At the forefront of Africa’s transformation lies the potential of women entrepreneurs. The Africa Innovation Fellowship (AIF) 2024 is designed to empower African women innovators who are passionate about driving change through ground-breaking ideas in Science, Technology, Engineering, Manufacturing, or Mining (STEM). If you are a woman meeting a crucial development need in your country and ready to transform your vision into a thriving business with global impact, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Since its inception in 2019, the Africa Innovation Fellowship, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering, has been fostering the growth of women-led STEM innovations across sub-Saharan Africa. AIF 2024 offers an eight-month immersive leadership and business development program for early-stage engineering innovators, helping them scale their ideas into sustainable, impactful businesses. Several alumni have gone on to achieve success in initiatives like the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, furthering their ventures on a global stage.
Program Overview
The Africa Innovation Fellowship kicks off in November 2024 with a series of virtual masterclasses that cover critical areas such as idea and business incubation, leadership development, funding strategies, and pitch preparation. The program culminates in July 2025 and includes:
- An intensive, fully funded, in-person entrepreneurship bootcamp.
- Expert engineering consultations and venture clinics.
- Comprehensive mentorship and financial coaching to transform innovative concepts into market-ready businesses.
What You Will Gain:
- Mentorship: Access to a network of experienced mentors and industry professionals who will guide you throughout your entrepreneurial journey.
- Workshops and Training: Hands-on workshops covering key aspects of business development such as market entry, product strategy, external challenges, and business models.
- Co-working Space: Enjoy access to a well-equipped workspace with essential resources to grow your startup.
- Networking Opportunities: Build connections with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and collaborators.
- Pitch Opportunities: Present your startup to potential investors and partners, preparing you for future funding opportunities.
- Global Exposure: Showcase your innovation to a broader audience, gaining international visibility and recognition.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Africa Innovation Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Innovative STEM-Based Business Idea: Applicants must have a registered, early-stage engineering innovation or startup based in sub-Saharan Africa that addresses a social or environmental need.
- Sub-Saharan African Citizen: Individual applicants must be citizens of a country in sub-Saharan Africa. If applying as a team, the lead applicant must meet this criterion.
- Early Commercialization: The innovation must be in the early stages of commercialization with demonstrated potential for impact.
- Commitment to Entrepreneurship: Applicants should be highly committed to building a sustainable business and be available for the eight-month program from November 2024 to July 2025.
- Travel Readiness: Applicants must possess a valid passport and be available to travel between February 2025 and May 2025 for program-related events.
- STEM Passion and Knowledge: A demonstrated passion and in-depth understanding of your chosen STEM field is essential.
- Active Participation: Applicants must be willing to fully engage in the program and actively participate in all scheduled activities.
- Female Innovators Only: This fellowship is exclusively for women over the age of 18. There is no upper age limit.
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: 23rd October 2024 (11:59 PM SAST)
- Interviews: 30th October – 12th November 2024
- Program Start: 29th November 2024
- Program Support Duration: 29th November 2024 – July 2025
Countries Eligible for the Fellowship: Sub-Saharan African countries eligible for this program include: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Eswatini, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Please note: Djibouti is not considered part of sub-Saharan Africa for the purposes of this Fellowship.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you have a passion for entrepreneurship and are eager to make a meaningful impact, apply for the Africa Innovation Fellowship by 23rd October 2024. This program could be the catalyst for turning your innovative idea into a transformative enterprise that not only grows your business but also contributes to the development of the African continent.
For more information or inquiries, please email aif@womeng.org.
This reworked version emphasizes the Fellowship’s mission of empowering African female innovators, adding more context about the importance of the program and highlighting the comprehensive support provided to participants. It also gives greater focus on the transformative impact these women can have on their countries and the continent as a whole.
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