The Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship: Africa is a leadership development programme designed to support visionary African leaders who are creating bold solutions to some of the continent’s biggest challenges.

The fellowship equips changemakers with the skills, networks, and resources needed to transform ambitious ideas into scalable solutions that improve communities and expand opportunities.

Applications for the 2026 Africa cohort are currently closed.

About the Big Bets Fellowship Africa

The Big Bets Fellowship supports leaders who are working on innovative approaches to address complex challenges across Africa.

The programme focuses on individuals who are developing:

Entrepreneurial solutions
Innovative policies
Resilient systems
Technology-driven approaches
Community-based initiatives

The fellowship aims to build a network of leaders capable of creating long-term social, economic, and environmental impact.

Program Focus Areas

The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking leaders working on solutions in areas including:

Regional Collaboration and African Leadership

Projects that strengthen cooperation between African countries, regional institutions, and global partners to support Africa’s role in shaping future systems.

Renewable Energy and Climate Solutions

Initiatives that accelerate renewable energy access by using Africa’s solar and wind potential to:

Reduce energy poverty
Support green industrial development
Expand clean energy access

Public Health and Heat Resilience

Projects focused on improving health systems through:

Disease prevention
Early detection systems
Climate resilience
Protection of vulnerable communities

Food Systems Transformation

Solutions that improve food security through:

Supporting smallholder farmers
Improving agricultural systems
Expanding access to nutritious school meals

Markets and Trade Systems

Initiatives that strengthen:

Regional economic integration
Trade opportunities
Economic participation for underserved communities

Artificial Intelligence, Data and Policy Innovation

Projects that use:

Artificial intelligence
Data access
Policy innovation

to support African-led solutions for communities that need them most.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive opportunities to:

Develop leadership capabilities
Build a global network of changemakers
Access professional development opportunities
Participate in collaborative learning sessions
Present and amplify their ideas internationally

The programme includes:

Virtual Learning Programme

Weekly 90-minute online sessions from May to August 2026.

Bellagio Center Convening

An in-person gathering at The Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center in Italy.

The foundation covers travel expenses for participation in the in-person convening.

Global Network Access

Fellows join a community of leaders working on transformative solutions across different regions.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should demonstrate:

Professional Experience

5–15 years of experience creating impact through professional, entrepreneurial, or community-based work.

Regional Engagement

Applicants should have:

Deep involvement in their region
Strong understanding of local challenges
Experience working with communities

Leadership Record

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

Evidence of meaningful change
Ability to lead initiatives
Experience collaborating with different stakeholders

Personal Qualities

The fellowship looks for individuals who are:

Collaborative
Curious
Community-focused
Courageous
Willing to challenge existing systems

Applicants must also be members of the Big Bets Community to qualify.

Application Timeline for 2026 Cohort

Application Launch: November 10, 2025
Eligibility and Pre-Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
Full Application Deadline: Late January 2026
Interviews: January 2026
Fellows Announced: Late February 2026

Current status: Applications are closed for the Africa cohort.

Who Should Apply?

The Rockefeller Foundation Big Bets Fellowship is ideal for:

African entrepreneurs
Social innovators
Policy leaders
Community changemakers
Technology innovators
Researchers and professionals building large-scale solutions

Candidates should have a bold idea or existing initiative capable of creating lasting impact.

Why Join the Big Bets Fellowship?

The programme offers African leaders the opportunity to:

Connect with global innovators
Strengthen leadership skills
Gain visibility for impactful projects
Access a powerful international network
Develop solutions addressing Africa’s future challenges

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