Fully funded scholarship for African entrepreneurs to attend One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town. All expenses covered. Deadline: March 9, 2026.

Transform Your Entrepreneurial Journey on the Global Stage

Picture this: You’re standing among 2,000 young leaders from 190+ countries, sharing your vision for change, learning from Nobel Prize winners and heads of state, and building partnerships that could scale your impact beyond anything you’ve imagined. This isn’t a fantasy—it’s what awaits you at the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants to send you there, all expenses paid.

If you’re a young entrepreneur in Africa or the Middle East working on solutions to social or environmental challenges, the Enterprising Futures Scholarship could be your breakthrough moment. This isn’t just about attending a conference—it’s about joining a lifetime network of changemakers, accessing world-class mentorship, and gaining the tools to take your enterprise to the next level.

The best part? Everything is covered—flights, accommodation, meals, visa costs, and exclusive networking events. Your only job is to bring your passion, your vision, and your commitment to creating positive change.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know to win this life-changing opportunity.

Scholarship Quick Facts

What is the Enterprising Futures Scholarship?

The Enterprising Futures Scholarship represents a powerful collaboration between the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (through the Dutch Enterprise Agency – RVO) and One Young World, the world’s largest global forum for young leaders. This initiative recognizes a fundamental truth: entrepreneurs are the engine of economic transformation, especially in emerging economies.

The scholarship specifically targets young entrepreneurs and business leaders who are building scalable solutions to sustainability challenges. Whether you’re creating green jobs, developing climate-smart agriculture technology, providing clean energy solutions, or tackling youth unemployment through innovative business models, this scholarship is designed for visionaries like you who are ready to amplify their impact.

Why This Scholarship Matters:

Across Africa and the Middle East, talented entrepreneurs often face a critical gap—not just funding, but access to global networks, mentorship from proven leaders, and platforms to showcase their innovations. The Enterprising Futures Scholarship bridges this gap by connecting you with a community of 15,000+ One Young World Ambassadors worldwide, many of whom have gone on to become Fortune 500 executives, successful social entrepreneurs, and policy influencers.

Past scholarship recipients have leveraged their One Young World experience to secure major funding, form international partnerships, and scale their ventures across multiple countries. This scholarship isn’t just about four days in Cape Town—it’s about joining a movement of entrepreneurs committed to building a more sustainable, equitable world.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements

Before you start your application, ensure you meet these essential criteria:

Age Requirements

• Must be between 18 and 35 years old by November 2026 (the Summit date)
• No exceptions to this age range

Nationality and Residency

You must be both a national AND a resident of one of these 18 eligible countries:

Africa:

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• Benin
• Burundi
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Mali
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• South Africa
• Sudan
• Uganda

Middle East:

• Algeria
• Egypt
• Iraq (including Kurdistan region)
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Palestine
• Tunisia

Professional Requirements

You must be:

• Leading or co-founding a scalable start-up or small to medium-sized enterprise (SME)
• OR holding a senior entrepreneurial role within such an organization
• Your enterprise must demonstrate measurable social and/or environmental impact
• Examples: creating jobs, addressing climate change, improving access to education/healthcare, promoting sustainable agriculture, advancing clean energy, etc.

What “Scalable” Means: Your business model should have the potential to grow beyond your immediate community. Think expansion across regions, replication in different markets, or technology that can serve thousands or millions of people.

Language Requirement

• Working proficiency in English is mandatory
• All Summit sessions, workshops, and the Enterprising Futures pre-programme are conducted in English
• You don’t need to be fluent, but you should be able to participate in discussions, workshops, and networking comfortably

Availability Requirement

• Full commitment required: October 30 – November 7, 2026
• This includes the pre-programme (Oct 30 – Nov 2) and Summit (Nov 3-6)
• You cannot attend partially—the scholarship requires full participation

Values Alignment

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes entrepreneurs from all backgrounds—urban and rural, regardless of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or educational background. Diversity is actively encouraged and celebrated.

