The program focuses on inclusive EdTech innovation, helping founders scale solutions that improve learning outcomes, access, and educational delivery—especially for underserved communities.
About the Fellowship
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is designed to support African EdTech startups and innovators through funding, mentorship, business support, and access to a strong innovation ecosystem. Selected fellows receive the tools and guidance needed to scale their solutions and increase their impact in the education sector.
The fellowship is implemented by CcHUB, one of Africa’s leading innovation hubs, with support from the Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to advancing education and youth employment across the continent.
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Who Should Apply
This fellowship is open to:
EdTech startup founders and innovators across Africa
Individuals or teams building technology-enabled learning solutions
Innovators focused on improving access, quality, or delivery of education
Startups with scalable products impacting learners, schools, or educators
Founders committed to inclusive and accessible education
Both early-stage and growth-stage EdTech startups are encouraged to apply.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
Funding support to scale their EdTech solutions
Business development and venture support
Mentorship from industry experts and education leaders
Access to CcHUB’s innovation ecosystem
Technical and product development support
Networking opportunities with investors and partners
Visibility and exposure across Africa’s EdTech ecosystem
Application Deadline
10 April 2026 (11:59 PM)
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their application through the official fellowship portal:
https://futureoflearning.cchub.africa/
📌 Mentor4Scholars Advisory: Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026 (Cohort IV)
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026 (Cohort IV) is a high‑impact acceleration programme that supports early‑stage education technology (EdTech) startups in Nigeria and across Africa. Organized by Co‑creation Hub (CcHUB) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, this Fellowship combines equity‑free funding, mentorship, and ecosystem support to help founders scale solutions that improve learning outcomes and expand access to quality education.
This isn’t a cash prize or scholarship in the traditional sense — it’s a transformational support journey that empowers founders to refine their product, optimise their business model, and strengthen market reach while retaining full ownership of their venture. The programme emphasises inclusivity, inviting solutions that serve learners who are often overlooked by mainstream education innovations — including those in rural areas, girls and women, learners with disabilities, and refugees.
At Mentor4Scholars, we encourage applicants to view this opportunity as a strategic growth platform — not just funding. The best applicants clearly articulate both their impact vision and scaling strategy, showing how their EdTech solution will move from a prototype or early product stage to a sustainable, learner‑centred impact organisation within and beyond Nigeria.
❓ FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the EdTech Fellowship?
It’s an acceleration programme that supports innovative, scalable EdTech startups with up to $100,000 in equity‑free funding, structured mentorship, technical guidance, and ecosystem connections.
2. Who can apply?
Founders and teams building EdTech solutions in Nigeria or Africa that improve learning outcomes, especially for underserved groups such as girls, rural learners, refugees, and learners with disabilities.
3. What support do fellows receive?
Selected ventures gain:
✔ Equity‑free funding (up to $100,000)
✔ Expert mentorship from education and tech leaders
✔ Product, business, and impact guidance
✔ Networking with investors and ecosystem partners
✔ Strategic support for growth and sustainability.
4. How long is the programme?
The Fellowship typically runs for approximately 12 months, blending incubation and acceleration support.
5. When do applications close?
Applications for Cohort IV close on 10 April 2026. Make sure to submit before the deadline — no late applications are accepted.
⚠️ Common Mistakes Applicants Make
1. Applying without a prototype or MVP
This Fellowship targets startups with a working product or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and early traction — idea‑only concepts are rarely competitive.
2. Weak impact narrative
Not clearly explaining how your solution improves learning outcomes or addresses education challenges for underserved learners reduces your chances.
3. Generic applications
Copy‑paste applications that don’t speak to your specific solution, target users, or evidence of need/impact often fail the first review stage.
4. Ignoring eligibility focus areas
Cohort IV prioritises inclusive solutions for girls, rural learners, people with disabilities, and other underserved groups — ensure your focus aligns.
5. Missing required documents or milestones
Incomplete applications or missing business documents (e.g., registration, product demo links, metrics) delay review or lead to disqualification.
🚫 Who Should Not Apply
You may want to reconsider submitting an application if:
✔ Your solution is just an idea without an MVP or demonstrable user traction.
✔ Your startup isn’t early‑stage but beyond traction — solutions too advanced for this cohort may be a better fit for later accelerator programmes.
✔ You’re focused on non‑EdTech innovation (this Fellowship is specifically for EdTech).
✔ You cannot commit to 12 months of structured engagement, mentorship, and accountability — this is a cohort experience, not a flexible grant.
✔ Your product does not clearly improve educational access or learning outcomes for defined learner segments.
🎯 Final Insight (Mentor4Scholars)
This Fellowship is ideal for EdTech founders who are ready to scale — not just build. The combination of funding, mentorship, and ecosystem exposure gives eligible startups a powerful platform to refine their solution, reach more learners, and become sustainable players in the African EdTech landscape.
