Class 9 - Africa
We are excited to announce the call for applications for our eFounders Fellowship Class 9, which will be open to founders/co-founders of digital ventures from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Botswana, South Africa.
The eFounders Fellowship program provides first-hand exposure to eCommerce and digital innovations, access to business leaders across Alibaba and China, as well as an opportunity to connect with like-minded, leading entrepreneurs in your region. The fellowship is a community of passionate and successful "Champions for the New Economy" looking to inspire and create a more inclusive development model for all.
The eFounders Fellowship program is jointly organized by Alibaba Business School and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), who are implementing the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
Program dates:
Due to COVID-19, the original dates for eFounders Fellowship Class 9 (Africa) will be postponed with new dates to be released soon.
You are still welcome to apply for the program, and you will be given ONE YEAR VALIDITY as well as access to Alibaba Global Initiatives online courses once accepted.
What will participants learn?
• The key factors in Alibaba’s long-term success.
• The defining moments and failures that have shaped Alibaba’s journey (including the early stages of development).
• An understanding of Alibaba’s ecosystem.
What the program cannot promise:
• The opportunity to partner with Alibaba.
• The opportunity to receive Alibaba investment.
We welcome entrepreneurs who are:
• Authentic, open-minded and altruistic leaders of the 'new economy'.
• Building enterprises for long-term success, not for short-term profit.
• Mission-driven and have a strong sense of purpose, integrity, vision, and drive.
• Willing to learn and share their experiences and ideas.
Class 9 enrollment criteria:
• You MUST be a full-time founder or co-founder of an officially registered digital venture that has been in operation for at least 2 years.
• Your venture MUST be headquartered, located in or operates in one of the following countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Botswana, South Africa.
• You MUST provide at least 1 referral in your application (referrals from a partner/organizer/eFounders Fellow are preferred).
• You MUST provide your official business license when requested during the application process.
• Entrepreneurs below 35 years old, female entrepreneurs, and target country locals are strongly encouraged to apply.
Program costs:
Covered:
• Hotel accommodation(shared room).
• Training materials and training session costs.
• Field trips and site visit transportation costs.
• Small daily living allowance of 30 RMB/day.
Not covered (costs you must personally cover):
• Air tickets and transportation/pick-up services to and from Hangzhou, China.
• Single hotel room requests (if you would like to stay in a single room you will be required to cover the full cost yourself).
• Additional food or personal expenses.
Apply online:
Applications for Class 9 are NOW OPEN.
Class 9 - Africa
Due to COVID-19, the original dates for eFounders Fellowship Class 9 (Africa) will be postponed with new dates to be released soon.
You are still welcome to apply for the program, and you will be given ONE YEAR VALIDITY as well as access to Alibaba Global Initiatives online courses once accepted.
Africa Netpreneur Prize
The Africa Netpreneur Prize is a serparate entrepreneurship initiative organized by the Jack Ma Foundation set to run over the next 10 years. For more information, please see the prize website.
Previous Highlights
Class 3 highlights of 29 entrepreneurs from Africa attended class 3 of the eFounders Fellowship program in June 2018.
Official Handbook
Program FAQs