ELISA Scholars Training Session

 Call for Applicants for the 2022 ELISA Scholars
30 AUG - 1 SEPT 2022 | HWANGE, ZIMBABWE

How to apply:

1. Complete the online Scholar application form

2. Setup your Gateway profile on the ELISA portal 

3. Login to the Gateway, add a project and intro video 

  • The 3-day business experience in Hwange, Zimbabwe, brings together a cohort of high potential founders of Africa focused startups and entrepreneurs or leaders with bold business ideas.

  • The immersive training session led by business experts, industry leaders, investors and success coaches, emboldens the ELISA Scholars to advance their ideas, refine their business strategy, and create jobs.

  • ELISA Scholars are trained to manage business financials, develop an investor presentation and elevator pitch. After the training session, ELISA Scholars attend the ELISA Summit and receive ongoing support and training through the ELISA portal.


15 Jan 2022

Start of the call for applicants for the 2022 cohort of Scholars


31 MAY 2022

Application deadline
and Scholar selection period begins


15 JUL 2022

Announcement of the 2022 ELISA Scholar cohort


30 AUG-1 SEPT 2022

ELISA Scholars attend the 2022 training session and ELISA summit

Who may apply
High potential founders of Africa focused startups and entrepreneurs or leaders with bold business ideas.

We welcome applicants of any age, sector or gender from anywhere in the world. Your business, project or idea must be based in Africa, have a focus on Africa or operate in Africa.

How are ELISA Scholars selected?
Scholar selection for each cohort is carried out by a committee of representatives designated by the ELISA Advisory Council.

Applicants are scored using a rubric based on predetermined criteria. The final scores are used to determine Scholar selection. An interview is arranged with each of the top scoring candidates before scholarships are awarded.

When will I know my application status?
Applicants are notified within 45 days after the application deadline.

Successful applicants receive:

  • Conference accommodations, meals and complementary conference registration for the ELISA summit, see https://elisanetwork.com/summit
  • Up to US$700 in travel reimbursements
  • Business coaching and personalized mentoring
  • Insider Member access to the global ELISA network and virtual events
  • Meet, network with and receive advice from business experts
  • Gain recognition and exposure for your business, projects or ideas
  • Unlimited access to entrepreneurial content on the ELISA portal
  • Be a role model for other aspiring entrepreneurs

The ELISA Summit schedule will be continuously updated with info about speakers and topics.


Be part of something bigger
ELISA is an initiative of ICPD, the International Center for Professional Development, a 501c3 non-profit organization based in the United States. The aim of the ELISA Scholars program is to embolden Africa focused entrepreneurs and leaders to advance their ideas and create jobs on the continent.

have a question?
For more information email us: scholars@icpdprograms.org