Scholarship Benefits: What You’ll Receive

This is a comprehensive, fully funded scholarship—meaning zero out-of-pocket costs for selected scholars. Here’s exactly what’s included:

Financial Coverage

Programme Access & Experiences

1. Exclusive Two-Day Pre-Programme (Oct 30 – Nov 2) Before the main Summit, you’ll participate in an intensive, invitation-only pre-programme organized by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

• Leadership development workshops
• Entrepreneurial skills training
• Peer learning and collaboration sessions
• Pitching competition where you can showcase your enterprise
• Networking with fellow Enterprising Futures Scholars
• Strategic planning for maximizing your Summit experience

2. Full Access to One Young World Summit 2026 (Nov 3-6) The Summit brings together over 2,000 young leaders from more than 190 countries for four transformative days:

• Plenary sessions featuring world-renowned speakers (past speakers include Justin Trudeau, Meghan Markle, Paul Polman, and Queen Rania of Jordan)
• Interactive workshops on climate justice, peacebuilding, technology, health, and human rights
• Panel discussions with heads of state, Nobel Prize winners, and global CEOs
• Opening ceremony at the iconic DHL Stadium
• Closing celebration recognizing Ambassador commitments
• Unlimited networking opportunities with delegates from every sector and country

3. One Young World Global Leadership Programme

• Structured online learning modules
• Action Accelerator to help implement your Summit commitments
• Ongoing mentorship opportunities

4. Lifetime One Young World Ambassador Membership This is perhaps the most valuable long-term benefit:

• Join 15,000+ Ambassadors worldwide
• Access exclusive job opportunities, fellowships, and funding
• Participate in regional gatherings and virtual events
• Connect with Ambassadors in your sector or region
• Feature opportunities on One Young World platforms
• Continued leadership development resources

5. Additional Events by Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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• Special networking sessions with Dutch embassies and Orange Corners programs
• Potential involvement in future Dutch MFA initiatives
• Opportunities to share your experience at Orange Corners events
• Connection to Dutch business networks and potential partnerships

The Real Value: When you factor in international flights ($800-1,500), accommodation for 8 nights ($1,200-2,000), meals, Summit registration (typically $3,000+), visa costs, and lifetime network access, this scholarship is worth approximately $8,000-10,000+ per recipient. But the true value—the connections, knowledge, and opportunities—is immeasurable.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Application Guide

The application process is straightforward, but attention to detail is crucial. Here’s your roadmap to success:

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials (Start Now!)

Before opening the application form, gather:

• Your enterprise story: Clear articulation of what you do, the problem you solve, and your impact to date
• Impact metrics: Concrete numbers (jobs created, people served, carbon reduced, communities reached, revenue generated, etc.)
• Future vision: Where you want to take your enterprise in the next 2-3 years
• Leadership examples: Specific instances where you’ve demonstrated innovative problem-solving or overcome challenges
• Reference contacts: Be ready to provide professional references who can speak to your entrepreneurial leadership

Step 2: Access the Application Portal

Visit the official One Young World scholarship page: https://www.oneyoungworld.com/scholarships/dmfa/2026

Click “Apply Now” to create your account or log in if you already have one.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

The application typically includes:

Personal Information Section:

• Full name, date of birth, contact details
• Country of nationality and residence
• Passport information
• Language proficiency

Enterprise Information:

• Organization name and description
• Your role and responsibilities
• Legal structure (registered NGO, for-profit social enterprise, cooperative, etc.)
• Year founded and current stage
• Website and social media links

Impact Demonstration: This is the heart of your application. You’ll need to clearly articulate:

• The problem you’re addressing (be specific about the community/region)
• Your solution and what makes it innovative or different
• Your impact with quantifiable metrics
• Social/environmental benefit beyond profit
• Scalability potential and growth strategy

Leadership & Vision:

• Your journey as an entrepreneur
• Challenges you’ve overcome
• Leadership examples
• How attending One Young World will help you scale your impact
• What you hope to contribute to the global community

Additional Questions:

