King Charles, the head of the Commonwealth addressing delegates recently
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Commonwealth Development Corporation has fronted equity free grants for 2026, which totals up to £35,000 (Shs 133 million), which will be given to early stage start-ups on the African continent.
They will be unveiled at a Bootcamp in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, at an event expected to be attended by hundreds of innovators with outstanding business ideas.
According to a recently issued statement from the Commonwealth and Development Office, applications are now open for the 2026 Commonwealth Start-up Fellowship, which will run for six months.
It said the grants are designed to ignite and elevate high-potential start-up’s from low and middle income Commonwealth countries.
“The programme is made up of a combination of immersive in-person experiences and online learning, to provide participants with essential skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and a robust global network,” reads the statement in part.
The fellowship, of which the application Deadline is 30th June, 2025 are jointly organised by the CDC office end the Imperial College of London.
“We intend that by the end of the programme, entrepreneurs will be equipped to build thriving businesses, scale operations effectively, and drive job creation in their home countries,” further reads the statement.
It notes that a cohort of 20 early stage start-ups will be recruited. “One person from each business must be available to attend a two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana from 14–30 November 2025,” reads the press statement.
“There is also the possibility for representatives from outstanding organisations to travel to London in the UK later in the year for a series of exciting capstone events.”
Eligibility requirements
In order for one to be eligible, prospective Fellows must be of at least graduate level.
“They should also be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible low or middle income Commonwealth country, or should be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
They should also be fluent in written and spoken English and not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last five years (at the time of taking up the award).
“The applicants should also be available to undertake their fellowship from the prescribed start date and must demonstrate evidence of innovation, in terms of product, service, or market.
“They should also be prepared for active development for at least six-months and demonstrable commitment from team members, and be in possession of working minimum viable ‘product’, service and/or prototype.”
“They should also be in possession of significant evidence of customer engagement or traction in the form of early sales or pre-sales, have proof of interest or demand, signed contracts or other relevant evidence,” say the Commonwealth office.
Concerning the application Timeline, applications will be open on 2 June 2025, while the application deadline is set for 30 June 2025.
The in-person Bootcamp will be held in Accra, Ghana, between15 November – 29 November 2025.
“Between 30 November 2025 – 15 May 2026, an Online Programming session will be held, followed by an in person Capstone event in London, UK in May 2026.”
Applicants should procure more information more information on the official webpage of the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship.
Benefits
The benefits that have been lined up for the winners include approved return travel from the Fellow’s home country to the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
“We will also provide accommodation, travel and cater for the duration of the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana,” said the organisers.
There will also be reimbursement of the standard visa application fee, as well as the vaccination costs.
“The winners and frontrunners will also be provided with access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund for business or participation-related costs.
Select participants will be invited to a Capstone in London, UK, where they will have the chance to pitch to investors and industry leaders,” further reads the statement, adding that when it comes to business training and mentorship, participating teams can apply for financial support from the Fellows Fund.
“A pot of £35,000 in equity free grants have been availed. This funding is available to cover business-related costs to help the beneficiaries develop and grow their startups.”
