Commonwealth Fellowship 2025
Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025: Fully Funded Opportunity for African Entrepreneurs
Are you an ambitious startup founder in Africa seeking global exposure, expert mentorship, and financial support to grow your business? The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 is now open for applications, and it’s designed to empower entrepreneurs from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria and other African nations.
This six-month, fully-funded programme provides comprehensive business support, international networking opportunities, and access to grant funding – all aimed at helping innovative startups scale sustainably.
If you’re passionate about solving real-world problems with your startup, don’t miss this life-changing opportunity. Read on for full eligibility details, programme benefits, and how to apply before the 30 June 2025 deadline.
About the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is an initiative by the Commonwealth Secretariat to support early-stage startups in countries with limited resources. The programme aims to develop a generation of problem-solvers who can address local and global challenges through innovation.
Now entering its second cohort in 2025, the fellowship continues to target founders from low and middle-income Commonwealth nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Bangladesh, and more.
Programme Timeline and Structure
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 officially kicks off in November 2025, beginning with a two-week in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
Here’s what participants can expect:
In-Person Bootcamp (Ghana)
One founder per selected startup will travel to Accra, Ghana, for the two-week bootcamp. This intensive training will include:
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Strategy and business development sessions
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Design thinking and user research
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Fundraising and investor readiness
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Mentoring with successful founders and experts
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Pitch training and business storytelling
Online Participation for Co-Founders
Even if only one founder can attend in person, co-founders and team members can join virtually. They will have access to all online workshops, webinars, and coaching sessions.
Ongoing Virtual Coaching
After the bootcamp, participants will receive continuous support through:
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One-on-one mentorship
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Industry-led workshops
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Peer-to-peer learning
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Investor engagement and business clinics
Grant Funding and London Capstone Event
One of the most attractive features of the fellowship is financial support through the £35,000 Fellows Fund.
Fellows Fund Grant
Startups can apply for non-equity, non-repayable grants from this fund to support key business areas such as:
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Product development
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Marketing and customer acquisition
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Hiring and team support
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Infrastructure or operational needs
London Capstone Event
Top-performing fellows may also be selected to travel to London, UK, for the Capstone Event. This is an exclusive platform to:
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Pitch to investors and venture capitalists
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Meet policymakers and Commonwealth leaders
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Network with global ecosystem builders
Who Should Apply?
To be eligible for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025, applicants must meet the following individual and business requirements:
Individual Criteria
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Must be a citizen or refugee from a low or middle-income Commonwealth country
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Live full-time in that country
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Hold at least a university degree
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Be fluent in English (both speaking and writing)
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Must not have taken part in a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship in the past 5 years
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Must be available from November 2025 for the full programme duration
Startup Criteria
Your business should meet the following minimum requirements:
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A working product or prototype
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At least six months of consistent operations
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Evidence of market interest (early customers, signups, pre-orders, etc.)
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A clear, innovative solution to a real problem
Whether your startup is in edtech, agritech, fintech, healthtech, or another sector, your idea must demonstrate potential for scalability and social impact.
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025
Applications are now open and will close on 30 June 2025 at 4:00 PM (BST).
Steps to Apply:
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Visit the official application portal via the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Application Form
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Fill in your personal and business details
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Upload required documents such as a business summary, pitch deck, and references
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Submit before the deadline
Ensure your submission is detailed, compelling, and honest. Highlight your startup’s vision, market fit, and measurable traction.
Related Opportunities for Nigerian Entrepreneurs
At PolityZen, we’re committed to helping young Nigerians access premium career and funding opportunities. You can also check out:
Bookmark www.polityzen.com and follow us on social media to never miss an opportunity.
Why You Should Apply
If you’re still unsure, here are a few compelling reasons to apply for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025:
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Global Exposure: Represent your country on an international platform
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Mentorship: Learn from experienced founders and ecosystem experts
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Zero Cost: It’s fully funded – no tuition, travel, or accommodation fees
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Financial Support: Apply for non-dilutive grants to grow your business
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Networking: Build valuable relationships with investors, peers, and mentors
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Long-Term Value: The fellowship builds business resilience and scale-up readiness
This is more than just a training programme. It’s an investment in your future as an African entrepreneur ready to drive meaningful change.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 30 June 2025 (4:00 PM BST).
Apply early, polish your pitch, and showcase why your startup deserves to be part of this prestigious fellowship.
Final Thoughts
Africa’s youth are the heartbeat of innovation in the Commonwealth. With the right support, mentorship, and funding, your ideas can spark change across borders.
Take advantage of this fully-funded Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2025 and move your business to the next level.
For more entrepreneurship news, grant alerts, and education updates in Nigeria, stay connected with PolityZen.
