Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 for African Founders

Applications are now open for the 2025 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship. This fully-funded programme runs for six months and aims to support young businesses across Commonwealth nations, especially those based in low and middle-income countries.

What to Expect

The fellowship starts in November 2025 with a two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana. One founder from each selected team will attend in person. Co-founders and team members can still take part online, joining expert-led sessions and getting tailored coaching. The goal is simple: give startups the tools and support to grow fast and well.

Alongside the main programme, there’s ongoing virtual support. That includes one-on-one mentorship, workshops with industry leaders, and peer learning from other founders across the Commonwealth.

Financial Support Available

Fellows can apply for grants from a shared £35,000 Fellows Fund. This money isn’t a loan and doesn’t require giving up ownership. It can be used for real business needs like product development, marketing, or team support.

On top of that, selected participants will get a chance to travel to London, UK, for a Capstone event. There, they’ll pitch their work to investors and key players in the business world.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Hold at least a university degree
• Be a citizen or refugee from a qualifying Commonwealth country
• Live full-time in that country
• Speak and write English well
• Not have taken part in a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the last five years
• Be available to join from the programme’s official start date

Your startup must also show:

• A working prototype or service
• At least six months of steady work behind it
• Clear customer interest (like early sales, pre-orders, or signed contracts)
• A fresh idea that solves a real problem

How to Apply

Applications for Cohort Two will close on 30 June 2025 at 4:00 PM (BST).

Submit your application through the official Commonwealth Startup Fellowship form.

For full programme details, visit the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship information page.

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