Why Focus on Africa?

Africa is at a defining moment. With a young, rapidly growing population and immense entrepreneurial energy, the continent is a global engine for innovation and progress.

• Reimagining systems and institutions

• Building resilient, inclusive economies

• Designing solutions that benefit communities most affected by inequality, climate risks, and systemic exclusion

By investing in African leadership now, the Fellowship helps ensure that growth is equitable, sustainable, and locally led.

Priority Project Areas: What Is a “Big Bet”?

A Big Bet is a bold, concerted effort to fundamentally solve a problem—not just make incremental improvements.

Projects may take many forms—social innovations, policy experiments, community-based initiatives, or technology-driven solutions—but must clearly demonstrate potential to:

• Strengthen regional and international collaboration

• Accelerate decentralized renewable energy for underserved communities

• Advance public health and heat resilience

• Transform food systems and enhance food security (including school meals or support to smallholder farmers)

• Strengthen markets and trade systems that benefit excluded participants

• Enable impact through AI, data access, and policy innovation in support of African-led solutions

Projects must have a charitable purpose, demonstrate impact potential within 5–7 years, and show early signs of traction and viability.

Who Should Apply? – Eligibility & Candidate Profile

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be 18 years or older

• Have 5 to 15 years of relevant work experience in the project area

• Be conversant in English (approximately B1 level or higher on the CEFR) – able to follow discussions, participate in sessions, and clearly communicate your work

• Be able to legally participate under the laws of their jurisdiction

• Hold or maintain all necessary rights and permissions related to their project and its intellectual property

• Be a member of the Big Bets Community (membership is required to receive the eligibility form and application link)

Applicants cannot be:

• Employees, officers, or directors of The Rockefeller Foundation (or its affiliates)

• Official Judges involved in the selection process

• Individuals in sanctioned or embargoed countries/regions as defined by relevant authorities

Ideal Candidate Characteristics

• Have deep, ongoing regional engagement in Africa (lived experience, professional work, or community leadership)

• Demonstrate growing influence in their field or ecosystem

• Have a strong track record of leading change, mobilizing others, and delivering results

• Show a collaborative, curious, and community-driven mindset

• Are excited to learn from and contribute to a Fellowship community

• Are at a project stage where strategic support and networks can significantly accelerate momentum and impact

Application Process – Step by Step

All applications are sourced from the Big Bets Community. Once you join the community, the process typically follows these stages:

1. Join the Big Bets Community

   • Members who sign up by November 29, 2025 will receive an Eligibility Form.

2. Eligibility Form

   • A short survey covering age, years of experience, and project charitable status.

   • Applicants who meet the criteria are invited to the next stage.

3. Pre-Application Form
   
   Sent after confirming eligibility. You’ll be asked to describe:

   • Your project and its purpose

   • Why it qualifies as a “Big Bet”

   • Its impact in Africa and on underserved communities

   • Stage, traction, thematic focus, and your role/organization (if applicable)

4. Full Application Form
   
   Shortlisted candidates (finalists) are invited to complete a more detailed application in early January 2026, covering:

   • Professional background and experience driving impact

   • Preparedness and motivation to deliver on your project’s goals

   • Project’s ecosystem context, challenges, and vision for the future

   • Resource plan and alignment with the Big Bets mindset and Fellowship program

5. Reference Letter

   • Finalists must submit a Reference Form from a recognized expert in their field with at least 15 years of relevant experience, speaking to the applicant’s qualifications and potential.

6. Online Interview (in English)

   • Finalists are invited to an interview to assess program and project fit, alignment with Fellowship goals, and readiness to participate fully.

7. Final Selection

   • The Rockefeller Foundation, with the support of Judges and experts, makes final decisions.

   • Approximately 10 fellows will be selected and notified via email.

All application materials must be submitted online in English via the specified platform. Submissions by email are not accepted.

For full legal details, including privacy, IP, and liability, applicants should review the official Big Bets Fellowship: Africa Terms & Conditions on the program website.

Key Dates (2025–2026)

• Application Launch: November 10, 2025

• Eligibility & Pre-Application Deadline: December 1, 2025

• Full Application Invitations Sent: Early January 2026

• Full Application & Reference Form Deadline: Late January 2026

• Interviews: January 2026

• Fellows Announced: Late February 2026

• Program Start: Early May 2026

Join the Big Bets Community & Learn How to Apply

If you:

• Are committed to solving tough challenges in Africa

• Have a bold, charitable, system-changing project

• Want to accelerate your leadership and impact within a powerful community

…then the Big Bets Fellowship: Africa 2026 may be the next big step in your journey.

👉 Join the Big Bets Community to receive:

• Monthly newsletters with exclusive resources

• Details on how to apply

• Updates on fellowships, convenings, and spotlights on inspiring leaders