LEAP Africa has opened applications for the 2026 cohort of its Social Innovators Programme (SIP), a nine-month fellowship designed to strengthen early-stage social enterprises tackling challenges across Africa.

The programme supports young social entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, resources and guidance needed to overcome barriers to growth, address systemic challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

Over the past 13 years, LEAP Africa has supported more than 294 young social innovators through SIP, helping transform the lives of over four million people across 14 African countries. The programme’s participants have generated more than $7.8 million in funding and revenue.

The fellowship is open to Africans aged 18 to 35 who operate social enterprises addressing challenges on the continent. Eligible innovators may work in areas including agriculture, technology, climate action, sustainable cities and communities, affordable and clean energy, and workforce development.

Selected fellows will participate in four to six weeks of intensive virtual learning sessions, followed by four months of mentorship. The programme will conclude with a physical gathering for an awards ceremony.

Participants will also have opportunities to present their social enterprises to potential investors, funders and policymakers, creating avenues to showcase their work and explore opportunities for growth.

The fellowship’s core learning areas include social innovation and enterprise design, market access and growth strategy, funding models and capital strategy, financial management and controls, impact measurement and outcome harvesting, strategy, governance and team effectiveness, as well as pitch development and stakeholder engagement.

Through these learning areas, the programme aims to equip participating entrepreneurs with practical business and leadership capabilities to strengthen their enterprises and advance their social impact.

Interested applicants can register through the 2026 SIP application portal. Further information about the fellowship is available on the LEAP Africa website.

Source: msmeafrica