Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship Cohort 3 (2026): Up to $60,000 Equity-Free Funding for African Startups

EdTech founders building practical and scalable learning solutions across Africa can now apply for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship – Cohort 3 (2026).

The programme is delivered in partnership with Nigerian EdTech Management & Development Ventures (nmedventures). Selected startups will receive up to $60,000 in equity-free funding, along with structured business support to help them grow sustainably and reach more learners.

Supported by the Mastercard Foundation, the fellowship focuses on strengthening digital learning solutions across African countries and helping education technology companies build strong, lasting businesses.

What Selected Startups Will Receive

Startups chosen for Cohort 3 will benefit from a complete support package designed to help them improve their products and expand their reach.

1. Equity-Free Grant Funding

Participants will receive up to $60,000 in non-dilutive funding. This means founders do not give up shares in their company.

The funding can be used for:

• Product development and upgrades

• Expanding to new markets

• Hiring key team members

• Improving technology infrastructure

• Strengthening operations

This allows startups to grow faster without losing ownership.

2. Structured Business Support

Beyond funding, the fellowship provides guided support to help founders strengthen their companies. This includes:

• Reviewing and refining business models

• Improving pricing and revenue strategies

• Developing strong go-to-market plans

• Customer acquisition strategy support

• Financial planning and budgeting guidance

The goal is to help startups move from early growth stage to stronger and more stable operations.

3. Mentorship and Expert Guidance

Founders will gain access to experienced mentors from Africa and beyond. These experts provide guidance in areas such as:

• Education policy and regulation

• Curriculum development

• Product design for learning outcomes

• Scaling EdTech products

• Preparing for investment

This mentorship helps founders avoid common mistakes and make informed decisions as they grow.

4. Access to Investors and Ecosystem Partners

Startups will be introduced to a wider network of:

• Investors

• Education stakeholders

• Innovation hubs

• Corporate partners

• Government and policy actors

This exposure increases visibility and creates opportunities for partnerships and follow-on funding.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to:

• Growth-stage EdTech startups operating in Africa

• Companies using technology to improve teaching and learning

• Startups serving K-12 learners, tertiary institutions, TVET providers, or informal learning platforms

• Founders focused on improving access, affordability, and quality of education

To qualify, startups should have:

• A working product or tested solution

• Evidence of users or customer traction

• A clear plan for growth

• Strong potential to scale within African markets

Early-stage ideas without a working product may not be competitive for this cohort.

Education and Digital Learning in Africa

Many schools and training institutions across Africa are adopting digital tools to improve teaching and learning. Online platforms, mobile learning apps, virtual classrooms, and blended learning systems are becoming more common.

EdTech startups play an important role by:

• Supporting teachers with digital tools

• Providing students with flexible learning options

• Offering skills training through online platforms

• Creating affordable access to quality content

With the right funding and structured support, these startups can serve more learners and build sustainable businesses.

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is designed to help founders strengthen their operations, improve their products, and prepare for long-term growth.

How to Apply

Interested startups should submit their applications through the official portal below:

https://www.nmedventures.com/mastercardfdnedtechfellowship/

Applicants should carefully review all eligibility requirements and ensure they provide accurate information and complete documentation before submission.

Founders building practical education solutions across Africa are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to grow their impact and scale their businesses.