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• Why this scholarship matters to you personally
• How you’ll leverage the One Young World network
• Your availability for full programme participation
• Any dietary requirements or accessibility needs

Step 4: Write Compelling Responses

Quality matters more than quantity. Your responses should:

• Tell your authentic story (don’t try to sound like someone else)
• Use specific examples and data
• Show passion while remaining professional
• Demonstrate both your achievements AND your learning mindset
• Connect your work to broader sustainable development goals

Step 5: Review and Submit

Before clicking submit:

• ✅ Proofread everything for grammar and clarity
• ✅ Ensure all required fields are completed
• ✅ Double-check that your contact information is correct
• ✅ Verify that your enterprise meets scalability criteria
• ✅ Confirm your availability for Oct 30 – Nov 7

Deadline: March 9, 2026

Submit well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. Late applications will NOT be accepted.

Step 6: After Submission

• You’ll receive a confirmation email—save this
• The selection committee will review applications in March-April 2026
• Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for additional information or interviews
• Final decisions will be communicated by email in April-May 2026

Pro Tips to Win This Scholarship

Having studied countless successful scholarship applications, here’s what makes winners stand out:

1. Impact Over Ideas

The selection committee wants to see what you’ve ALREADY accomplished, not just what you plan to do. Demonstrate traction:

• “We’ve trained 500 young farmers in climate-smart agriculture” beats “We plan to revolutionize farming”
• Show revenue, users, beneficiaries, partnerships, awards—anything quantifiable

2. Be Specific About Scalability

Don’t just say your business is scalable—explain HOW:

• What’s your expansion strategy?
• Have you tested your model in multiple locations?
• What partnerships or technology enable growth?
• What are your 12-month and 3-year targets?

3. Show Systems Thinking

The Dutch MFA values entrepreneurs who understand complex, interconnected challenges. Demonstrate that you:

• Understand root causes, not just symptoms
• Recognize how your work connects to broader issues (SDGs, climate goals, economic development)
• Think about long-term sustainability, not quick fixes

4. Highlight Your Leadership Journey

Share authentic stories that reveal your character:

• A pivotal moment that led you to entrepreneurship
• A failure that taught you crucial lessons
• How you’ve empowered team members or community
• Times you’ve innovated under resource constraints

5. Make It Personal (But Professional)

The best applications balance professionalism with authenticity. Let your personality shine through while maintaining credibility. The committee wants to meet the real you, not a corporate robot.

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6. Connect to One Young World’s Mission

Research what One Young World stands for (peace, education, environmental sustainability, economic opportunity, health, human rights). Show how your work aligns with these pillars.

7. Demonstrate “Give Back” Mentality

This scholarship isn’t just about what you’ll gain—it’s about what you’ll contribute to the global community. Explain:

• How you’ll share knowledge with fellow entrepreneurs in your region
• Ways you could mentor other young leaders
• Your commitment to paying forward the opportunity

8. Get Feedback Before Submitting

Have someone who knows you read your application:

• Does it sound like you?
• Are your achievements clear and compelling?
• Is anything confusing or vague?
• Does it make them excited about your work?

Insider Secret: Selection committees can spot generic, template-style applications instantly. The winning applications are those that tell a unique, compelling story backed by real evidence of impact. Don’t try to be perfect—try to be authentic, passionate, and strategic.

Success Stories: Meet Past Enterprising Futures Scholars

The impact of this scholarship is best understood through those who’ve walked this path before you:

Juliet Namujju – Uganda Founder and CEO of Kimuli Collections, a sustainable fashion label in Uganda, Juliet grew up in poverty as an orphan with her grandmother. Inspired by her grandmother, a tailor, she uses cut-offs and plastic waste to produce dolls and fashion items, turning waste into economic opportunity while preserving traditional craftsmanship.

Rebecca Aime – Burundi Founder and CEO of Patapia, a social enterprise providing banking services for refugees. A refugee herself, Rebecca provides services for the most vulnerable to help them achieve economic independence, training refugee women in business and giving them access to friendly, collateral-free financing for starting businesses. Her model creates a sustainable cycle where repayments finance additional women entrepreneurs.

