Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 for African Founders

 

Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 for African Founders


The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is back for 2025, offering full support to founders from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. This six-month programme includes a two-week bootcamp in Ghana, online coaching, and access to grant funding. Apply before 30 June if you're ready to grow your business.



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.