Are you a young entrepreneur leading a scalable start-up or SME with social or environmental impact? The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), in partnership with the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO) and One Young World, is inviting applications for the Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 — an opportunity to connect, learn, and scale your impact on a global stage.
This scholarship is designed for changemakers who are ready to take their ventures to the next level while building networks, skills, and international exposure that can accelerate sustainable growth in their communities.
Why Apply?
By 2030, over two billion young people will be shaping global economies. This represents an extraordinary opportunity for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, particularly in emerging and frontier markets.
Young entrepreneurs are already driving change — creating jobs, delivering innovative products and services, and contributing to resilient local economies. Yet many face barriers: limited access to networks, resources, and international exposure can slow their potential.
The Enterprising Futures Scholarship seeks to bridge this gap by providing:
- Full participation at the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town (30 October – 7 November)
- Access to a global network of 2,000 young leaders from over 190 countries
- Opportunities to learn from global experts, collaborate with peers, and gain insights that accelerate social and environmental impact
- Professional development through pre- and post-programme engagements, enabling scholars to enhance entrepreneurial and leadership skills
Who Should Apply?
The scholarship targets forty trailblazing young entrepreneurs from Africa and the Middle East who meet the following criteria:
- Age: 18–35 years by November 2026
- Leadership: Founder or key team member of a scalable start-up or SME with demonstrable social or environmental impact
- Location: National and resident in one of the eligible countries: Ethiopia, Jordan, Lebanon, Mozambique, Uganda, Tunisia, Palestine, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Benin, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, South Africa, Burundi, Iraq (including Kurdistan region), Sudan, Mali, Algeria
- Language: Working proficiency in English
- Availability: Full participation in the programme, including pre- and post-programme activities
Applicants must be comfortable engaging fully in virtual and in-person collaboration and demonstrate the potential for scalable impact in their communities or markets.
The Dutch MFA values diversity and inclusion and encourages applications regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or educational background. Rural and urban entrepreneurs alike are encouraged to apply.
What Scholars Receive
Selected Enterprising Futures Scholars gain:
- A fully funded scholarship to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town
- Access to a global network of peers and mentors, supporting knowledge exchange and business development
- Opportunities to contribute to eco-system mapping, development programming, and advisory initiatives led by the Dutch MFA
- Invitations to post-programme events, allowing scholars to showcase their ventures and insights to a broader international audience
- Recognition as part of a select community of impactful young entrepreneurs, enhancing visibility and credibility within your sector
Participation is more than attending a summit — it’s a chance to be part of a movement of young entrepreneurs shaping sustainable futures for Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
Pre-Programme and Expectations
Selected scholars will be expected to:
- Engage actively in pre-programme sessions, building networks and refining skills before the Summit
- Participate fully during the One Young World Summit, collaborating on workshops, panel discussions, and mentorship opportunities
- Contribute to post-programme activities, sharing lessons learned and insights with Dutch MFA initiatives, partners, and local networks
- Serve as role models and ambassadors for entrepreneurship in their communities
By joining Enterprising Futures, scholars not only enhance their personal and professional development, but also help strengthen the ecosystems of innovation and entrepreneurship in their countries.
How to Apply
Applications are open from 19 January 2026 and will close on 9 March 2026. Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official scholarship portal:
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE
Longlisted candidates may be requested to submit additional documentation, including references. The Dutch MFA may also share scholar contact details with local embassies to broaden the network of young entrepreneurs in Africa and the Middle East.
Seize this opportunity to scale your impact, connect with a global community, and be part of a growing movement of young leaders transforming businesses, communities, and the world.
