Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026 (Cohort 3) – Equity-Free Funding up to $70,000 for Tanzanian EdTech Companies 

Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026: Overview 

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship – Cohort 3 (2026), delivered by Sahara Consult, invites applications from growth-stage, impact-driven EdTech companies in Tanzania.
This flagship programme supports innovators using technology to improve educational outcomes, drive inclusion, and create meaningful opportunities for youth, women, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities.

Following the success of Cohorts 1 and 2, the 2026 edition continues to offer robust acceleration, tailored mentorship, ecosystem partnerships, and equity-free funding to help EdTech companies scale sustainably.

Deadline: 31 January 2026 (23:59 EAT)

Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship 2026: Eligibility

Eligible Applicants Must Be:

• EdTech companies registered and operating in Tanzania.

• Growth-stage, impact-driven startups focused on improving learning outcomes.

• Companies providing solutions that serve youth, women, persons with disabilities, or underserved communities.

Important Compliance Requirements

• All submitted documents (BRELA Certificate, TIN, Business License, etc.) must be original, legitimate, and certified.

• AI-generated or AI-assisted responses are strictly prohibited throughout the application.

  • Any detected AI usage → automatic disqualification.

Benefits

Fellows receive extensive technical, business, operational, and growth support, including:

Technical & Product Support

• Customized guidance to improve product quality, effectiveness, and scalability.

• Access to Carnegie Mellon University’s short courses in learning science.

Business & Strategic Support

• Personalized 1-on-1 mentorship to strengthen:

  • Strategy

  • Operations

  • Growth models

  • Sustainability frameworks

Regulatory Support

• Expert help in navigating education and technology regulations in Tanzania.

Partnerships & Ecosystem Engagement

• Connect with:

  • Investors

  • Industry leaders

  • Schools & learning institutions

  • Policy actors

  • Mastercard Foundation network

Growth Support

• Tools and strategies to grow user adoption to 8,000–10,000 learners.

Funding

• Equity-free funding of up to USD 70,000
  (No ownership or stake taken from your company.)

Post-Acceleration Support

• One year of continued mentorship, visibility, partnerships, and ecosystem opportunities.

Fellowship Components

• Acceleration Phase: Hands-on technical and business capacity-building.

• Mentorship Phase: Deep business, leadership, and regulatory support.

• Growth & Partnerships Phase: Market access, networking, and deal-room activities.

• Post-Programme Support: Follow-up guidance and ecosystem integration for 12 months.

Application Requirements

Applicants will need to provide:

• Certified copies of:

  • BRELA Registration Certificate

  • TIN

  • Business License

  • Any additional required documents

• Accurate responses prepared without any AI involvement.

🔴 Note: All data is confidential and used solely for evaluation.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Strength and scalability of the EdTech solution

• Demonstrated social impact and inclusion

• Traction and growth potential

• Leadership and team capability

• Quality of documentation and compliance with programme rules

• Ability to address real educational challenges in Tanzania

 Application Process

1. Prepare all required certified business documents.

2. Complete the application form manually (no AI tools).

3. Submit before the deadline: 31 January 2026 at 23:59 EAT.

4. Wait for communication from Sahara Consult regarding next steps.

For inquiries: edtech@saharaventures.com

Important Dates