The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is your chance to accelerate your EdTech venture in Africa! Discover the requirements (Ghana focus), exclusive benefits, and the deadline (January 2026) to apply and receive $60,000 in equity-free funding for your project.
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is a prestigious entrepreneurship acceleration program specifically designed to support promising African EdTech ventures.
This Fellowship is more than just funding; it’s a transformative journey. Implemented in partnership with leading innovation hubs and EdTech accelerators across the continent, the program provides selected companies with critical business and financial support, along with essential insight into the science of learning. The ultimate goal is to prepare ventures for large-scale growth, long-term sustainability, and significant educational impact.
By fostering collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the accelerator is dedicated to catalyzing positive change in education, equipping the next generation of learners with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Participating in the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship means gaining access to a comprehensive support ecosystem, vital for the growth stage of your enterprise:
Equity-Free Funding: Selected companies receive $60,000 in equity-free funding and access to further strategic funding opportunities to fuel business growth and sustainability.
Specialized Mentorship Network: You will access a network of sector experts who offer specialized support aligned with the unique challenges and opportunities of your startup.
Accelerated Growth & Impact: You benefit from a structured curriculum and personalized support designed to maximize development and amplify the social impact of your solution. To understand the importance of such programs, explore our archive on African EdTech success stories.
Market Access: Valuable opportunities are provided to showcase your solutions to key stakeholders and investors, significantly expanding your reach in the education sector.
Startups, SMEs, and NGOs can apply if they meet the following core criteria. It is important to note that while the program is pan-African, the requirements specified here often relate to applications managed by the local partner (e.g., MEST Africa for Ghana):
Your business must be registered in Ghana and have been in operation for at least 3 years.
You must offer a tech or tech-enabled solution aimed at enhancing educational outcomes (covering K-12, tertiary education, and vocational skills training).
The business must be at the growth stage, have achieved product-market fit, and have active users or customers.
Startups with diverse and experienced teams are encouraged to apply.
Inclusive solutions that target underserved communities (rural, refugee, women and girls, etc.) are especially encouraged to apply to the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship.
To learn more about the global partnerships driving these projects, visit the official Mastercard Foundation website.
The selection process for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is rigorous yet straightforward, consisting of three clear stages designed to identify the most promising and impactful ventures.
The selection process begins with Stage 1: Initial Application. Companies must submit the form online before the deadline, detailing their solution and impact. Only aligned applications advance.
Next is Stage 2: Virtual Pitch and Interview. Shortlisted companies present their venture, allowing the committee to assess the business model and team strength.
Finally, in Stage 3: Final Selection and Onboarding, the final cohort is determined. Successful companies gain immediate access to the mentorship network and the acceleration curriculum.
Click Here to Apply for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship has already demonstrated tangible impact:
COHORT 1 – 2024: 12 companies were selected, collectively reaching over 354,000 learners with innovative EdTech solutions.
COHORT 2 – 2025: 12 new ventures were selected, each committed to building inclusive, learner-centered tools.
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