The African Development Bank Fellowship 2025 for Emerging Fund Managers is now open for applications. This groundbreaking initiative, launched by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and implemented by Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), is designed to empower 20 early-stage private equity and venture capital fund managers across Africa.
With a focus on real-world challenges and growth opportunities, the fellowship offers hands-on training, personalized mentorship, and global exposure to unlock the full potential of fund managers shaping Africa’s financial future.
If you’re a fund manager looking to scale impact, attract funding, and connect with top LPs, this 8-month, part-time, remote-first fellowship could be the game-changer you need.
African Development Bank Fellowship Summary
| Feature | Details |
| Organizer | African Development Bank (AfDB) |
| Implementing Partner | Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) |
| Fellowship Duration | June – December 2025 |
| Format | Remote sessions + In-person bootcamp (Autumn 2025) |
| Who Can Apply | Emerging PE/VC fund managers investing in Africa |
| Asset Cap | Must have less than USD 50M in assets under management |
| Application Deadline | May 21, 2025 |
| Official Website | CLICK HERE |
About the Fellowship
This African Development Bank Emerging Fund Managers Fellowship 2025 is the first-of-its-kind capacity-building program tailored to Africa-based fund managers.
With African capital markets evolving rapidly, the program directly tackles the funding, operational, and strategic issues facing early-stage managers on the continent.
Key Objectives:
- Strengthen fund managers’ technical knowledge
- Expand access to international investors and Limited Partners (LPs)
- Foster innovative financing approaches across underserved regions and sectors
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Private Equity (PE) or Venture Capital (VC) fund manager
- Be actively investing in Africa
- Have less than USD 50 million in assets under management
- Be in the launch stage or closing of a first-time fund
- Have small but high-potential portfolios
- Focus on underserved sectors or geographies
- Demonstrate clear additionality and impact goals
Program Benefits
Participants will benefit from a rich mix of training, exposure, and mentorship:
Core Training Modules
- Fundraising strategy
- Investment execution
- Legal structuring
- Impact measurement
- Portfolio development
In-Person Bootcamp
- Held alongside a major African investment event
- Boosts visibility and ecosystem connections
Expert Mentorship
- One-on-one sessions with seasoned fund managers
- Personalized strategic guidance
- Networking Opportunities
- Access to a growing network of African and global LPs, investors, and fellow fund managers
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: Ongoing
- Deadline to Apply: May 21, 2025
- Program Duration: June – December 2025
How to Apply
- To apply for the African Development Bank Fellowship 2025, visit the official webpage: HERE
- The program will begin in June. Applications are open until May 21, 2025. Link to application form https://form.jotform.com/250825347216355.
- Once on the page, fill in the form and follow the onscreen process to complete the application.
- Ensure your application is complete and submitted before the deadline. Selected fellows will be contacted directly.
For more details, visit the website here.
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