The Amahoro Coalition Fellowship is a 12-month leadership program that supports entrepreneurs from Refugee and Displaced Persons communities across Africa. Rather than focusing on exclusivity, the fellowship aims to provide practical opportunities—mentorship, access to networks, and hands-on training in a variety of sectors – to help leaders grow their ventures.
The program’s goal is to walk along side these amazing leaders to drive social and economic progress in their communities and continent. Fellows also have the chance to receive funding to help expand their impact.
The fellowship has already shown positive results. The first group of fellows celebrated their achievements at the Africa Forum on Displacement this past May, with their ventures creating over 1000 jobs. The second group is currently participating, and now, the third and largest cohort is beginning their journey.
After a careful selection process from 1,400 applicants, 41 new fellows are meeting in Naivasha, Kenya, for a six-day onboarding session. This week marks the start of a year filled with learning, coaching, and mentorship, all designed to work with participants to create transformative change in themselves and initiatives.
Fellows come from 11 countries – Burundi, Cameroon, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda – and their projects address pressing challenges in agriculture, health, education, climate, technology, and financial inclusion. Despite limited resources, these entrepreneurs have created 723 jobs, with a strong focus on inclusivity: 512 jobs have gone to women, and 430 to fellow refugees. Many organizations have policies to promote women in leadership, reflecting a commitment to equity.
Most fellows joined the program to gain new skills and take their organizations to the next level. While many have experience leading community projects and securing small grants, they are eager to learn more about governance, financial management, and digital skills.
We welcome Cohort 3 as they begin this journey. The fellowship is about opening doors and supporting leaders who are ready to make a difference – one step at a time.
