Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Anzisha Fellowship is a prestigious programme designed for young African entrepreneurs who have already moved beyond the idea stage and are actively running businesses. Unlike many entrepreneurship competitions that accept business plans or concepts, the Anzisha Fellowship specifically targets founders aged 15–22 who can demonstrate real market traction through customers, revenue, or beneficiaries.
The fellowship operates on a multi-year model, providing sustained support rather than a one-off award. This approach recognises that building sustainable businesses requires ongoing mentorship, network access, and structured development over time.
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What the Fellowship Provides
Selected fellows gain access to a comprehensive multi-year programme focused on three core objectives:
- Venture strengthening: Structured support to build robust, scalable business foundations
- Growth acceleration: Resources and connections to expand market reach and operational capacity
- Job creation capacity: Development of skills and systems to employ others and contribute to local economies
The programme emphasises practical business development rather than academic training, making it particularly valuable for young entrepreneurs who need hands-on support to scale existing operations.
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Eligibility Requirements
The Anzisha Fellowship maintains specific criteria to ensure applicants are genuinely positioned to benefit from and contribute to the programme:
- Age: 15–22 years old at time of application
- Citizenship: Citizen of an African country with valid ID or passport
- Role: Must be a founding member of the business being applied with
- Business location: Business must operate in Africa and serve African customers or beneficiaries
- Business stage: Must have already started operations—ideas alone are not accepted
- Evidence of activity: Must demonstrate real business activity through customers, sales, revenue, or beneficiaries
- Registration: Formal business registration is not required
This eligibility framework deliberately includes informal and early-stage ventures, recognising that many young African entrepreneurs operate in regulatory environments where formal registration is challenging or unnecessary for initial growth.
Application Timeline for 2027
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2026-09-29 | Applications open |
| 2026-11-10 | Applications close |
| November 2026 – March 2027 | Evaluation of applications |
| May 2027 | Announcement of fellows |
Applicants should note the relatively short application window—approximately six weeks between opening and closing dates. Early preparation is essential given the documentation requirements.
Application Process
The application process is straightforward and free of charge:
- Download the Application Guide: Available in English, Arabic, French, and Portuguese from mid-2026
- Prepare documentation: Gather required documents, images, and evidence of business activity as specified in the guide
- Submit application: Complete the online application when the portal opens on 29 September 2026
- Await evaluation: Applications are reviewed between November 2026 and March 2027
- Receive notification: Fellows announced in May 2027
No fees are required at any stage of the application process.
Business Types and Sectors
The fellowship accepts applications from any field or industry. Eligible ventures include:
- For-profit businesses
- Social enterprises
- Inventions and technology ventures
- Community development projects with sustainable models
This sector-agnostic approach reflects the programme’s focus on entrepreneurial potential and impact rather than specific industries.
Tips for Zimbabwe and SADC Applicants
Entrepreneurs from Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region should consider the following when applying:
- Documentation: Ensure your national ID or passport is current and accessible for verification
- Evidence preparation: Collect concrete proof of business activity—sales records, customer testimonials, beneficiary counts, or revenue documentation
- Language: The application guide will be available in English, which serves most SADC applicants
- Network leverage: Connect with previous Anzisha fellows from the region where possible to understand selection priorities
- Informal businesses: Do not hesitate to apply if unregistered—many successful fellows operate informally initially
Why This Fellowship Matters
For young entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe and across Africa, the Anzisha Fellowship addresses a critical gap: most funding and support programmes target either students or established business owners. Few programmes specifically serve the 15–22 age group with existing ventures, despite this being a period when targeted intervention can dramatically alter business trajectories.
The multi-year structure also distinguishes this fellowship from competitions that offer single payments or short-term training. Building employable enterprises requires sustained engagement, which the Anzisha model provides.
Official scholarship page: https://anzisha.org/apply/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships