Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2026: Comprehensive Guide to the $15,000 Entrepreneurship Opportunity for African Students
Apply for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2026. African students can win up to $15,000 CAD, free training, mentorship & global network.
Introduction
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship for Entrepreneurship is a transformative program offering African students and recent graduates access to world-class entrepreneurship training, mentorship, funding opportunities up to $15,000 CAD, and a global network to launch impactful social ventures. Get to know about this prestigious fellowship opportunity for 2026.
About the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship
Launched in September 2020, the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University, Canada.
The fellowship honors Jim Leech, former Chair of the Board of Directors of the Mastercard Foundation and Chancellor Emeritus of Queen’s University, who was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2014 for his contributions to pension management innovation and community involvement.
This program has empowered thousands of African youth entrepreneurs since its inception. In the 2020-2021 academic year alone, 1,252 students participated, with over 60% being women, addressing the additional barriers women face in entrepreneurship.
Program Structure and Duration
The fellowship is an intensive 8-month virtual program divided into three distinct phases:
Phase 1: Explore Entrepreneurship (January 2026 – February 2026)
During this initial phase, participants are introduced to foundational entrepreneurship concepts and begin developing their business ideas.
Phase 2: Ignite Entrepreneurship (March 2026 – April 2026)
Participants deepen their entrepreneurial knowledge, refine their business models, and prepare for the pitch competition.
Phase 3: Launch Entrepreneurship (May 2026 – August 2026)
Selected fellows enter DDQIC’s summer incubation program where they receive intensive support, seed funding, coaching, and mentorship to transform their ideas into scalable startups.
Application Deadline 2026
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025, at 12:59 PM EST
Successful candidates will be notified by the end of December 2025. Early application is strongly encouraged as the program receives thousands of applications annually.
Eligibility Requirements for African Students
To qualify for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Academic Status
- Current student at any African post-secondary institution (university or college)
- Recent graduate who completed studies within the past 5 years
- All academic disciplines are welcome (business, engineering, arts, sciences, medicine, etc.)
Entrepreneurial Commitment
- Demonstrated passion for solving critical local or global challenges
- Commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset
- Willingness to dedicate time and effort to program activities
Business Development Stage
- Not required to have an existing registered business
- Can be at the idea stage or running an early-stage venture
- Must have a clear vision for social or economic impact
Language Requirements
- Ability to participate in English-language training and activities
- Participants may work with their local universities to access language support resources
Personal Attributes
- Leadership potential and innovative thinking
- Desire to create dignified and fulfilling work opportunities
- Commitment to driving both social and financial impact
Comprehensive Fellowship Benefits
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship offers participants an extensive support package valued at over $15,000:
Financial Support
- Opportunity to compete for pitch prizes up to $15,000 CAD
- Selected fellows receive a $500 monthly stipend during Phase 3
- Access to seed funding for business development
- No program fees – completely free to participate
- No travel costs (program delivered virtually)
World-Class Training & Education
- Business Bootcamp: Delivered by Queen’s University faculty and industry leaders with decades of combined entrepreneurship and C-Suite experience
- Disciplined Entrepreneurship Framework: Proven step-by-step methodology developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Queen’s University Micro-credentials: Earn official micro-credentials in entrepreneurship upon successful course completion
- Access to curated online entrepreneurship courses from DDQIC
Mentorship & Networking
- Personal program coach assigned to each participant
- Access to a network of over 15 mentors throughout the program
- Connections with industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs in North America
- Join a global cohort of thousands of like-minded African students and graduates
- Access to Queen’s University’s extensive entrepreneurial alumni network
Incubation & Business Development
- Weekly 3-2-1 pitch presentations to refine your business concept
- Dedicated workspace (for those who can travel to Queen’s campus)
- Post-incubation services and ongoing support after program completion
- Opportunities to travel to DDQIC in Kingston, Canada, to build lasting professional connections
Career & Professional Development
- High-performing fellows invited to serve as ambassadors and mentors for future cohorts
- Continuous support from DDQIC’s network of industry experts
- Access to pitch competition opportunities beyond the fellowship
- Participation in a community committed to removing barriers to entrepreneurship
Program Impact and Success Stories
The fellowship has demonstrated remarkable impact across Africa:
Measurable Outcomes (2023 Data)
- 84% of participants reported their venture hired at least one young person since starting the program
- 97% of 2022 fellows rated the program as “very” or “extremely” helpful
- 100% increase in participants with paying customers from pre-program to post-program
Success Stories
Judith Onza Eyoa – AfriShoe Uganda: Inspired by her father’s struggle to find suitable shoes for his walking disability, Judith founded AfriShoe Uganda at age 25, crafting affordable, durable, customized footwear for individuals with walking disabilities using locally available materials.
