2027 ELISA Business Scholars Program

The ELISA Business Scholars Program (EBS) is an intensive, multi-stage initiative designed to identify, train, and accelerate high-potential African founders who are building defensible, revenue-generating enterprises across the continent.

Aligned with our overarching theme "Made in Africa" the program moves beyond basic startup theory. It equips selected entrepreneurs with the operational tools, financial governance models, and strategic mentorship needed to scale localised processing, integrate into regional supply chains, and build sovereign enterprises that drive job creation and long-term value addition within local economies.

The program combines a 3-day immersive training session and full summit participation in Hwange, Zimbabwe, followed by 12 months of structured 1-on-1 coaching with experienced international business leaders and industry veterans.

The Scholar Experience & Benefits
Selected Scholars receive a comprehensive, fully funded scholarship package including:

• Immersive Executive Training: 3-day hands-on workshop led by business experts on financial engineering, market positioning, unit economics, and supply chain defensibility.
• Full Summit Access: Complimentary pass to attend the 2027 ELISA Business Summit on August 5, 2027, connecting directly with institutional investors, corporate buyers, and policy leaders.
• 1-Year Dedicated Executive Coaching: Paired with an assigned business coach for monthly 1-on-1 virtual strategy sessions to refine and execute a 12-month Action Plan.
• Full Travel & Accommodation Coverage: Fully funded round-trip flights or travel expense reimbursements, plus conference lodging and meals in Hwange.
• Virtual Marketplace Visibility: Priority featured placement on the ELISA Virtual Marketplace to showcase products, source continental suppliers, and attract off-take partners.
• Lifetime Network Access: Permanent membership in the ELISA Portal community, including access to weekly Bootstrap Briefs, virtual Confab events, and investor pitch showcases

Application Timeline & Key Dates (2027 Cohort)

• October 1, 2026: Call for Applications officially opens for the 2027 Cohort.
• May 5, 2027: Application deadline; selection committee review and scoring period begins.
• July 1, 2027: Final selections finalized and notifications issued to the 2027 Cohort.
• August 4–7, 2027: Scholars and Coaches attend the in-person Training Session & Summit in Hwange, Zimbabwe.
• August 2027 – August 2028: 12-Month Virtual Coaching & Action Plan Implementation.