Enterprising Futures Scholarship to Attend the OYW Summit 2026

Applications are being received for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. By 2030, more than two billion young people will be shaping the future of their economies, particularly in emerging and frontier markets. Young entrepreneurs are already driving innovation, building scalable businesses that respond to local challenges and generate lasting social and environmental impact.

Entrepreneurs play a vital role in strengthening local economies by developing new products and services, expanding innovative ideas, and entering new markets. However, many young founders still face barriers such as limited access to networks, resources, and international exposure.

In response, the Enterprising Futures Scholarship was established by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO), in partnership with One Young World. The programme supports promising young entrepreneurs and business leaders who are building scalable solutions to sustainability challenges and are ready to elevate their impact through global collaboration.

Programme Details

• Event: One Young World Summit 2026.
• Number of awards: 40 scholarships.
• Date: 3 – 6 November 2026 (with mandatory program participation from 30 October to 7 November 2026).
• Venue: Cape Town, South Africa.
• Eligible 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 the Kurdistan Region of Iraq), Sudan, Mali, and Algeria.

Enterprising Futures Scholarship Benefits

Winners of this scholarship to attend the One Young World Summit will receive a fully funded opportunity that includes the following benefits:

• Access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa (3 – 6 November 2026)
• Participation in an exclusive in-person pre-programme in Cape Town prior to the Summit
• Access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme, Action Accelerator, and lifetime membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community
• Hotel accommodation during the pre-programme and Summit
• Return economy flights from the participant’s country of residence to Cape Town
• Domestic travel costs to the international departure airport
• Visa costs (including visa application fees and required travel for visa appointments), if applicable
• One night of hotel accommodation, if required, for the visa application process
• Catering (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the pre-programme and Summit
• Transport between the Summit accommodation and the Summit venue
• Access to additional events organised by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Enterprising Futures Scholarship Eligibility

To apply for this programme, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be aged 18 to 35 by the date of the One Young World Summit 2026 in November
• You must be leading or part of a scalable start-up or small- to medium-sized enterprise (SME) with demonstrable social and/or environmental impact
• You must be a national of and resident in one of the eligible countries listed above
• You must have a working understanding of English, as the Summit and all related programmes will be conducted in English
• You must be available to participate full-time between 30 October and 7 November 2026, including pre- and post-programme activities

How to Apply for the Enterprising Futures Scholarship

Eligible applicants who would like to apply for this scholarship programme must click on the “Apply” button on the official scholarship page and follow the instructions to submit their applications.

1. Visit the official One Young World scholarship application portal.
2. Create an account or log in to begin your application.
3. Complete the form with details about your enterprise, leadership role, and measurable social or environmental impact.
4. Submit any additional information if requested (longlisted candidates may be invited to provide further documentation, including references).
5. Submit your application before the deadline.

Required Documents

• Completed online application form
• Personal and contact information
• Description of your start-up or SME and its impact
• Evidence of scalability and measurable results
• Additional documentation and references (if requested upon longlisting)

The deadline to submit applications for this program is 9 March 2026. Please visit the official page for more details on the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026.