in Entrepreneurship from Queen's University upon completion.
- Access to a global network of coaches, entrepreneurs, and venture capital experts.
- Seed funding opportunities and a $500 stipend during incubation.
"One of the most valuable aspects of the program is the access to experienced coaches and mentors who offer practical, real-world guidance for our ventures."
- Victor Boafo, Founder, EntoFarms (KNUST, 2022 Fellow)
👥 Who Can Apply
Applications are open to students and recent graduates from any discipline at any accredited African post-secondary institution.
You can apply whether you're developing a new idea or already running an early-stage venture.
Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
- A strong entrepreneurial mindset.
- Willingness to learn and take risks.
- Commitment of at least 10 hours per week to complete program milestones.
The program is delivered virtually and entirely in English, though mentorship may be offered in both English and French. Team participation is encouraged, especially if language support is needed.
"The experience was surreal - a journey of grit, guidance, and growth. The mentorship and structure helped me turn ideas into actionable plans."
- Ewaoluwa Olasoji, Founder, Lotanna (Obafemi Awolowo University, 2022 Fellow)
📅 Program Timeline
Phase 1: Explore (January - February)
1,000+ selected candidates begin their entrepreneurial journey with online courses and hands-on exercises focused on identifying real-world problems and understanding customer needs.
Key Milestones:
- Identify your customer and define their problem.
- Conduct interviews and validate assumptions.
- Generate potential solutions and map customer experiences.
Phase 2: Ignite (March - April)
180 participants advance to this phase to refine their business model and pitch.
Key Milestones:
- Develop go-to-market strategies.
- Create prototypes and test solutions.
- Build a sustainable business model.
Phase 3: Launch & Fellowship (May - August)
Up to 60 Fellows enter DDQIC's summer incubation program, receiving mentorship, coaching, and seed funding.
Key Milestones:
- Pilot your solution in real-life scenarios.
- Acquire early users or customers.
- Develop a scaling plan.
At the end of the program, Fellows participate in a pitch competition for additional seed funding and join an active alumni network for ongoing support.
🎯 Program Impact
The Fellowship's results speak for themselves:
- 84% of 2023 participants hired at least one youth after the program.
- 97% of Fellows reported the experience was "very" or "extremely" helpful in growing their ventures.
- 100% increase in participants with paying customers post-program.
The Fellowship contributes directly to global development goals:
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being
- SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
🕒 Application Deadline
Applications for the 2025 Fellowship are currently open.
Interested candidates should apply as soon as possible to secure a spot in this transformative program.
👉 Apply Now: Visit the Official Application Portal
🔔 Important Notice
Please be aware of fraud alerts targeting international students.
Read Queen's University's official advisory before submitting any personal or financial information.
🌱 Final Note
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship is more than a training program - it's a launchpad for the next generation of African changemakers.
If you have a bold idea, the commitment to learn, and the drive to make an impact, this Fellowship could be the start of your entrepreneurial journey.
