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Building the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

A significant portion of the Commonwealth’s population—around 60 percent under the age of 30—underscores the urgent need to prepare young people with the tools to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Among the most crucial of these tools are entrepreneurial skills, which are increasingly seen as key drivers of both economic growth and sustainable development.

To help address this challenge, the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) has launched the Commonwealth Start-Up Fellowship, a groundbreaking initiative designed to connect high-potential founders from developing Commonwealth countries with the resources and support they need to scale their innovations.

Strategic Support and Global Collaboration

The fellowship, backed by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and jointly delivered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and Imperial College London, offers young entrepreneurs not only training and mentorship, but also funding of up to £35,000. This financial and strategic support empowers innovators to turn their ideas into sustainable, impact-driven enterprises.

A Platform for Youth Innovation

On 12 September 2025, fellows gathered at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London to present their ventures and share their personal journeys. The event attracted high commissioners, academics, business leaders, and policy experts, creating a collaborative space to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing youth-led enterprises across the Commonwealth.

The discussions highlighted how strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem—from access to finance to mentorship networks—is essential for enabling young innovators to succeed. The insights gathered will directly inform the ACU’s ongoing policy and advocacy efforts, supporting a more enabling environment for entrepreneurship across member countries.

Voices of the Fellowship

Four pioneering alumni—Akshay Kawale from India, Ife Olatayo from Nigeria, Martin Masiya from Malawi, and Maryanne Gichanga from Kenya—shared their experiences and lessons learned during the event. Their stories reflected the fellowship’s transformative impact, demonstrating how targeted support can empower entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and build businesses that create both social and economic value.

Shaping a Sustainable Future

The Commonwealth Start-Up Fellowship is more than a training program; it is a launchpad for sustainable youth entrepreneurship. By investing in innovation and equipping young leaders with essential skills, the initiative is laying the foundation for a resilient and inclusive economic future across the Commonwealth.