Mastercard Foundation FAST Programme 2026

The Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST) is a Mastercard Foundation initiative that supports young African alumni entrepreneurs from selected partner programmes. FAST helps founders move from early-stage development to scalable, impactful ventures through financial support, structured enterprise development training, mentorship, and ecosystem connections. The programme operates across two phases: an Idea Phase for early-stage entrepreneurs refining business concepts, and a Build Phase for entrepreneurs scaling operational businesses. Funding amounts are determined by venture maturity. Materials are available in multiple languages.

Financial support across two phases (Idea and Build), business development training, leadership coaching, mentorship, ecosystem connections, and access to the Mastercard Foundation alumni network.

Open to alumni entrepreneurs from selected Mastercard Foundation partner programmes (leadership and scholarship programmes). Applicants still completing studies may receive provisional acceptance for the next cohort after graduation. Targets diverse African youth populations, including women and underserved communities.