Embark Entrepreneurship Academy ✳ An IADEBAYO Foundation programme

Become the Entrepreneur who grows with confidence, not guesswork

Embark Entrepreneurship Academy empowers undergraduate students, recent graduates, and early-stage entrepreneurs across Africa with the mindset, practical business knowledge, mentorship, and community to build ventures that create jobs and solve real problems.

Apply to the Academy See the curriculum

Overview · Why Embark exists

1.3 billion young Africans by 2050. Entrepreneurship has to work.

By 2050, Africa is projected to have a population of approximately 2.5 billion people, with around 1.3 billion between the ages of 15 and 34. Entrepreneurship will play a vital role in creating employment for this rapidly growing youth population.

Yet research consistently shows that many businesses fail because founders lack access to practical business education, experienced mentors, entrepreneurial networks, and strategic guidance.

Embark exists to close this gap — structured learning, mentorship, and a supportive community that equips founders to build resilient, sustainable ventures.

We are sector-agnostic and welcome entrepreneurs from all industries — technology, agriculture, education, healthcare, fashion, manufacturing, the creative industries, retail, and beyond.

Our goals

  • Raise a new generation of African entrepreneurs
  • Encourage innovation and problem-solving
  • Promote job creation
  • Reduce poverty through entrepreneurship
  • Build financially independent young people
  • Inspire ethical leadership and lifelong learning

Academy impact

Two years of empowering African entrepreneurs.

2
Years
4
Cohorts
70
Entrepreneurs Empowered
4
African Countries
80+
Live Sessions
42+
Facilitators & Mentors

Programme model

Practical learning, real-world application.

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Live Classes

Interactive sessions led by experienced entrepreneurs and professionals deliver a structured entrepreneurship curriculum.

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Spotlight Show

Conversations with founders and changemakers sharing authentic entrepreneurial experiences and lessons learned.

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Mentorship

Guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals, matched to participants by sector and development needs.

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Capstone Project

Participants apply their learning by developing a practical business project that demonstrates strategic thinking and execution.

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Pitch Competition

Participants present their businesses before experienced judges, strengthening their confidence and communication.

Curriculum

Expert-Led Modules. Immediately Applicable.

Each module combines practical instruction, assignments, case studies, and discussions designed to help participants immediately apply what they learn to their businesses.

  1. Introduction to Entrepreneurship and the Entrepreneurial Mindset
  2. Developing Business Ideas
  3. Go-to-Market Strategy
  4. Vision Board Workshop
  5. Market Research and Data Analysis
  6. Customer Personas
  7. Product Development
  8. Marketing and Branding
  9. Sales Strategy
  10. Financial Management and Revenue Models
  11. Legal Essentials for Entrepreneurs
  12. Time Management and Productivity
  13. Teamwork and Collaboration
  14. Fundraising Fundamentals
  15. AI for Business
  16. Emotional and Mental Well-being
  17. Preparing, Pitching, and Presenting Business Ideas

Sector-agnostic. Pan-African. Completely free for selected founders.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you're likely to wonder about.

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 aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs who already have a business idea they are validating or an existing 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.

Meet our alumni

Journeys that started at Embark.

Alumni testimonials appear here — add them in the admin under Testimonials.

Meet all our alumni →

Cohort applications

Free. Online. Built for founders who are already building.

Apply to Embark →
Apply →