Applications are now open for the Social Innovators Programme (SIP) 2026, giving young African changemakers a fresh opportunity to scale ideas that are already making real impact in their communities.
The clock is ticking, and for founders building solutions across Africa, this could be the turning point that takes their work to the next level.
About the Social Innovators Programme (SIP)
The Social Innovators Programme (SIP) is a 9-month fellowship powered by LEAP Africa, designed to support early-stage social entrepreneurs tackling systemic challenges across the continent.
For over 13 years, the programme has:
- Empowered more than 294 social innovators
- Impacted over 4 million lives across 14 African countries
- Generated over $7.8 million in funding and revenue
Participants gain access to mentorship, funding opportunities, investor connections, and practical tools needed to grow sustainable ventures.
What Fellows Will Experience
Selected fellows will go through a structured journey that includes:
- 4–6 weeks of intensive virtual training sessions
- 4 months of guided mentorship
- A final physical convergence and awards event
Participants will also get the opportunity to pitch their ventures to investors, funders, and policymakers.
Core Learning Areas
The programme focuses on practical and high-impact areas such as:
- Social innovation and enterprise design
- Market access and growth strategy
- Funding models and capital strategy
- Financial management and controls
- Impact measurement and outcome tracking
- Strategy, governance, and team effectiveness
- Pitch development and stakeholder engagement
Who Should Apply
The programme targets young African entrepreneurs working across sectors like:
- Agriculture
- Technology
- Climate Action
- Sustainable Cities
- Clean Energy
- Workforce Development
It is especially suited for founders building solutions in financial inclusion, civic tech, and employment.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country
- Have a venture operating within an African community
- Be a founder or co-founder with at least 3 years of impact
- Be between 18 and 35 years old as of April 2026
- Be proficient in English (applications must be in English)
- Be available to fully participate from April to October 2026
- Not have participated in SIP previously
- Only one co-founder per venture can apply
- Must not exceed three absences during the programme
Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Deadline for applications to close is on 12th June 2026.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can submit their applications here www.surveymonkey.com/r/SIP2026base.
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