The Igniting Dreams Prize is seed capital awarded to the most promising entrepreneurs from each fellowship cohort.
In 2026, all 20 fellows will receive financial support for their businesses. The top 10 entrepreneurs will receive higher funding amounts in ascending order, while the remaining 10 fellows will receive equal base funding.
The top 10 prize winners will also benefit from a 6-month hybrid accelerator program designed to further develop their business models, build investor-ready financial models, and position their ventures for follow-on investment and job creation.

If you are a promising young entrepreneur from Northern Ghana seeking mentorship, funding, and business growth, this is an opportunity to accelerate your venture.

Learn more about how to be part of the next generation of Africa’s emerging entrepreneurs.

Who is eligible to apply?

The Igniting Dreams Program does not discriminate against applicants because of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, education, income, socio-economic status, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other circumstance. The Fellowship is committed to fairness, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Requirements

1. Business registration documents
2. CV/Resume
3. 2 Referees
4. Complete an application form

Anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible to apply:

1. Your business was established within the last three(3) years.
2. You are between 15 and 35 years by March 2026.
3. You live in or hail from any of the 5 regions of Northern Ghana.
4. Your business operates primarily in Northern Ghana.
5. Be available to attend a virtual training (Mar-May 2026) and a weeklong boot camp in Wa in June/July 2026.
6. Businesses within all industries are welcome to apply, particularly in Agribusiness, Fashion, and Technology.
7. Your business has the potential to create jobs and positively impact your community.
8. You have ambitions to sell your products or services across Africa.
9. You have completed at least a Senior High School Education.
10. Young women and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

Application and Selection Timeline

January 1, 2026 | Application opens
January 30, 2026 | Application deadline
February 2026 | Semi-finalists interviewed by Igniting Dreams Team
March 2026 | Applicants are notified of their status, and the  Fellowship begins

Igniting Dreams Fellows become default members of the Niibala Alliance

About the Niibala Alliance

Born out of the Igniting Dreams Program, the Niibala Alliance is a lifelong fellowship of brilliant and ambitious young African entrepreneurs dedicated to transforming underserved African regions through entrepreneurial innovation, integrity, and shared prosperity. We believe entrepreneurship is a force for dignity, independence, and economic transformation. Guided by our values of integrity, boldness, accountability, leadership, and African excellence, members commit to building ventures that create jobs and lasting impact. Rooted in the spirit of Niibala (community), the Alliance supports its fellows through capital, mentorship, and collaboration — empowering them to thrive as changemakers and shape a more prosperous, self-sustaining Africa.

Igniting Dreams provides crucial promise for businesses to reach new and quality consumers from key multi-industry sectors across Northern Ghana and beyond. Take advantage of this opportunity by sponsoring the Igniting Dreams 2025 program. 

We will work together with you to create customized sponsorship packages that speak to your specific business needs.