Application Deadline: February 7, 2025
Are you a passionate changemaker striving to address poverty in East Africa? The 2025 Acumen East Africa Fellows Program is now accepting applications! This prestigious, fully-funded fellowship program is designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, networks, and mindset needed to create meaningful social impact in their communities.
Acumen Fellowship has a legacy of fostering leaders who dare to challenge the status quo and implement innovative solutions to combat poverty. The program offers participants a transformative leadership journey, helping them refine their values, enhance their self-awareness, and cultivate the tools required to scale their impact.
What is the Acumen East Africa Fellows Program?
The Acumen East Africa Fellows Program brings together exceptional leaders from East Africa who are committed to tackling poverty and driving systemic change. Participants, who range from social entrepreneurs to senior decision-makers, gain access to a robust curriculum, a supportive cohort, and a global community of changemakers.
The program helps participants:
- Strengthen leadership skills and self-awareness.
- Learn to negotiate across differences and inspire action.
- Build the capacity to lead teams, shape organizations, and create systemic change.
- Develop the ability to tell authentic, impactful stories that drive change.
Program Structure for the Acumen East Africa Fellows Program
The fellowship is designed for working professionals, allowing participants to remain in their current roles while fully engaging in the program. Over six months, the hybrid structure blends virtual learning with immersive in-person experiences and self-paced assignments.
Program Highlights for the Acumen East Africa Fellows Program:
- Virtual Orientation: A 3-day introduction to set the tone for the fellowship.
- In-Person Immersives: Two immersive sessions, each lasting five days. Assignments and group calls (8 hours per immersive) to deepen learning and foster collaboration.
- Learning Labs: Three interactive labs, each four hours long, supported by additional assignments.
This structure ensures that Fellows gain valuable insights while balancing professional commitments.
Eligibility Criteria for the Acumen East Africa Fellows Program
To qualify for the Acumen East Africa Fellows Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Professional Experience: Minimum of 5 years of work experience (average Fellows have 10-15 years). A proven commitment to solving issues of poverty.
- Leadership Role: applicants should be social entrepreneurs or senior decision-makers actively working on poverty-related challenges.
- Regional Focus: Candidates must reside in one of the following East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, or Somalia.
- Availability: A reliable internet connection and full participation in all program components are required.
- Encouraged Groups: Women and individuals serving or identifying as forcibly displaced persons (FDP) are strongly encouraged to apply.
This diverse and inclusive approach ensures a broad range of perspectives and experiences within the cohort.
Benefits of Becoming an Acumen Fellow
The Acumen East Africa Fellows Program offers unparalleled support and resources to its participants, empowering them to maximize their impact.
Fully Funded Fellowship: All program-related expenses, including lodging, meals, and learning materials for the in-person immersives, are covered by Acumen. Travel reimbursements are available for participants who require them. Acumen covers all program-related costs, including:
- Lodging and meals during in-person immersives.
- Reimbursements for travel expenses (if claimed).
Leadership Development: Gain practical tools to help Fellows gain skills in storytelling, negotiation, conflict resolution, and team building, empowering them to drive sustainable change.
- Lead diverse teams effectively.
- Resolve values in tension.
- Navigate challenges in complex systems.
Networking Opportunities: Participants become part of the broader Acumen Fellows community, connecting with leaders and changemakers from around the world. Join a cohort of like-minded leaders from across East Africa. Access Acumen’s global community of changemakers and alumni.
Practical Learning Experience: The program integrates Fellows’ real-world challenges, enabling them to immediately apply their learning to their organizations and communities. Acquire the skills needed to inspire action, foster collaboration, and implement innovative solutions to poverty.
Application Process for Acumen Fellowship
Applying to the Acumen East Africa Fellows Program is a straightforward but comprehensive process. Here’s what you need to know:
- Read the Applicant Toolkit: Download and review the Applicant Toolkit to understand the program and prepare your application.
- Submit the Online Application: Deadline: February 7, 2025. The application includes questions about your work, impact, and readiness for the fellowship.
- Participate in the Selection Conference: Shortlisted applicants will attend the Selection Conference on April 10-11, 2025. This event may be held in person or virtually.
- Begin the Fellowship Journey: Selected Fellows will be notified in early May 2025. The program officially starts on May 14, 2025.
Why Acumen East Africa Fellows Program Matters
Poverty remains one of the most pressing challenges in East Africa, requiring bold and innovative solutions. The Acumen East Africa Fellows Program plays a crucial role in addressing this issue by empowering leaders who are on the front lines of change.
By fostering collaboration, developing leadership capabilities, and providing a global platform for their work, the program equips Fellows to:
- Tackle systemic challenges with fresh perspectives.
- Create and scale solutions that drive economic and social transformation.
- Influence policies and practices that promote equity and justice.
The Fellowship is more than a leadership program—it is a movement that connects visionary changemakers across East Africa and beyond.
Impact at Scale:
- Fellows emerge as influential leaders who inspire and mobilize others to create sustainable solutions.
- The program fosters innovative thinking to address the root causes of poverty rather than just the symptoms.
Regional and Global Recognition:
- As an Acumen Fellow, you’ll join a prestigious network of changemakers recognized for their commitment to social impact.
- The program amplifies your voice, enabling your work to reach broader audiences and stakeholders.
Learn More
Don’t miss this opportunity to join a transformative fellowship that equips you with the skills, connections, and mindset to create lasting change in East Africa. Start your application today and take the first step in your journey as an Acumen Fellow!
For detailed information about the program, eligibility criteria, and application requirements, visit the official webpage of the Acumen East Africa Fellows Program.