Enoch Muwangezi – Ugabrush: Runs Ugabrush and its parent company Deploy Resource Africa, creating eco-friendly products while providing employment opportunities to youth in the community.
BidiGreen Ghana: A smokeless charcoal production and distribution company that has grown its team (mostly women) to increase production and distribution of eco-friendly charcoal briquettes.
Reitumetse (Tumi) Kholumo – Kwela Brews: Founder who stated: “The fellowship and pitch competition have been instrumental in my early journey with Kwela Brews”.
Understanding Queen’s University and Program Costs
Is the Fellowship Free?
Yes, the fellowship is completely free for all participants. There are no application fees, tuition fees, or program participation costs. The program is delivered virtually, eliminating travel expenses for most participants.
Queen’s University Tuition Context
While the fellowship itself is free, it’s helpful to understand Queen’s University’s fee structure for context:
For International Students at Queen’s University:
- Undergraduate tuition ranges from approximately CAD $15,000 to CAD $57,000 annually depending on the program
- Graduate program fees vary by discipline
- Programs include mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) coverage
- Additional ancillary fees apply
Important Note: Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellows do NOT pay these tuition fees as the fellowship is a separate, fully-funded virtual program that does not require university enrollment.
Application Process and Requirements
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the official Queen’s University DDQIC portal. Apply for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship here.
Required Application Materials
Personal Information
- Complete contact details
- Current university/college information (or graduation details if recent graduate)
- Academic background and discipline
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Educational qualifications
- Relevant work experience
- Any venture or entrepreneurial experience
- Leadership roles and extracurricular activities
Motivation Statement
- Why you want to join the fellowship
- What problem you aim to solve
- Your entrepreneurial goals and vision
- How the fellowship aligns with your objectives
Business Idea/Venture Outline
- Description of your business concept (even if at idea stage)
- Problem you’re addressing and target market
- Potential social and economic impact
- Current development stage
- Long-term vision for your venture
Supporting Documents
- Team details (if applying with co-founders)
- Letters of recommendation (if available)
- Any supporting materials that demonstrate your entrepreneurial potential
Selection Process
The selection committee evaluates applications based on:
- Strength and feasibility of the business idea
- Potential for social and economic impact
- Applicant’s commitment and entrepreneurial mindset
- Leadership qualities and innovative thinking
- Alignment with program goals of creating dignified work
Tips for a Successful Application
Start Early
Begin preparing your application well before the December 15, 2025 deadline. This allows time for thoughtful responses and gathering required materials.
Focus on Impact
Clearly articulate how your venture will create positive change in Africa. The fellowship prioritizes businesses that address real challenges and create employment opportunities.
Show Your Journey
Whether you have a fully developed business or just an idea, honestly present where you are and demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow.
Research Thoroughly
Visit the official Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship page to understand program expectations and values.
Network and Prepare
Attend entrepreneurship webinars, join entrepreneurship communities, and start developing your pitch. These activities strengthen your application and prepare you for success.
Emphasize Scalability
Demonstrate how your business idea can grow beyond your immediate community to create broader impact across Africa.