Mohammed (SunBox) – Palestine Co-founded SunBox in Gaza in 2017 alongside his sister in response to the acute energy poverty they witnessed in their community. SunBox provides solar systems and solutions to families suffering from the electricity crisis in Gaza where access to electricity has been severely restricted, bringing light and power to communities living under difficult circumstances.

These entrepreneurs share common traits:

• They identified urgent problems in their own communities
• They built practical, scalable solutions
• They demonstrated measurable impact before applying
• They’ve used their One Young World network to expand their reach
• They continue to give back by mentoring other young entrepreneurs

Your story could be next. These weren’t people with perfect backgrounds or unlimited resources—they were changemakers who saw problems and took action, just like you.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Mark these dates in your calendar and set multiple reminders:

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Pro Tips on Timing:

• Apply at least one week before the deadline—last-minute applications risk technical glitches
• If you’re selected, passport and visa processing can take time; start immediately upon notification
• Book personal/business commitments around Oct 30 – Nov 7 NOW, even before you know results

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I’m 36 years old but doing amazing work. Can I still apply?

Unfortunately, no. The age limit (18-35 by November 2026) is strictly enforced. However, if you turn 36 in December 2026 or later, you’re still eligible! Consider encouraging younger team members who meet criteria to apply.

2. My business is in early stages. Should I wait until next year to apply?

No! If you have demonstrable impact (even if small scale), apply now. Selection committees value passion, innovation, and commitment alongside metrics. Show what you’ve achieved with limited resources and your clear growth plan.

3. Can I apply if I work for someone else’s social enterprise rather than founding my own?

Yes, absolutely! As long as you hold a significant entrepreneurial leadership role (e.g., COO, Program Director, Head of Operations) and can demonstrate your personal contribution to the organization’s impact and strategy, you’re eligible.

4. What if my country isn’t on the eligible list?

Unfortunately, you cannot apply for this specific scholarship if you’re not from one of the 18 eligible countries. However, One Young World offers many other scholarship programs—check their website for alternatives that might fit your profile.

5. Do I need to have registered my business formally/legally?

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While formal registration strengthens your application, it’s not always required. What matters most is demonstrating real impact and scalability potential. If operating informally due to legal constraints in your country, explain this clearly in your application.

6. Can I attend the Summit but skip the pre-programme?

No. The scholarship requires full participation in both the pre-programme (Oct 30-Nov 2) and the Summit (Nov 3-6). Partial attendance is not permitted. Plan accordingly.

7. I don’t speak perfect English. Will that disqualify me?

You don’t need perfect English, but you should be comfortable participating in discussions, workshops, and networking in English. If you can conduct business conversations and write professional emails in English, you’ll be fine. The community is supportive and diverse.

Similar Opportunities You Should Explore

While waiting for results, or if you want to maximize your chances, consider these complementary opportunities:

1. One Young World NewNow Programme 2026

• Also for the Cape Town Summit 2026
• Focused on systems-thinking changemakers from the Global South
• Ages 18-30
• Fully funded with exclusive capacity-building workshops
• Learn more

2. Lead2030 Challenges

• Cash prizes for youth-led SDG initiatives
• Multiple challenge categories throughout the year
• Winners attend One Young World Summit
• $50,000+ in total awards annually
• Open to young leaders worldwide

3. Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme

• $5,000 seed funding for African entrepreneurs
• 12-week business training
• Mentorship and networking
• Open to all African countries
• Annual application cycle

4. Ashoka Fellowship

• Lifetime fellowship for leading social entrepreneurs
• Financial stipend and professional support
• Global network of 3,500+ Fellows
• No age limit
• Applications accepted year-round

5. Acumen Academy Fellowships

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• Leadership development for social entrepreneurs
• Regional fellowships in East Africa, West Africa, India, Pakistan
• Combines training with peer learning
• Often fully funded or subsidized

Remember: Applying to multiple opportunities increases your chances while building your application skills. Many successful entrepreneurs win several awards over time.

