Scholarship applications will open on May 3, 2021 for entrepreneurs working and living in Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal and Uganda.
MIT’s Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship has launched the Foundry Fellowship, a groundbreaking leadership program for successful entrepreneurs who are reflecting on their role in shaping the future of the African innovation ecosystems in which they work and live. . At an inflection point in their entrepreneurial journey, fellows will learn from MIT faculty how to connect with investors and expand their network of innovative peers. The scholarship is open to entrepreneurs who work and live in Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal and Uganda.
Inspired by the philosophy of MIT, Mens and Manus (mind and hand), The Foundry is a place where entrepreneurs come together to reflect on their accomplishments and shape their future as leaders in business, investment and governance. The program includes an interactive online program followed by a three-week immersive session that brings the cohort together to explore innovation-driven ecosystems.
The Foundry Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to bring MIT’s resources and knowledge to these critical innovation ecosystems and, most importantly, also provides MIT with the opportunity to learn from successful leaders and their innovative solutions. .
Professor Fiona Murray, Faculty Director of the Legatum Center, described this opportunity to expand MIT’s innovation network “[as] a time for fellows to reflect on their [entrepreneurial] journey which also allows us to learn from them. They can use this experience as a stepping stone to take the next step in ecosystem-wide leadership. “
“As a school dedicated to nurturing innovative leaders with principles that improve the world, MIT Sloan is delighted to welcome Fellows from Legatum Foundry in Cambridge and into the MIT community,” said David Schmittlein, John C Head III, Dean of MIT Sloan School of Management.
A collaboration between the Legatum Center and the Mastercard Foundation
Through this collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, the “Foundry” scholarship will strengthen the impact of leaders who solve complex problems, create jobs and deliver essential services to millions of people through business models focused on innovation.
With the world’s fastest growing young population, Africa is home to 4 of the 5 fastest growing economies in the world, has the fastest rate of urbanization in the world, and has a thriving middle class. expansion that is expected to increase spending by businesses and consumers. Innovation and entrepreneurial solutions are an essential component of the continued growth and prosperity of people and societies on the continent. African entrepreneurs are building businesses that offer lessons in inclusion, sustainability and value creation that extend far beyond the continent. As a global network of entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders, “The Foundry” of the Legatum Center provides a platform for leaders to share their stories and consider new ways to expand their impact in their communities. local ecosystems and around the world.
Dina Sherif, Executive Director of the Legatum Center, said: “To propel Africa forward and remain globally competitive, we need innovation-driven entrepreneurship and robust African entrepreneurial ecosystems. The Foundry Fellowship supports African entrepreneurs to become entrepreneurial leaders who work with various stakeholders to strengthen and improve their ecosystems. “
The Foundry Fellowship is a competitive program for outstanding entrepreneurial leaders working in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Uganda. The Legatum Center will accept nominations from May 3 to May 20, 2021. An appointment is not required to apply; entrepreneurs are invited to submit an application directly. All applicants must submit a full application package by 11:59 p.m. EDT on June 10, 2021 to be considered for the program.
Information on nominations and applications is available at legatum.mit.edu/foundry-fellowship/. A first cohort of 15 fellows will be selected for this fully funded program.
