Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship (Anzisha Prize)

Commonly known as the Anzisha Prize Fellowship, the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship is a transformative opportunity for young African entrepreneurs who are building real businesses and solving real problems in their communities.

Unlike most youth programs that focus on ideas, this fellowship supports founders who have already launched ventures and are actively operating in the market.

It provides a powerful mix of funding, training, mentorship, and visibility to help scale businesses sustainably and create lasting impact.

This program is ideal for committed entrepreneurs aged 15 to 22 who are ready to grow their ventures and amplify their leadership potential.

Anzisha is Africa’s biggest award for her youngest entrepreneurs aged 15–22 years, offering over USD $140,000 annually in business support and prize money to exceptional youth across the continent.

What Is the Anzisha Fellowship?

The Anzisha Fellowship is a multi-year, hands-on venture building program tailored for Africa’s youngest entrepreneurs.

It provides individualized support to help fellows transform their small ventures into structured, high-potential enterprises.

The fellowship doesn't just give a cash prize — it builds capacity. Over a structured timeline, participants receive guidance in:

  • Business systems and automation
  • Growth and scaling strategy
  • Financial readiness and record keeping
  • Branding and communication
  • Leadership and management
  • Market expansion and operations

By the end of the program, fellows are more confident, capable, and ready to lead lasting change.

What Support Do Fellows Receive?

Fellows gain a comprehensive set of tools, resources, and exposure. Here’s what’s included:

  • Stipends: Regular cash support to keep your business moving while you learn and build.
  • Training: Workshops covering finance, customer development, operations, growth hacking, and leadership.
  • Mentorship: Experienced business mentors guide you one-on-one throughout your journey.
  • Business Coaching: Tailored coaching based on your venture’s strengths and weaknesses.
  • Pitch Practice: Fellows learn how to pitch clearly and confidently to partners, funders, and the public.
  • Accountability Check-ins: Structured milestone reviews to ensure real progress and learning.
  • Community Access: A pan-African network of peers, experts, and alumni ready to support and collaborate.
  • Media Coverage: Fellows are spotlighted to increase their visibility and credibility in their industries.
  • Grand Prizes: At the end of the fellowship, top-performing fellows win additional cash awards based on their business performance, growth, and impact.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be between 15 and 22 years old at the time of application
  • Be a citizen of an African country
  • Be a founder, co-founder, or core team member of a business
  • Have a venture that is already operational (actively selling, serving, or producing)
  • Be actively involved in the day-to-day leadership and management of the business
  • Be available and committed to participate in the full duration of the fellowship

The fellowship is looking for youth who are running real businesses — it is not open to business ideas or early-stage concepts without operations.

Application Process (Step by Step)

Here’s how to apply for the Anzisha Fellowship, step by step:

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

  • Valid identification (ID, birth certificate, or passport)
  • High-quality photos of your venture in action
  • Registration documents (if applicable)
  • Venture pitch or summary profile

Step 2: Fill the Online Application Form

  • The form collects your background, business model, customer base, metrics, and motivation for applying.
  • Expect to write clearly about your operations, how your venture is growing, and your plans for the next 2–3 years.

Step 3: Submit Before Deadline

  • Only applications submitted before the official deadline are considered.
  • Applicants should double-check entries, upload clear images, and verify that all required fields are complete.

Step 4: Shortlisting and Review

  • The selection committee reviews all applications.
  • If shortlisted, candidates may be invited for interviews or additional submissions (video pitch, supporting docs, etc.)

Step 5: Onboarding and Start of Fellowship

  • Successful applicants join a new cohort and begin the structured venture-building process.
  • This includes learning sprints, check-ins, and growth-focused training sessions.

Program Duration & Timeline

The Anzisha Fellowship typically runs for two years, with the possibility of extended alumni engagement afterward.

Each cycle follows a schedule like this:

  • Applications Open: Once per year (watch for announcements)
  • Application Deadline: Usually within 1–2 months of the launch
  • Selection Process: Shortlisting, interviews, final selection
  • Fellowship Start: After onboarding and orientation
  • Monthly / Quarterly Reviews: To measure progress and provide coaching
  • Final Pitch Session: Held at the end of the cycle, where fellows present results and compete for grand prizes

The timeline may vary, but most programs run on a clearly communicated calendar.

Tips for a Strong Application

To increase your chances of being selected:

  • Tell a powerful story: Explain how and why you started your business. What problem are you solving?
  • Show evidence: Include photos, sales records, testimonials, or anything that proves your venture is real and active.
  • Quantify your impact: Talk numbers — how many customers, how much revenue, how many jobs created, or products sold.
  • Think long-term: Show that you're not just trying something out — you're building something for the future.
  • Be clear and authentic: Don’t exaggerate or use complicated language. Simple, honest answers are better.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship is unique in Africa for one reason — it believes young people can run successful businesses now, not ten years from now.

Most programs target adults or university graduates. Anzisha targets young people who are already building, already selling, and already making an impact.

That makes it one of the few youth-focused, venture-driven programs on the continent.

Whether you're running a small agribusiness, a digital startup, a creative studio, or a social enterprise — this fellowship gives you the structure and support to turn potential into performance.

If you’re a young entrepreneur in Africa who is serious about your business, the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship could be your next big opportunity.

It’s not about pitching for money and disappearing — it’s about building, learning, growing, and becoming a leader who shapes industries, communities, and the future.

Take your time, prepare a solid application, and don’t miss the deadline. This is more than a fellowship — it’s your stepping stone to greatness.

For accurate and updated information,  check the Anzisha Venture Building Fellowship (Anzisha Prize) – Official Website.

Applications for the 2026 intake close on the 7 November 2025.