Final Thoughts: Is This Scholarship Right for You?

You should DEFINITELY apply if:

• You’re leading a scalable social or environmental enterprise
• You have concrete impact metrics to share
• You’re hungry to learn from global leaders and peers
• You’re ready to commit to full participation (Oct 30 – Nov 7)
• You want to join a lifetime network of 15,000+ changemakers
• You’re open to collaboration and knowledge-sharing
• You see this as an investment in your long-term impact, not just a free trip

This might not be the best fit if:

• Your business is purely profit-driven without social/environmental mission
• You’re still in the “idea stage” without implementation
• You can’t commit to the full programme dates
• You’re not comfortable with English-language discussions
• You’re above 35 years old by November 2026
• You’re not from one of the 18 eligible countries

My honest take: The Enterprising Futures Scholarship is one of the most valuable opportunities available to young African and Middle Eastern entrepreneurs today. It’s not just about the financial value (though that’s significant)—it’s about the doors it opens, the people you’ll meet, and the ideas that will transform how you think about your work.

Cape Town is hosting this Summit as South Africa marks 50 years since the Soweto Youth Uprising, honoring a legacy of youth-led change while celebrating young leaders shaping our future through innovation, entrepreneurship, and bold action. This historical context makes 2026 particularly powerful for African entrepreneurs to showcase their work and build continental connections.

The application requires effort—honest reflection, clear articulation of your impact, and thoughtful responses. But that effort is nothing compared to what you’ve already invested in building your enterprise. If you’ve come this far, you have what it takes.

Take Action Today: Your Next Steps

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Here’s what to do right now:

Step 1: Block Your Calendar

• Set aside time this week to work on your application
• Mark October 30 – November 7, 2026 as “unavailable” in your calendar

Step 2: Gather Your Impact Data

• Compile statistics about your enterprise
• Collect testimonials from beneficiaries or partners
• Screenshot any media coverage or awards

Step 3: Start Your Application

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• Visit: https://www.oneyoungworld.com/scholarships/dmfa/2026
• Create your account and begin filling in information
• Save drafts regularly—you don’t have to complete it in one sitting

Step 4: Get Feedback

• Share your draft with a mentor, colleague, or trusted friend
• Ask: “Is my impact clear? Does this sound like me? Is anything missing?”

Step 5: Submit Before March 9, 2026

• Aim to submit by March 2nd to avoid last-minute stress
• Double-check everything before hitting submit
• Save confirmation email for your records

Step 6: Keep Building

• Whether you win this scholarship or not, keep making impact
• Document your journey—every success, every lesson learned
• Stay connected with other applicants and the entrepreneurship community

Resources and Contacts

Official Application Portal: https://www.oneyoungworld.com/scholarships/dmfa/2026

One Young World General Contact: scholarships@oneyoungworld.com

For Technical Issues: Use the contact form on the One Young World website

Orange Corners (Dutch MFA Partner): www.orangecorners.com

Follow One Young World:

• Instagram: @oneyoungworld
• Twitter: @OneyoungWorld
• LinkedIn: One Young World
• Facebook: One Young World

The world needs your solutions. The time to act is now. 🌍🚀

Your entrepreneurial journey has prepared you for this moment. Every challenge you’ve overcome, every person you’ve served, every innovation you’ve created—it all matters. This scholarship could be the catalyst that takes your impact from local to global.

Cape Town is waiting. The global entrepreneurship community is waiting. Most importantly, the people who will benefit from your scaled-up solutions are waiting.

Don’t wait. Apply today.

Last Updated: January 2026 | Application Deadline: March 9, 2026

Author: kasephilip

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Kase Philip is an educational consultant and scholarship advocate helping African students access global higher education opportunities. Through StudyAid, he provides up-to-date scholarship information, application guidance, and practical resources to ensure talented students can pursue their academic dreams without financial barriers.

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