Big opportunity alert for ambitious young founders across Africa and the Middle East: the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 is now officially open, and it’s designed for the kind of entrepreneurs who are not just building businesses, but building change.
If you are leading a scalable start-up or SME with real social or environmental impact, this scholarship is basically a fast-track invitation into one of the most powerful global leadership networks in the world.
This is not just funding. This is global exposure, elite networking, and a seat at the table where future economies are being shaped.
With 40 scholarships available, the Netherlands is searching for trailblazing young entrepreneurs ready to scale solutions that matter — and take their work to the world stage at the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town.
What This Scholarship Offers?
The Enterprising Futures Scholarship is more than a title — it’s a fully backed opportunity to step into the international spotlight.
Winners will attend the One Young World Summit 2026, where over 2,000 young leaders from 190+ countries gather to connect with global decision-makers, investors, innovators, and sustainability champions.
This scholarship is built for entrepreneurs who want their next chapter to be bigger than local success — and closer to global influence.
Benefits of Winning the Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026
Being selected as an Enterprising Futures Scholar means you receive a high-impact professional boost that most entrepreneurs only dream of.
Successful scholars can expect:
- Full access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town
- A global platform to showcase your start-up or SME’s sustainability impact
- Networking with world-class entrepreneurs, policy leaders, and global experts
- Pre- and post-programme engagement opportunities with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Long-term international connections that can unlock partnerships, funding, and expansion
- Recognition as one of the most promising young changemakers in emerging markets
This is the kind of scholarship that doesn’t just support your journey — it multiplies your reach.
Eligibility Criteria
To keep it simple: this scholarship is for young entrepreneurs with real impact and real ambition.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Aged 18 to 35 by the One Young World Summit in November 2026
- Leading or part of a scalable start-up or SME with demonstrated social and/or environmental impact
- Must be a national and resident of one of the eligible countries, including: Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Uganda, Ethiopia, Iraq, Tunisia, Senegal, and others
- Must have a working understanding of English
- Must be available full-time for programme participation between 30 October – 7 November 2026, including pre- and post-programme activities.
The Dutch Ministry strongly encourages applications from diverse entrepreneurs, including those in rural and underserved communities.
Apply: https://www.oneyoungworld.com/scholarship/enterprisingfutures2026
The last date to apply for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 is 9 March 2026.