Are you an EdTech entrepreneur in Tanzania seeking the right platform to scale your innovation and create meaningful educational impact? The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026 – Cohort 3 offers a transformative opportunity for Tanzanian EdTech companies that are building solutions targeted at improved learning outcomes.
Through this competitive fellowship, innovators are supported with technical assistance, mentorship, equity-free funding, and long-term ecosystem engagement designed to accelerate growth and expand access to quality learning.
Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026 – Cohort 3
The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Sahara Consult, has launched the third cohort of the EdTech Fellowship following the outstanding achievements recorded in the first two rounds. This initiative is dedicated to supporting growth-stage, impact-driven EdTech companies in Tanzania that are actively transforming education through technology.
By offering tailored technical assistance, business mentorship, funding support, and access to influential networks, the program ensures that EdTech innovators are better positioned to scale and serve more learners across the country.
The fellowship has been designed not only to empower entrepreneurs but also to strengthen Tanzania’s EdTech ecosystem. Through this program, solutions that enhance access to learning for youth, women, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities are promoted and supported. The Mastercard Foundation aims to remove barriers that limit innovation while contributing to improved educational outcomes nationwide.
Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026 – Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | Tanzania |
| Implementing Partner | Sahara Consult |
| Program Type | EdTech Accelerator / Fellowship |
| Funding Provided | Up to USD 70,000 (equity-free) |
| Target Applicants | Tanzanian EdTech Companies (Growth-Stage) |
| Program Duration | One-year acceleration + One-year post-acceleration support |
| Application Deadline | 31 January 2026 (23:59 EAT) |
| Focus Areas | Inclusive learning, digital innovation, and education outcomes |
| Benefits | Funding, mentorship, technical support, partnerships, and regulatory guidance |
| Eligible Sectors | Learning platforms, digital content, education tools, skills development |
| Program Mode | Hybrid (Virtual + In-person engagements) |
What Is the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship All About?
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship is a strategic capacity-building and funding program created to support innovative EdTech companies dedicated to transforming Africa’s education landscape. The 2026 Cohort 3 focuses specifically on Tanzanian companies that have developed solutions with measurable impact and are ready to reach more users.
Through the fellowship, selected companies benefit from structured acceleration that improves product quality, strengthens business models, and facilitates investor readiness. Technical support is combined with personalized mentorship and regulatory guidance to help founders navigate the education technology landscape.
Moreover, the fellowship promotes inclusive learning, ensuring that digital tools are extended to marginalized groups such as rural learners, girls, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities. By reinforcing local innovation, the Mastercard Foundation contributes to long-term improvements in Tanzania’s education system.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be considered for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026 – Cohort 3, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a registered EdTech company in Tanzania.
- Must be a growth-stage startup, preferably with a functional product already in use by learners or institutions.
- The company must have a strong mission focused on improving educational outcomes.
- Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to scale and serve 8,000–10,000 learners within the given timeframe.
- All supporting documents, such as the BRELA Certificate, TIN, and business license, must be legitimate and certified copies.
- Applicants must submit original, non-AI-generated responses, as AI-assisted entries are strictly prohibited.
- Companies must show a commitment to inclusivity, focusing on youth, women, persons with disabilities, or underserved populations.
These criteria ensure that companies selected for the fellowship are committed to growth, innovation, and positive social impact.
Fellowship Benefits
Participants in the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship receive comprehensive support designed to strengthen their product, business, and impact. Benefits include:
Customized Technical Support
Companies receive specialized guidance to improve product performance, user experience, and technology scalability. This support helps them refine their tools to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Personalized Business Mentorship
Founders are matched with experienced mentors who provide strategic insights on growth, business development, operations management, and sustainability.
Regulatory Engagement Assistance
EdTech founders often face challenges navigating education and digital policies. The fellowship offers expert guidance to help companies comply with legal requirements and collaborate effectively with regulators.
Strategic Partnerships
Participants gain access to influential networks, investors, schools, policymakers, and global EdTech stakeholders, thus expanding collaboration opportunities and market reach.
Growth-Hacking Support
Fellows receive practical tools and proven strategies to rapidly increase user acquisition, enabling companies to reach 8,000–10,000 learners or more.
Access to CMU Online Courses
Participants receive free access to Carnegie Mellon University courses focused on learning science, product development, and educational innovation.
Equity-Free Funding of Up to USD 70,000
Selected companies receive substantial financial support without giving up ownership or equity in their business. This funding aids product expansion, marketing, and operational growth.
One-Year Post-Acceleration Support
After completing the program, fellows continue receiving mentorship, visibility, and ecosystem support to maintain momentum and long-term success.
Required Documents
Applicants must upload certified copies of the following documents:
- BRELA Certificate
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Business License
- Pitch deck or business presentation
- Company profile
- Evidence of product usage or traction
- Contact details of founders
- Any additional supporting documents required in the application form
All documents must be original, valid, and not AI-generated.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow the steps below to submit a strong application for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Access the application portal through the official webpage of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship.
Step 2: Review All Requirements
Carefully read the eligibility criteria, important notes, and document guidelines.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather certified copies of your business certificates, product information, and supporting documents.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the online application form with accurate and original information. Ensure that no section contains AI-generated responses.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 31 January 2026 (23:59 EAT).
Step 6: Await Review and Selection
Shortlisted companies will be contacted for interviews, product assessments, or additional documentation.
Why Join the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship?
- It offers equity-free funding.
- It provides world-class mentorship and technical support.
- It connects founders with investors and policymakers.
- It accelerates user growth and market expansion.
- It strengthens Tanzania’s EdTech ecosystem.
- It helps founders create meaningful educational impact.
Being part of this fellowship means joining a community dedicated to shaping the future of learning in Africa.
For more details or to submit your application, please visit the official webpage of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship.
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