NextBillion - A WDI Publication

The Africa Innovation Fellowship (AIF), running since 2019, supports and develops women-led STEM innovations across sub-Saharan Africa, helping women innovators turn technical ideas into sustainable, scalable businesses. The 2026/2027 Fellowship is an eight-month leadership and business development programme for African women leading early-stage engineering innovations or technology-enabled start-ups, with a focus on growth, scalability and investor readiness. Founders can expect a blend of virtual masterclasses, a fully funded in-person entrepreneurship bootcamp, venture clinics, mentorship and financial coaching, along with access to a dedicated co-working environment and resources. Together, these build their skills in business, leadership, funding and capital readiness, market access, product strategy, commercial models and pitch readiness, while opening doors to a network of fellow entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and partners, and giving their ventures greater visibility across the region and beyond.