Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship - Nigeria Cohort

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship for Entrepreneurs offered by the Dunin-Deshpande Innovation Centre at Queen’s University (DDQIC) gives African students and recent graduates the opportunity to access training, resources, financial support and a network of mentors to develop their entrepreneurial skills and start building their own venture. The 8-month program develops the exceptional entrepreneurial skillset and mindset of leaders to drive social and financial impact.

Future Perspectives, a technical partner of DDQIC, equips the Nigerian participants with mentorship, training, and funding support to ensure their successful completion of the program.

2025 Cohort

In 2025, over 1,000 students from across the continent were accepted into the program, including 350 from Nigeria. As the program advances to the final Launch Phase, 60 participants have been selected—20 of whom are Nigerians, with an additional three awarded scholarships.