Acumen East Africa Fellowship 2025 for Social Entrepreneurs
The Acumen East Africa Fellowship 2025 is a transformative leadership program designed for social entrepreneurs dedicated to addressing poverty in East Africa.
Acumen, through its Academy, invests in these leaders by providing the necessary skills and community support to amplify their impact and drive meaningful change in the region.
Program Structure
This six-month hybrid program allows Fellows to continue their professional engagements while participating in:
- Virtual Orientation: A three-day online session to introduce Fellows to the program’s objectives and methodologies.
- In-Person Immersives: Two intensive five-day sessions focusing on deepening leadership skills and fostering community among Fellows.
- Learning Labs: Three four-hour sessions dedicated to specific skill development and practical application.
Benefits
Upon successful completion, Fellows join the Acumen Foundry, a global network of over 1,600 alumni. Membership offers access to:
Tools and Mentorship: Specialized resources and coaching opportunities from partners like Bain and Company.
Community: Connection with a diverse group of award-winning social entrepreneurs.
Amplification: Exposure to a global audience, including investors and industry leaders.
Early-Stage Funding: Opportunities to pitch for catalytic capital through Acumen Angels.
Eligibility Criteria
Ideal candidates are:
- Social Entrepreneurs: Individuals leading initiatives that provide people living in poverty with choices in jobs, education, products, and services.
- Experienced Professionals: A minimum of five years of work experience, with a demonstrated commitment to addressing poverty.
- Residents of East Africa: Citizens or residents of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, or Somalia.
- Committed Leaders: Those eager to develop as credible and inspiring leaders, with a bold vision for themselves and their work.
Women and individuals who identify as or serve Forcibly Displaced Persons (FDP) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Deadline: February 7, 2025.
- Online Application: Designed to assess your background, work, impact, and readiness for the program. Early submission is encouraged.
- Selection Conference: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a selection conference on April 10th and 11th, 2025.
- Program Commencement: The Fellowship journey begins on May 14th, 2025.
Financial Information
Acumen covers all program-related expenses, including lodging and meals during in-person sessions. Travel reimbursements are available upon request.
About Acumen
Acumen is a global organization dedicated to changing the way the world tackles poverty by investing in sustainable businesses, leaders, and ideas.
Through Acumen Academy, it empowers leaders to create social change via transformative fellowships, online courses, and a global community of impact-driven individuals.
