2026 One Young World: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Enterprising Futures Scholarship

Job Description

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Applications are now open for the 2026 One Young World Enterprising Futures Scholarship, offered in partnership with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO). This scholarship supports young entrepreneurs and business leaders who are driving scalable solutions to sustainability and social impact challenges.

The scholarship provides an opportunity for young changemakers to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, and gain access to a global community of leaders, mentors, and resources to accelerate their business and social impact.

Scholarship Overview

• Programme Name: One Young World – Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026
• Organizers: Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO), and One Young World
• Summit Dates: 3 – 6 November 2026
• Pre-Programme Dates: 30 October – 1 November 2026
• Location: Cape Town, South Africa
• Application Deadline: 9 March 2026

Who Should Apply

This scholarship is open to candidates who meet the following criteria:

• Aged 18 – 35 by the date of the Summit in November 2026
• Leading, or part of, a scalable start-up or small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) with demonstrable social and/or environmental impact
• Nationals 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), Sudan, Mali, Algeria
• Working knowledge of English (required for pre-programme, Summit, and post-programme activities)
• Available to join the programme full-time between 30 October – 7 November 2026

Benefits of the Scholarship

Selected Enterprising Futures Scholars will receive:

• Full access to the One Young World Summit 2026
• Participation in the pre-programme in Cape Town, including leadership and entrepreneurial workshops and a pitching competition
• Membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community with access to lifetime leadership opportunities
• Hotel accommodation during the pre-programme and Summit
• One night accommodation (if required) for visa application process
• Return international flights (economy class) and domestic travel to the airport
• Visa costs, including travel for visa appointments
• Meals throughout the pre-programme and Summit (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Transport between accommodation and Summit venue
• Access to additional events organized by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Pre-Programme Activities

Before the Summit, scholars will attend an in-person two-day pre-programme in Cape Town, which includes:

• Leadership and entrepreneurship workshops
• Interactive sessions with fellow entrepreneurs
• Pitching competition to showcase scalable social impact solutions
• Networking with global changemakers to prepare for the Summit

Interested and eligible candidates should submit their application before 9 March 2026. Early application is recommended to maximize consideration.

The scholarship offers a unique opportunity for young entrepreneurs to grow their ventures, expand their networks, and gain global visibility for their impact initiatives.