Mastercard Foundation FAST Program 2026 Now Open for Applications
Calling all Young African Leadership Initiative, African Leadership Academy, Anzisha Prize, and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni.
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, the Mastercard Foundation Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition Program (FAST) can provide funding and access to business development training to support your venture.
Applications are now officially open for the Mastercard Foundation Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST) Program 2026.
If you are an alumnus of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI), African Leadership Academy (ALA), Anzisha Prize, or the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, and you are building a start-up, this opportunity is designed specifically for you.
About the FAST Program
The FAST Program provides funding and structured business development support to alumni entrepreneurs who are in the early or transition stage of growing their ventures.
Beyond financial support, selected entrepreneurs will receive:
- Business development training
- Structured mentorship
- Access to entrepreneurial networks
- Strategic support to strengthen and scale their ventures
The program is designed to help promising founders move from early traction to sustainable growth and measurable impact.
Who Should Apply?
You should apply if:
- You are an alumnus of YALI, ALA, Anzisha Prize, or Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- You are currently building or transitioning a start-up
- You are seeking funding and structured business support
- You are committed to scaling an impact-driven enterprise
Why This Opportunity Matters
Access to early-stage funding and quality business mentorship remains one of the biggest barriers facing young African entrepreneurs. The FAST Program directly addresses this challenge by investing in proven leaders who already have strong networks and a foundation of excellence.
If you qualify, this is a high-value opportunity that combines capital with capacity building ā something many funding programs do not offer.
Application Status
š Applications Opened: February 20, 2026
š Status: Now Open
Interested applicants should review eligibility criteria and prepare their materials early.
To learn more about eligibility, program details, and how to apply:
Learn more about the Program and how to apply: https://lnkd.in/gTnPxBBu
