The Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026

Organization: One Young World (in partnership with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Program: Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Application Deadline: 9 March 2026

Are you a trailblazing entrepreneur leading a scalable start-up with a mission to change the world? Do you believe that business can be the ultimate force for social and environmental good? The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), through the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO), has partnered with One Young World to present the Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026. This prestigious opportunity is designed to identify and empower forty of the most impactful young business leaders from emerging and frontier markets, providing them with the platform, network, and resources to take their ventures to the next level.

Join our WhatsApp Group

---

The Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 is more than just a ticket to a conference; it is a gateway to a lifelong community of changemakers. By 2030, over two billion young people will be shaping the global economy. This scholarship ensures that those at the forefront of innovation, those building resilient, local solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, have a seat at the table. If you are ready to scale your impact and connect with a global ecosystem of experts, peers, and mentors, we invite you to apply for the Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026.

---

The Vision: Building Resilient Economies Through Innovation

The world is currently navigating a “polycrisis,” a convergence of climate change, widening inequality, and institutional fragility. However, in these challenges, the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs sees a massive opportunity for innovation. The Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 was born from the belief that young entrepreneurs are the key to building dynamic and sustainable economies.

By developing new products, entering untapped markets, and growing innovative business models, young leaders strengthen local ecosystems and create jobs. Yet, many of these visionaries face significant barriers, including limited access to international networks and resources. The Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 directly addresses these gaps by integrating local expertise with global exposure. Selected scholars will join 2,000 young leaders from over 190 countries at the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, to collaborate on solutions that “leave no one behind.”

ALSO READ: Career Opportunity: UN Information Management Intern

---

What the Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 Offers

Selected recipients of the Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 receive a fully-funded experience designed to maximize their professional and personal growth. The scholarship package includes:

• Summit Access: Fully-funded participation in the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town (3 to 6 November).
• Exclusive Pre-Programme: Participation in a two-day, in-person intensive workshop in Cape Town prior to the Summit. This includes leadership training, networking with peers, and a high-stakes pitching competition.
• Travel and Logistics: Round-trip economy flights from your country of residence to Cape Town, plus domestic travel costs to your local airport.
• Accommodation and Meals: Hotel accommodation and all catering (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the pre-programme and the Summit.
• Administrative Support: Coverage of visa application fees and required travel for visa appointments, including an extra night of hotel stay if needed for the visa process.
• Lifetime Membership: Upon completion, scholars become One Young World Ambassadors, gaining lifetime access to the Global Leadership Programme, Action Accelerator, and a community of over 17,000 changemakers.

---

Eligibility and Candidate Criteria

The Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 seeks individuals who are not just dreamers, but doers. We are looking for entrepreneurs who have already proven that their business model can scale and create tangible social or environmental impact.

To be eligible, candidates must:

1. Age: Be between 18 and 35 years old by the date of the Summit in November 2026.
2. Professional Role: Be leading or part of a scalable start-up or small-to-medium enterprise (SME) as an entrepreneur or in a similar leadership role.
3. Impact: Demonstrate a clear social and/or environmental impact through their business activities.
4. Language: Have a working understanding of English, as all programming is conducted in English.
5. Location: Be a national and resident of one of the following eligible countries:
   • Africa: Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Benin, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, South Africa, Burundi, Sudan, Mali, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt.
   • Middle East: Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq (including the Kurdistan region).

The Dutch MFA is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all eligible entrepreneurs regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or educational background. Whether you operate in an urban center or a rural community, your voice is vital to the Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026.

ALSO READ: Career Opportunity: UNHCR Entry-Level Positions 2026

---

The Program Journey: From Pre-Programme to Global Ambassador

The journey of an Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 recipient begins long before the main stage in Cape Town.

1. The Pre-Programme (30 October to 2 November):

Before the main Summit begins, scholars will gather for a specialized two-day workshop. This is a crucial time for the cohort to bond and refine their business strategies. Through interactive workshops and mentorship sessions, scholars will learn how to effectively scale their social impact. The highlight of this period is a pitching competition, where scholars can showcase their ventures to experts and potential partners.

2. The One Young World Summit (3 to 6 November):

Scholars will join the world’s most impactful youth leadership forum. Here, you will hear from global icons, industry leaders, and fellow activists. The Summit is a whirlwind of keynote speeches, delegate-led workshops, and networking sessions designed to challenge your perspectives and sharpen your leadership skills.

3. Beyond the Summit:

The Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 is the start of a long-term partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Previous scholars have been invited to advise on new development initiatives, participate in global ecosystem mapping, and share their experiences at high-level events organized by the Dutch MFA and its partners.

---

How to Apply

Applying for the Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 is a competitive but straightforward process. Interested candidates must complete the online application through the One Young World portal.

Required Materials:

• A detailed CV or Resume outlining your entrepreneurial journey.
• A personal statement or motivation letter explaining your business impact and why you need this scholarship.
• (If longlisted) References and additional documentation regarding your start-up’s scalability and impact metrics.

Application Deadline: 9 March 2026

The selection committee is looking for individuals who can clearly articulate their vision and demonstrate how the Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 will help them overcome specific barriers to growth. Early application is highly encouraged.

---

Join the Global Movement

Being an Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 scholar means joining a network that doesn’t just talk about the future, it builds it. From Cape Town to Cairo, and from Amman to Accra, we are looking for the leaders who will redefine what it means to do business in the 21st century.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 2026 cohort. Help us build a resilient, dynamic, and sustainable global economy. Apply for the Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 today and take your place among the world’s most promising entrepreneurs.

Apply Now:

---

---