Embark Entrepreneurship Academy
✳ An IADEBAYO Foundation programme

Apply to Embark.

Free, online, and built for undergraduates and graduates already running businesses in Africa.

Cohort 5 schedule

6 months of hands-on sessions.

  • Applications open1 August – 11 September 2026
  • Admission notifications14 – 25 September 2026
  • Orientation
  • Live Classes
  • Spotlight Show
  • Mentorship
  • Capstone
  • Pitch Competition

Who can apply?

  • Be an undergraduate or a graduate
  • Own or co-own an existing business with measurable traction
  • Operate a business within Africa
  • Demonstrate commitment to growing your venture
  • Have reliable access to a laptop or smartphone and the internet throughout the programme

Programme highlights

Learn from experienced entrepreneurs Mentorship Pan-African community Capstone Project Pitch Competition Certificate of Completion

Frequently asked questions

Is there a registration fee?
No. Embark Entrepreneurship Academy is 100% free. There are no application, registration, tuition, or certification fees.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who complete the programme and meet the attendance and participation requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion at no cost.
Are there any in-person classes?
No. All classes, mentorship sessions, and programme activities are conducted entirely online. This allows participants, facilitators, and mentors from across Africa and around the world to engage conveniently without the need to travel.
When are classes and mentorship sessions held?
Live classes are held on weekends to accommodate participants' academic and work schedules: Saturdays (morning) and Sundays (evening). Mentorship sessions are scheduled separately at mutually convenient times between mentors and mentees.
Who is eligible to apply?
The programme is open to undergraduates, recent graduates, and early-stage entrepreneurs across Africa who are currently building or actively working on a business.
Do I need to have an existing business?
Yes, the programme is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs who already have a business they are actively growing.
How long does the programme last?
The duration of each cohort may vary. Successful applicants will receive the programme calendar and schedule before the cohort begins.
How much time should I commit each week?
Participants are expected to attend the weekly live classes, actively engage with mentors, complete assignments where applicable, and participate in programme activities throughout the cohort.
What will I learn?
The curriculum covers practical topics including entrepreneurial mindset, business strategy, customer discovery, product development, marketing, sales, finance, legal fundamentals, leadership, fundraising, productivity, and leveraging AI for business growth.
Will I be assigned a mentor?
Yes. Participants will be matched with experienced entrepreneurs and professionals who will provide guidance, accountability, and practical support throughout the mentorship programme.
Can I participate while studying or working full-time?
Absolutely. The programme is intentionally designed with weekend classes and flexible mentorship sessions to accommodate students and working professionals.
How are participants selected?
Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, commitment, the potential of the business or business idea, and the applicant's willingness to actively participate throughout the programme.
What happens after I submit my application?
Our team will review all applications. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email with the next steps and important programme information.
How can I stay updated about future cohorts?
Follow our social media channels and subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on applications, programme announcements, and upcoming events.

Embark application form

Embark is the IADEBAYO Foundation's entrepreneurship academy. Across one cohort you get a structured curriculum, live classes with people who have built real businesses, a mentor matched to your sector, a capstone project, and a pan-African community of founders. It costs nothing.

Three short sections. Fields marked * are required, and you'll get a confirmation email once you submit.

  1. 1 Section A — About the applicant
  2. 2 Section B — Business information
  3. 3 Commitment
Step 1 of 3 Section A — About the applicant

Tell us who you are. Use an email address you check often; that is where every update about your application will go.

A Gmail address is preferred
Graduated from / currently attending
Required. Paste your profile URL — “linkedin.com/in/…” is enough.
Optional. Instagram, X, TikTok — whichever you actually use.
Optional. A second platform, if you have one.
Step 2 of 3 Section B — Business information

Now the venture itself. Your video carries as much weight as the written answers, so give it a minute of thought before you record — the brief is under the link field. Filmed on a phone is perfectly fine.

Your video should answer three things:
  1. Who you are — your name, where you are, what you study or studied.
  2. What your business does — what you sell, to whom, and how it is going.
  3. Why you should be chosen — what Embark would change for your venture.
About a minute is plenty, and filmed on a phone is perfectly fine — we are listening to what you say, not judging the production. How to share it: upload the clip to Google Drive, open it, choose Share, set it to “Anyone with the link”, then paste that link here. An unlisted YouTube, Vimeo or Dropbox link works too. A private link cannot be reviewed, and an application we cannot watch cannot be assessed.
Optional — leave blank if the business has no site yet.
Optional. Where customers find the business.
Year the business was established.
What do you believe is the biggest factor limiting the growth of your business right now? *
Tick everything that applies.
Explain briefly.
Step 3 of 3 Commitment

Embark runs on live sessions, assignments, mentorship, networking, and a capstone project. These answers tell us you can see it through.

Which device will you primarily use to participate? *
Are you willing to actively participate throughout the programme? *
Do you have reliable internet access for live virtual sessions? *
How did you hear about Embark? *
Agreed that photos and video recorded during the programme may be used by the Foundation.
Apply →