The Rockefeller Foundation has unveiled its first group of Africa Big Bets Fellows, selecting 10 innovators from across the continent who are building scalable solutions in key sectors such as energy, food systems, healthcare, and financial access.
The programme, launched during the AfricaXchange Summit 2026 in Nairobi, signals growing focus on backing locally driven ideas with the potential to expand across markets and reach millions.
The fellows, drawn from Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania, will go through a five-month programme designed to help them grow their ideas and reach more people. Their work touches on critical areas such as access to electricity, food security, healthcare, climate resilience, and financial inclusion.
The launch comes as the Foundation marks 60 years since opening its Africa Regional Office in 1966, a milestone that reflects its long involvement in development work across the continent.
Speaking during the announcement, Foundation President Rajiv J. Shah said the initiative is about backing people already doing the work on the ground. He noted that many African innovators are building solutions that are improving lives, and the fellowship is meant to help them expand that impact.
Across the continent, access to basic services remains uneven. Millions of people still live without electricity, while others struggle to access affordable healthcare or financial services. Climate change is also making things harder, especially for communities that depend on farming or are already vulnerable to economic shocks.
Despite these challenges, there is growing optimism about what is possible. With better planning and investment, renewable energy could meet a large share of Africa’s needs in the coming years.
According to William Asiko, who heads the Foundation’s Africa office, this year’s fellows reflect a shift toward solutions that are designed and led locally. He pointed out that many of the ideas being supported are not only practical but can also be expanded to reach more communities.
The selected fellows are working on a wide range of projects from mobile clinics in rural Ghana and waste recycling initiatives in Accra, to school feeding programmes in Kenya and solar-powered systems for off-grid communities in Nigeria. Others are using technology to improve farming, expand access to credit, and provide real-time data to guide decisions on migration and climate risks.
The announcement was made during AfricaXchange 2026, an annual meeting that brings together funders, development experts, and innovators. This year’s theme, “money, markets, and mindsets,” focused on the need for Africa-led solutions and financing models that support long-term growth.
Founded in 1913, The Rockefeller Foundation has supported programmes in Africa for decades, initially focusing on health before expanding into areas such as food systems, energy access, and economic development. Today, a significant portion of its funding goes toward projects on the continent, including efforts to expand electricity access and strengthen community health systems.
The new fellowship adds to similar programmes already running in other regions and is expected to support African innovators in turning their ideas into solutions that can reach more people and create lasting impact.
