Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026 for Entrepreneurs
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026 is now open for bold, early-stage entrepreneurs from Nigeria and other Commonwealth countries. If you are building a startup that is already gaining traction and seeking access to world-class mentorship, international networks, and immersive business training, this is a game-changing opportunity that you cannot afford to miss.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, in partnership with Imperial College London, is organising a fully funded program that consists of a two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, followed by six months of high-impact online support. Only 20 entrepreneurs will be selected to participate, each representing a promising startup from a low- or middle-income Commonwealth nation.
The programme is designed to empower founders like you to scale your ventures, unlock funding opportunities, and drive impact back home in Nigeria or across Africa.
Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026 Overview
Host Organisations: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission & Imperial College London
Programme Duration: 6 months
In-Person Bootcamp: 14–30 November 2025, Accra, Ghana
Capstone Opportunities: Potential follow-up events in London, UK
Application Window: 2 June – 30 June 2025
Cohort Size: 20 selected startups (one founder per business)
Why This Fellowship Matters for Nigerian Founders
With a rising ecosystem of startups in Nigeria, access to global mentorship, expert-led training, and business development support can be the difference between stalling and scaling. The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship offers:
- Fully covered travel and visa costs
- Accommodation and meals during boot camp
- Dedicated business grant support
- Access to Imperial College’s world-class mentors and startup experts
- Peer-learning and networking across the Commonwealth
This fellowship represents an investment in your vision to create a business that addresses real problems and generates jobs throughout Africa.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is for startup founders who:
- Are Nigerian citizens or permanent residents of an eligible Commonwealth country
- Lead an early-stage startup (6+ months of development, MVP built, some customer traction)
- Working on an innovative solution with potential for scale
- Can commit to 2 weeks in Ghana and 6 months of virtual activities
- Fluent in English
- Ready to connect with a global ecosystem and implement what they learn locally
Fellowship Benefits for Nigerian Fellows
- Return flight to Ghana (Accra)
- Visa reimbursement and vaccination support
- Accommodation, meals, and local transport during bootcamp
- Dedicated Fellow’s Grant Fund to support business activities
- Expert mentorship from Imperial College London
- Global network of entrepreneurs, funders, and thought leaders
- Additional support for fellows with disabilities
What You’ll Need to Apply
Applications open 2 June and close 30 June 2025. Be ready with:
- A detailed startup profile (mission, traction, market, etc.)
- Your personal and professional background
- Short essays (150 words each) on:
- The problem your startup solves
- Your innovation
- Team capacity
- Why do you want this fellowship
- A 1-minute video pitch uploaded privately to YouTube
- Three referees, including your most recent employer or mentor
Key Dates to Remember
Information Session: 3 June 2025 at 11:00 AM BST
Applications Open: 2 June 2025 at 10:00 AM BST
Deadline to Apply: 30 June 2025 at 4:00 PM BST
Bootcamp in Accra: 14–30 November 2025
If your startup is building something meaningful and you’re ready to scale beyond borders, the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026 could unlock the next chapter of your journey.
Apply early. Come prepared. And build for impact.
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