SDG 2 · Zero Hunger
Fellows strengthen production, processing, distribution and market access by building viable agricultural enterprises and reducing the distance between producers and consumers.
2026 Pan-African cohort · Applications open
Build enterprises. Open markets. Advance African agriculture.
The Kilimo Corps Free Markets & Agripreneurship Fellowship is a selective three-month programme for young Africans building agricultural enterprises, market solutions and stronger regional trade.
- Apply by
- 20 September 2026
- Starts
- 1 November 2026
- Duration
- Three months
- Places
- 20 fellows
- Cost
- Free
Programme at a glance
Ideas become practical ventures.
Fellows investigate real markets, strengthen an agricultural enterprise or trade solution, and build a capstone ready for practical implementation.
- Online sessions
- Practical weekly assignments
- 5–7 hours each week
- English
- Dedicated fellow portal
Fellow outcomes
What fellows will gain
- 01
A tested agricultural enterprise or market-expansion concept
- 02
Practical understanding of AfCFTA and regional agrifood trade
- 03
Stronger costing, pricing and financial-planning skills
- 04
Customer, market and value-chain research skills
- 05
Guidance from agriculture, enterprise and policy practitioners
- 06
A practical capstone project
- 07
A Pan-African network of emerging agrifood leaders
- 08
A certificate of completion
Learning structure
A focused 12-week journey.
Four connected phases move each fellow from market understanding to an implementation-ready capstone.
- 01
Understand
Study agricultural markets, value chains, customers and regional trade.
- 02
Design
Shape a commercially credible enterprise or market-access solution.
- 03
Test
Apply weekly research and practical assignments to improve the model.
- 04
Present
Complete and present an implementation-ready capstone project.
Who should apply
Young Africans ready to act.
The fellowship is designed for young Africans ready to turn an agricultural challenge, enterprise idea or market opportunity into practical action. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Early-stage agricultural entrepreneurs
- Young farmers developing commercial enterprises
- Agricultural and TVET graduates
- Food-system innovators
- Youth leaders working in agricultural communities
- Professionals exploring agricultural enterprise
- Advocates interested in AfCFTA and regional agrifood trade
- Applicants with an actionable idea or early-stage initiative
Selection
Twenty fellows. A focused selection process.
Applications are reviewed first in writing. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview.
- 01
Commitment to agriculture and enterprise
- 02
Understanding of a genuine problem or market opportunity
- 03
Potential for community and economic impact
- 04
Evidence of initiative or leadership
- 05
Ability to meet the weekly commitment
- 06
Quality and practicality of the proposed idea
- 07
Openness to market-based solutions and regional cooperation
- 08
Geographic, gender and professional diversity
Capstone and funding
Build for implementation.
Every fellow completes a practical capstone responding to a genuine agricultural enterprise, market-access or trade challenge.
The two strongest completed capstone projects will receive funding support. Decisions will reflect programme performance, practical quality and implementation readiness.
Fellows who meet the completion requirements receive a certificate.
Sustainable development
Enterprise that advances connected goals.
The fellowship links agricultural enterprise and regional trade with food security, useful skills, decent work, responsible production, climate action and strong partnerships.
SDG 4 · Quality Education
Applied agricultural, enterprise, leadership and trade education is connected to assignments, feedback and real economic opportunities.
SDG 8 · Decent Work and Economic Growth
Fellows build enterprises capable of creating dignified livelihoods, productive work and income opportunities for young Africans.
SDG 9 · Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Participants develop practical innovations in production, processing, logistics, technology and market access across agricultural value chains.
SDG 12 · Responsible Consumption and Production
The programme advances efficient resource use, circular agriculture, reduced waste and commercially responsible production.
SDG 13 · Climate Action
Fellows examine climate-resilient production, responsible resource use and enterprise approaches that help communities adapt.
SDG 17 · Partnerships for the Goals
The fellowship connects emerging leaders, mentors, enterprises, institutions and cross-border networks to implement practical solutions.
Confirmed partners
Built through partnership.
- Go Green Foundation
- Students For Liberty Africa
- Green Liberty
Questions
Before you apply.
Is the fellowship free?
Yes. Selected fellows pay no participation fee.
Do I need an existing business?
No. You may apply with an agricultural problem, market opportunity, enterprise idea or early-stage initiative.
How is the fellowship delivered?
Through live online sessions, practical weekly assignments, independent work and a capstone project.
How are fellows selected?
Applications are reviewed against the published criteria. Shortlisted applicants proceed to an online interview.
What is required for certification?
Fellows must meet attendance requirements, complete the required assignments and submit and present an approved capstone.
Will every capstone receive funding?
No. The two strongest completed capstones will receive funding support based on programme performance, practical quality and readiness for implementation.
Applications close 20 September 2026
Bring your agricultural idea into action.
Twenty fellows will join the 2026 Pan-African cohort.