Applications are now open for the 2026 Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship. Sahara Consult, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, launched this program following the success of previous cohorts. The initiative specifically targets growth-stage, impact-driven EdTech companies in Tanzania that are actively enhancing educational outcomes through innovation. The 2026 Fellowship continues its mission to empower these companies to advance inclusive learning and create lasting impact for youth, women, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities. Fellows benefit from extensive customized technical and business support, strategic partnership access, and substantial equity-free funding up to USD 70,000. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2026 (23:59 EAT).
Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Tanzania (Program Host: Sahara Consult) |
| Study Abroad | N/A (Business Development Fellowship/Grant) |
| Category | Professional Fellowship | EdTech Grant | Business Acceleration |
| Eligible Countries | Tanzania (Companies based in Tanzania) |
| Reward | Equity-Free Funding up to $70,000 | Mentorship | Partnership Access |
| Key Criteria | Growth-stage, Impact-driven EdTech company in Tanzania, Focus on inclusive learning, Required legitimate business documents |
| Application Deadline | January 31, 2026 (23:59 EAT) |
2026 Mastercard Foundation Tanzanian EdTech Fellowship Details
The Mastercard Foundation Tanzanian EdTech Fellowship is a high-impact accelerator program designed to catalyze the growth and scalability of local, innovative educational technology solutions. The core purpose is twofold: to strengthen the operational capacity of EdTech companies and to ensure that their digital tools effectively reach and serve disadvantaged populations, thereby promoting inclusive learning across Tanzania.
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The program model is built on tailored support, recognizing that growth-stage companies require specific, customized interventions rather than generic training. By offering financial assistance that does not require equity, the Fellowship maximizes the founders’ capacity to reinvest and scale their impact. The overarching goal is to transform these companies into sustainable, profitable entities that are strategically aligned with the goal of improving educational outcomes for youth, women, and underserved communities.
Benefits and Specific Fellowship Award Tiers
The Fellowship provides a holistic support package across three essential tiers: funding, business support, and technical development.
Tier 1: Equity-Free Funding & Post-Acceleration Support (Up to USD 70,000)
This tier represents the maximum direct financial and long-term continuity support provided by the Fellowship.
- Value: Equity-Free Funding up to USD 70,000, ensuring founders retain full ownership while receiving substantial financial injection for scaling.
- Criteria: Provided to all successful fellows upon selection, with the exact amount determined by evaluation and business needs, and contingent upon adherence to program objectives.
Tier 2: Personalized Mentorship and Strategic Growth Support
This category focuses on high-level coaching and market penetration strategies essential for a growth-stage company.
- Personalized Business Mentorship: Direct coaching to refine strategy, strengthen operations, and support sustainable growth and profitability.
- Growth-Hacking Support: Proven tools and strategies to help companies rapidly grow their user base, targeting 8,000–10,000 learners.
- Strategic Partnerships: Access to a strong network of investors, industry leaders, schools, and policy actors to expand market opportunities and foster collaborations.
Tier 3: Technical Development and Regulatory Compliance
These awards focus on improving the product’s quality, navigating the operating environment, and continuous learning.
- Customized Technical Support: Tailored guidance to improve the product’s quality, performance, and scalability across different user groups.
- Regulatory Engagement Support: Expert assistance to help companies understand, navigate, and comply with complex education and technology regulations in Tanzania.
- Access to CMU Online Courses: Free short courses from Carnegie Mellon University focused on learning science, ensuring the product is based on sound pedagogical principles.
- One-Year Post-Acceleration Support: Ongoing mentorship, visibility, and ecosystem engagement after graduating from the core program.
Eligibility Requirements for Mastercard Foundation Tanzanian EdTech Fellowship 2026
The Fellowship is specifically designed for established, impact-focused EdTech entities operating in Tanzania.
- Academic/Leadership: Must be an EdTech company operating in Tanzania that is enhancing educational outcomes through innovation, with a focus on impact-driven growth.
- Study Status: The company must be at the growth-stage, ready to scale their product and impact significantly.
- Visa Status: All required official company documents (BRELA Certificate, TIN, Business License) must be legitimate and certified copies of the originals.
- Program Admission: Must be committed to advancing inclusive learning for youth, women, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities.
How to Apply for Mastercard Foundation Tanzanian EdTech Fellowship 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process requires careful, honest, and documented submission of company details.
- Access Application Link: Click the designated application button/link to access the official application portal for the 2026 Fellowship.
- Complete Application: Fill out the detailed application form, providing valid information regarding your company’s structure, product, impact, and financials.
- Upload Documents: Scan and upload all required documents (BRELA Certificate, TIN, Business License, etc.). Important Note: All documents must be legitimate and certified copies of the originals.
- Submit & Review: Submit the application before the deadline. Note that the use of AI-generated or AI-assisted responses in preparing or completing the form is strictly prohibited and will result in automatic disqualification.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 (23:59 EAT)
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the name of the organization partnering with the Mastercard Foundation for this Fellowship?
The Mastercard Foundation is partnering with Sahara Consult to host and manage the 2026 Tanzanian EdTech Fellowship program.
What is the maximum amount of equity-free funding available to fellows?
Fellows are eligible to receive Equity-Free Funding up to USD 70,000 to support their company’s scaling and growth, with no ownership taken.
What type of company is the Fellowship targeting?
The program targets growth-stage, impact-driven EdTech companies that are already operating in Tanzania and developing innovative solutions for education.
What is the deadline for submitting the application for the 2026 Fellowship?
The final application deadline for the 2026 Mastercard Foundation Tanzanian EdTech Fellowship is January 31, 2026, at 23:59 EAT (East Africa Time).
What key demographic groups are the companies expected to serve?
The companies must be focused on advancing inclusive learning for youth, women, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities.
What business and legal documents must be submitted with the application?
Applicants must submit legitimate and certified copies of official documents, including their BRELA Certificate, TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number), and Business License.
What specific warning is given regarding the application process?
A strict note states that AI-generated or AI-assisted responses are strictly prohibited, and any detection of AI use will result in automatic disqualification.
Does the Fellowship end immediately after the acceleration phase?
No, the program includes a significant benefit of One-Year Post-Acceleration Support, offering ongoing mentorship, visibility, and ecosystem engagement.
What is the goal of the Growth-Hacking Support provided to fellows?
The Growth-Hacking Support aims to help companies rapidly grow their user base, with a specific target range of 8,000–10,000 learners.
What educational resources are available to fellows through the program?
Fellows gain access to free short courses from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) that are focused on learning science.
