African students and recent graduates can develop their entrepreneurial skills and begin building their own business by using the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship, which provides them with training, resources, financial support, and a network of mentors. The eight-month program equips leaders with the extraordinary entrepreneurial mindset and skill set needed to create both financial and social impact.

The program is open to students and recent graduates from any academic field and any African post-secondary institution. Whether you're already developing a business or aiming to launch a new venture, they are ready to support you. The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation seeks participants dedicated to cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and utilizing available resources to build their own enterprise. Delivered entirely online, the program can be completed at a flexible pace, though highly committed participants are expected to dedicate at least 10 hours per week. To advance through the program’s stages, participants will need to submit assignments online, following specific deadlines.

The program is conducted in English, with mentorship available in both English and French. Assignments and pitches are required to be completed in English. Applicants who are not fluent in English are still encouraged to apply and may team up with someone who can meet the program’s English requirements. Additionally, applicants may collaborate with their local university to develop a plan for accessing resources that will assist them in overcoming language-related challenges.

The Mastercard Foundation established these fellowships with an endowed donation to Queen’s University in honor of Jim Leech, former Chair of the Board of Directors at the Mastercard Foundation and Queen’s University’s Chancellor Emeritus (its 14th Chancellor). In 2014, Mr. Leech was named a Member of the Order of Canada, recognizing his achievements as a pioneer in pension management, his work on retirement funding, and his commitment to community service.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is December 4, 2024.