Applications are now live for the 2026 cohort of Enterprising Futures scholars.

They are looking for forty of the most trailblazing, impactful entrepreneurs who are leading or part of a scalable start-up or small- to medium-sized enterprise with social or environmental impact. Applicants must apply through the application portal below.

ELIGIBILITY:

Candidates must be:

Aged 18 – 35 by the date of the One Young World Summit 2026 in November.

Leading or part of a scalable start-up or small- to medium-sized enterprise (SME), with demonstrable social and/or environmental impact, either as an entrepreneur or in a similar role.

Nationals of and residents of one of the following countries: Ethiopia, Jordan, Lebanon, Mozambique, Uganda, Tunisia, Palestine, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Benin, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, South Africa, Burundi, Iraq (including Kurdistan region of Iraq), Sudan, Mali, Algeria

All candidates will be required to have a working understanding of English, as both the One Young World Summit and Enterprising Futures pre- and post-programmes will be held in English.

Candidates must be available to join the programme full time between 30 October – 7 November, as well as pre- and post-programme dates.

The Dutch MFA values an inclusive and diverse environment. The Dutch MFA encourages all young entrepreneurs (rural-urban) that are eligible to apply (no matter race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, religion, or education). 

BENEFIT:

Enterprising Futures Scholars will receive:

Access to additional events organised by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the pre-programme.

Access to the One Young World Summit 2026, taking place from 3 to 6 November in Cape Town, South Africa.

Access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme, Action Accelerator and lifetime membership to the One Young World Ambassador Community.

Hotel accommodation for the duration of the pre-program and summit dates.

One night of hotel accommodation (if required) for the visa application process.

Return travel from your country of residence to Cape Town (flights in economy).

Domestic travel costs to the airport to take the international flight.

Visa costs, if applicable (including the visa application fee and required travel for visa appointment).

Catering which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the pre-programme and the Summit.

Transport between the Summit accommodation and the Summit venue.