Mastercard Foundation Calls on African Entrepreneurs to Apply for Anzisha Prize Fellowship

The 2021 Anzisha Prize Fellowship Programme for young entrepreneurs between ages 15 and 22 is now open for applications. Successful applications stand a chance of winning a shared prize of $100 000, whilst joining the prestigious Anzisha Prize Fellowship Program. As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts the world, young entrepreneurs are building opportunities for their communities and peers.

“The world of work has drastically changed as we experience a global pandemic. Young entrepreneurs have remained steadfast and have supported their communities through difficulties. We’re thrilled to celebrate the next 20 young business owners who are, no doubt, paramount to job creation on the continent,” said Melissa Mbazo-Ekpenyong, the Deputy Director of the Anzisha Prize.

Also commenting on this year’s Anzisha Prize Fellowship Programme was Daniel Hailu, Mastercard Foundation’s Regioal Head for Eastern and Southern Africa. According to him, the fellowship is committed to identifying and supporting innovative entrepreneurs.

“To drive economic recovery on the continent, we have to tap into every available resource. That includes young entrepreneurs, including young women entrepreneurs. Doing so takes intentionality. The Anzisha Prizes’ commitment to identifying and supporting very young entrepreneurs has only become more important in the wake of the pandemic. And the creativity, agility, and resourcefulness of young people has only become more valuable,” he said.

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The Anzisha Prize is a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and African Leadership Academy. Last year, the Fellowship celebrated 10 years of supporting Africa’s youngest entrepreneurs. To date, the 142 business owners in the program have created more than 2500 jobs. Youth employment continues to be a key challenge in many countries and Africa’s high unemployment rate is one of the leading barriers to growth prosperity on the continent. Young entrepreneurs are an indication that the youth demographic could be the asset needed to transform the continent’s employment climate.

You may apply for the 2021 fellowship by downloading the application guide right here.