Application Deadline: 9 March 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 One Young World – Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Enterprising Futures Scholarship. Entrepreneurs are instrumental in bolstering local economies by introducing innovative products and services, nurturing creative business ventures, and exploring new markets. Their efforts contribute significantly to establishing resilient and vibrant economic landscapes. Despite their critical role, many young entrepreneurs encounter obstacles such as restricted access to valuable networks, limited resources, and insufficient international engagement opportunities.
To help overcome these challenges, the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO), collaborates with One Young World to provide an annual scholarship aimed at emerging entrepreneurs and business leaders. This initiative targets ambitious changemakers who are developing scalable solutions addressing sustainability issues and are eager to elevate their impact by engaging with a worldwide community.
Recipients of this scholarship will gain the opportunity to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, an event that gathers around 2,000 young leaders representing more than 190 countries. The summit serves as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, learning from international experts, and collaborating on tackling some of the world’s most urgent challenges. Attendees can expect an empowering atmosphere that enhances professional growth, sharpens entrepreneurial capabilities, and fosters the creation of meaningful global networks that support enduring success.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old as of the One Young World Summit dates in November 2026.
- They should be leading or actively involved in a scalable start-up or small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) with a clear social and/or environmental impact, either as an entrepreneur or in a comparable leadership position.
- Applicants need to be 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
- A proficient working knowledge of English is mandatory, as all Summit events and Enterprising Futures programmes (pre- and post-) will be conducted in English.
- Applicants must be available to participate full-time between 30 October and 7 November 2026, including all pre- and post-programme activities.
Scholarship Benefits
Those awarded the Enterprising Futures Scholarship will receive comprehensive support, including:
- Entry to exclusive events arranged by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a preparatory pre-programme.
- Participation in the One Young World Summit 2026, scheduled for 3 to 6 November in Cape Town.
- Access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme, the Action Accelerator initiative, and lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community.
- Accommodation at a hotel during both the pre-programme and the Summit.
- One additional night’s hotel stay (if required) to facilitate visa processing.
- Round-trip economy flights from the applicant’s country of residence to Cape Town.
- Coverage of domestic travel expenses to the international departure airport.
- Visa-related costs when applicable, including visa application fees and necessary travel for visa appointments.
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the pre-programme and Summit duration.
- Transportation between the Summit lodging and the event venue.
Pre-Programme Details
Prior to the main Summit, Enterprising Futures Scholars will participate in an in-person pre-programme hosted in Cape Town. Over two days, participants will engage with fellow scholars and enhance their leadership and entrepreneurial competencies through workshops and interactive sessions. Among the activities is a pitching competition, designed to help scholars refine their ideas and amplify their social impact. This preparatory experience ensures participants are well-equipped to maximize the benefits of the Summit itself.
For further details and to apply, candidates are encouraged to Visit the Official Webpage of the One Young World – Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Enterprising Futures Scholarship.