Sustainable Development Goals Addressed
The fellowship aligns with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Goal 1: No Poverty – Creating sustainable income opportunities
- Goal 3: Good Health & Wellbeing – Supporting health-related ventures
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Generating dignified employment for African youth
Post-Fellowship Opportunities
Continued Support
After completing the 8-month program, fellows receive ongoing benefits:
- Access to DDQIC’s post-incubation services
- Continued mentorship opportunities
- Participation in future pitch competitions
- Networking with the global Queen’s entrepreneurship community
- Potential to serve as mentors and ambassadors for future cohorts
Alumni Network
Join a community of thousands of African entrepreneurs who have completed the fellowship and are building impactful businesses across the continent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2026?
Current students and recent graduates (within 5 years of graduation) from any African post-secondary institution can apply. All academic disciplines are welcome, and you don’t need an existing business to participate.
2. What is the application deadline for 2026?
The application deadline is December 15, 2025, at 12:59 PM EST. Successful candidates will be notified by the end of December 2025.
3. Is there any cost to participate in the fellowship?
No, the fellowship is completely free. There are no application fees, tuition charges, or program costs. It is delivered virtually, eliminating most travel expenses.
4. What are the pitch competition prizes worth?
Selected fellows can compete for pitch prizes up to $15,000 CAD at the end of the program. Additionally, fellows in Phase 3 receive a $500 monthly stipend and access to seed funding.
5. Do I need to travel to Canada for this program?
The fellowship is primarily delivered virtually online. However, high-performing fellows may receive opportunities to travel to the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre in Kingston, Canada, for networking and professional development.
6. What types of businesses does the fellowship support?
The fellowship focuses on ventures that create both social and economic impact. This includes social enterprises, businesses that generate employment for youth, sustainable ventures, and innovations that solve pressing African challenges.
7. Can I apply if I’m still developing my business idea?
Yes! The fellowship welcomes participants at all stages, from those with just an idea to those with early-stage businesses. The program is designed to help you develop and refine your concept throughout the 8 months.
8. What language is the program conducted in?
The program is conducted in English. Participants should be comfortable with English-language training materials and discussions, though support may be available through local universities for language challenges.
9. How many students are accepted into the fellowship each year?
The program accepts over 1,000 participants annually. However, selection for Phase 3 (the incubation phase with stipends and intensive mentorship) is more competitive, with approximately 15 fellows chosen.
10. What happens after I complete the fellowship?
Fellows gain access to ongoing alumni support, post-incubation services, future pitch competition opportunities, and a global network of Queen’s entrepreneurial alumni. High-performing fellows may be invited to serve as mentors and ambassadors.
11. Do I need to pay tuition to Queen’s University?
No. The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship is a separate program that does not require university enrollment or payment of standard tuition fees. You participate as a fellow, not as a degree-seeking student.
12. Can women entrepreneurs apply?
Absolutely! The fellowship actively encourages applications from women. In the 2020-2021 cohort, over 60% of participants were women, reflecting the program’s commitment to removing barriers women face in entrepreneurship.
Why This Fellowship Matters for African Youth
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship addresses a critical need in Africa: youth unemployment and the lack of entrepreneurship training available to post-secondary graduates. By equipping thousands of young Africans with entrepreneurial skills, access to capital, and a supportive network, the fellowship is creating a generation of job creators rather than job seekers.
The fellowship’s focus on social impact ensures that the businesses created don’t just generate profit but also address pressing challenges in African communities, from healthcare access to sustainable agriculture, from education to clean energy.
Conclusion
The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship 2026 represents a golden opportunity for ambitious African students and recent graduates to transform their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. With comprehensive training, expert mentorship, significant funding opportunities, and a global network, this fellowship provides all the tools needed to launch and scale an impactful business.
The December 15, 2025 deadline will arrive quickly. Start preparing your application today, refine your business concept, and take the first step toward becoming an entrepreneurial leader who drives positive change across Africa.
Begin your application now and join thousands of African entrepreneurs who have already benefited from this transformative program.
Disclaimer
Application deadlines, program details, and benefits are subject to change. Always verify current information on the official fellowship website before applying. This article was last updated in December 2025.
