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Ashoka’s Venture & Fellowship pathway is the route by which high-impact social entrepreneurs are identified, elected and supported as Ashoka Fellows. Through the Venture process and ongoing Fellowship benefits, individuals with system-changing ideas gain access to financial support, tailored mentorship, and a global peer network.
What You’ll Gain as an Ashoka Fellow
- A needs-assessed living stipend (typically up to 3 years) to allow full-time commitment to your innovation.
- Membership in a global network of thousands of Fellows in 90+ countries, offering peer support, strategy collaboration and visibility.
- Access to capacity-building, pro-bono professional services, and strategic connections to help scale your venture.
Who Should Apply
Ashoka looks for social entrepreneurs who:
- Have an innovative idea that changes patterns in a sector (education, health, environment, rights, etc). (ashoka.org)
- Are committed full-time to driving their venture’s impact.
- Demonstrate entrepreneurial quality, creativity, social impact potential and ethical fibre.
- Operate a registered organisation (often non-profit/hybrid) and have early traction or evidence of impact.
Application Process & Timeline
- fellowship, accepted year-round, though reviewed annually.
- Typical selection includes multiple stages: screening call, in-depth interview, panel review and final board decision.
- Due diligence and site-visits may apply depending on region.
- Apply HERE
Why It Matters
In a world facing complex systemic challenges — from climate change and inequality to education gaps and health crises — Ashoka’s model supports changemakers who don’t just solve a problem but shift the underlying system. Their data shows high rates of national-level change among Fellows within 5-10 years. (ashoka.org)
For African social entrepreneurs, this offers a unique opportunity to join an elite global fellowship, access long-term support, and amplify impact far beyond local reach.