ELISA Scholars Training Session

 Call for Applicants for the 2021 ELISA Scholars
27-29 APRIL 2021 | 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 

  • Each year, a cohort of ambitious and innovative Africa focused entrepreneurs, of all ages and from a range of sectors is selected to attend an immersive 3-day professional development experience in Hwange, Zimbabwe. 

  • With business experts, industry leaders, investors and success coaches, the ELISA Scholars attend a training session that helps them refine their business plans, vet their ideas and receive a framework for learning to run a company. 

  • 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.


3 Aug 2020

Start of the call for applicants for the 2021 cohort of Scholars


5 JAN 2021

Application deadline and Scholar selection period begins


5 FEB 2021

Announcement of the 2021 ELISA Scholars cohort


27-29 APR 2021

We host the 2021 ELISA Scholars training session and ELISA Summit

Who may apply
High potential founders of Africa focused startups or entrepreneurs with bold new business ideas or commercially viable innovations are eligible to apply. We welcome applicants of any age, sector and gender from anywhere in the world. The company or business 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 the  scholarships are awarded.

When will know my application status?
Applicants are notified within 30 days after the application deadline.

How do ELISA Scholars benefit?

  • Travel reimbursement
  • Accommodations, meals, complementary registration for the ELISA Scholars Training Session
  • Complimentary registration for the ELISA Summit
  • Insider Membership and a profile on the ELISA Portal
  • Attend an immersive 3-day business training experience
  • Meet and network with business experts, industry leaders, investors, success coaches and other entrepreneurs from a range of industry sectors
  • Make a pitch to global business leaders and receive advice from them
  • Network and share ideas with other entrepreneurs
  • Gain recognition and exposure for your business
  • Be a role model for other aspiring entrepreneurs and contribute to a growing African entrepreneurial ecosystem
  • Receive mentoring and business insight
  • Ongoing networking and business opportunities

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 discover, connect and grow high potential Africa focused entrepreneurs who are redefining Africa’s future and creating jobs on the continent.

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