Applications are currently open for the Harambeans Entrepreneur Alliance 2026, offering young African innovators the opportunity to join a highly selective entrepreneurial network focused on building scalable businesses and social ventures connected to Africa. The Alliance brings together African entrepreneurs to share knowledge, build relationships, and gain access to networks, capital, and opportunities designed to support venture growth. According to Harambeans, ventures created by members of its network have collectively raised more than US$2 billion from leading venture capital investors and generated over 3,000 jobs.
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicants must be of African birth or origin.
• Candidates must currently be enrolled in a college or university or be a graduate.
• Applicants may be at the early idea stage or at a more advanced stage of developing a social or business venture.
• The venture or business idea must be focused on or related to Africa.
• Applicants do not need to be at a specific funding or company-development stage, as candidates may be considered from the idea stage through more advanced venture stages.
• Admission to the Alliance does not automatically guarantee access to every Harambeans opportunity, as fellowships, scholarships, funding programs, and other opportunities may have additional eligibility requirements.
Program Benefits
• Access to a network and ecosystem of African entrepreneurs, investors, universities, corporations, and other partners.
• Participation in knowledge-transfer sessions and peer-learning opportunities.
• Access to selected fellowship opportunities available through the Alliance.
• Opportunities to participate in founder and investor retreats.
• Exposure to venture capital and potential investment opportunities.
• Access to selected prizes and travel grants.
• Opportunities for angel investment matching and seed funding co-investment.
• Eligible Harambeans may access the Harambeans Prosperity Fund, a rules-based co-investment vehicle designed to increase capital flows to Harambean-led ventures.
• Access to specific opportunities is subject to the eligibility requirements of each individual program.
Ideal Candidate Profile
• The Alliance is intended for African innovators developing businesses or social ventures focused on or related to Africa.
• Applicants may be working across different industries, as the general Harambeans admission criteria do not specify a required sector.
• Candidates can apply with an early-stage idea or a more advanced venture.
• Applicants should demonstrate the potential of their idea or venture and alignment with the Alliance's mission of building Africa's future.
• Candidates who do not qualify for a specific Harambeans funding, fellowship, or scholarship opportunity may still be admitted to the Alliance based on the strength of their venture or idea.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to complete an application covering the following sections:
• Venture information.
• Progress to date.
• Essays.
• Harambean opportunities of interest.
• Mentors.
• Recommendations.
• Leadership and work experience.
• Awards, recognition, and skills.
• Education.
• General information.
• Terms and conditions.
Applicants must also provide the contact details of two referees. Referees are required to submit recommendations for applicants to progress to the interview stage.
Selection Process and Timeline
• The selection process is highly competitive, with more than 3,000 applications received annually and approximately 20–30 applicants admitted to the Alliance each year.
• Applications undergo an initial screening process.
• Only pre-screened candidates proceed to rounds of interviews with Harambeans.
• Candidates who successfully pass the interview stage receive Harambean Affiliate status.
• Affiliates are invited to attend the Harambeans Bretton Woods Symposium (HBWS), where they sign the Harambe Bretton Woods Declaration and are formally recognized as Associates of the Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance.
• The 20th annual Harambeans Bretton Woods Symposium is tentatively scheduled for 27–30 April 2027 at MIT, Harvard University, and the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, United States.
• Early Admission Deadline: 30 September 2026.
• Regular Admission Deadline: 31 October 2026.
• Referee Recommendation Deadline: 11 December 2026.
Associated Costs
• Participants admitted to and attending the Harambeans Bretton Woods Symposium are responsible for the cost of their flights to and from the symposium.
• A US$500 registration fee is required and is payable through the application portal.
• The registration fee covers transportation and meals during the three-night, four-day symposium.
• The registration fee must be paid approximately two months before the start of the symposium.
• Admitted applicants can receive an official admission and visa-support letter from Harambeans, which may also be used when seeking financial support for travel from universities or other sponsors.
Interested African entrepreneurs and innovators are encouraged to review the full eligibility requirements and submit their applications through the official Harambeans website before the applicable admission deadline.