African Innovation Fellowship (AIF) 2026 / AIF 5 (2026–2027)

About

WomHub and the Royal Academy of Engineering run an eight-month leadership and business-development incubator for women founders of early-stage STEM ventures in sub-Saharan Africa, with mentorship, training, a funded bootcamp, investor pitching and global exposure.

Benefits

• 🎓Fully funded bootcamp
  The programme describes a fully funded in-person entrepreneurship bootcamp for selected founders.
• 🧑‍🏫 Expert engineering council
  The programme describes access to an expert engineering council.
• 🩺Venture clinic
  The programme describes access to a venture clinic.
• 🧭Mentorship and financial coaching
  The programme describes mentorship and financial coaching.
• 📚Workshops and training
  Training covers business development topics including market access, product strategy, external factors and commercial models.
• 🏢Co-working space
  The programme describes access to a dedicated workspace equipped with essential resources.
• 🤝Networking
  The programme describes connection with fellow entrepreneurs, investors and potential collaborators.
• 🎤Pitch opportunities
  The programme describes opportunities to present the startup to potential investors and partners.
• 🌍Global exposure
  The programme describes showcasing the innovation to a global audience.
• 🏆Conditional pathway to the Africa Prize
  A number of AIF alumni have gone on to successfully apply for the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation; this is not guaranteed.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must identify as a woman
• Must be 18 years or older
• Individual applicants must be citizens of a sub-Saharan African country; for teams, the lead applicant must be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country
• Must own a registered, innovative STEM-based business or startup in sub-Saharan Africa
• The innovation should be in the early stages of commercialisation and show potential for social and/or environmental impact
• Must not be an alumnus or co-founder of an alumnus of the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation
• Must be available to participate in the eight-month programme, including travel
• Must hold a valid passport

Participation Commitments

• Applications must be submitted through WomHub’s online application process
• Applicants must be available to participate in the eight-month programme, including travel
• AIF 5 is listed as an eight-month programme for 2026–2027
• Selected founders are expected to take part in programme activities, including virtual masterclasses and an in-person bootcamp

Target Sector

Sector agnostic, Agriculture & Food, Defense & Security, Education, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Government & Public Sector, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Real Estate & Construction, Retail & Consumer, Semiconductors & Electronics, Sports & Fitness, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Other

Target Location

Sub-Saharan Africa; individual applicants must be citizens of a sub-Saharan African country; for teams, the lead applicant must be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country; the innovation/business must be based in sub-Saharan Africa.