Applications are now open for the Social Innovators Programme (SIP) 2026, a major opportunity for young African founders building impactful solutions within their communities.
The 9-month fellowship programme is designed to support early-stage social entrepreneurs with mentorship, investor access, funding opportunities, and practical business development support needed to scale sustainable ventures across Africa.
For young innovators solving real problems in agriculture, technology, climate action, employment, civic tech, and financial inclusion, this programme could provide the visibility, structure, and network needed to accelerate growth.
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About the Social Innovators Programme (SIP)
The Social Innovators Programme (SIP) is powered by LEAP Africa and focuses on supporting African entrepreneurs addressing systemic and community-level challenges.
Over the past 13 years, the programme has:
- Empowered more than 294 social innovators
- Impacted over 4 million lives
- Reached 14 African countries
- Helped ventures generate over $7.8 million in funding and revenue
The fellowship combines training, mentorship, networking, and investment readiness support to help innovators strengthen their ventures and increase impact.
What Selected Fellows Will Experience
Successful applicants will participate in a structured development programme that includes:
- 4–6 weeks of intensive virtual training
- 4 months of guided mentorship
- Final physical convergence and awards event
- Pitch opportunities before investors, funders, and policymakers
Participants will also gain practical exposure to strategies for scaling social impact ventures sustainably.
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Benefits of the SIP Fellowship
Selected fellows will gain access to:
- Expert mentorship
- Investor and funder connections
- Practical business training
- Growth and scaling support
- Networking opportunities
- Pitch and visibility opportunities
- Community of African innovators
- Long-term venture development support
Core Learning Areas
The programme focuses on high-impact entrepreneurial and leadership areas including:
1. Social innovation and enterprise design
2. Market access and growth strategy
3. Funding and capital strategy
4. Financial management and controls
5. Impact measurement and tracking
6. Governance and team effectiveness
7. Pitch development and stakeholder engagement
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Social Innovators Programme (SIP) 2026, applicants must:
- Be citizens or permanent residents of an African country
- Operate a venture within an African community
- Be founders or co-founders with at least 3 years of impact
- Be between 18 and 35 years old as of April 2026
- Be proficient in English
- Be available from April to October 2026
- Not have participated in SIP previously
- Ensure only one co-founder applies per venture
- Not exceed three absences during the programme
Female founders are strongly encouraged to apply.
Sectors Eligible for the Programme
The programme welcomes founders working in sectors such as:
- Agriculture
- Technology
- Climate Action
- Sustainable Cities
- Clean Energy
- Workforce Development
- Financial Inclusion
- Civic Technology
- Employment Solutions
Application Deadline
12th June 2026
SEE ALSO:
- Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (2.0) Now Reopen
- Federal Government TVET Initiative 2026 Application (Offering Free Skills Training, Monthly Stipends & Business Support for Nigerians)
How to Apply for Social Innovators Programme (SIP) 2026
Interested and qualified applicants should submit their applications through the Social Innovators Programme (SIP) 2026 official programme portal before the stated deadline.
You can also check out more opportunities you are eligible to apply for on the Federal Government Initiative Category, Latest Grant Collection Category, and Job and Career Opportunity Desk.
