About

The Mastercard Foundation Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST) Program empowers the next generation of African entrepreneurs by connecting them to funding, business development training, and a supportive network of mentors and like-minded entrepreneurs. FAST is a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and leading African innovation hubs including CCHub Nigeria, MDF Global, Concree, Scale up, Savannah Innovations Lab, the Center for Enterprising Organizations, Inkomoko, and the Africa Leadership Academy.

Who Can Apply

FAST is open to aspiring entrepreneurs or those in the early stages of their entrepreneurship journey who are alumni from one of these programs: Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), African Leadership Academy (ALA), Anzisha Prize, or the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Applicants who are nearing graduation can receive provisional acceptance and join the next cohort upon completing their studies.

What You Get

Participants receive funding in two phases based on their startup development stage. The Idea Phase provides an average of $3,000 (up to $5,000) to help develop and refine initial business concepts. The Build Phase offers an average of $12,500 (up to $15,000) to transform ideas into viable business models. Beyond funding, participants gain access to comprehensive business development training and ongoing mentorship from a network of experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.

Deadlines

March 20, 2026

How to Apply

Applicants must submit documentation confirming their alumni status from one of the eligible programs through the online application portal. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni need to provide a student ID from their institution for verification. Alumni from African Leadership Academy, Anzisha Prize, or Young African Leaders Initiative can use the English FAST verification letter or provide alternative verification such as a certificate of completion.