The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship–Cohort 3 is now open for applications, offering a powerful opportunity for EdTech companies in Tanzania. This program is run in partnership with Sahara Consult and is designed to support growth-stage, impact-driven education technology startups that are transforming how students learn.
If you’re building a solution that improves learning outcomes, expands access, or makes education more inclusive, this fellowship can help you scale your idea into a national force for change.
Below is everything you need to know about the opportunity.
What the Fellowship Is About
The EdTech Fellowship has already completed two successful cohorts, supporting innovators who used technology to solve real educational challenges. Startups from these cohorts enjoyed targeted support, improved sales and profitability, and gained access to investors and important education partners.
For the 2026 edition, Mastercard Foundation continues its mission of empowering EdTech companies that are creating meaningful impact for:
- Youth
- Women
- Persons with disabilities
- Underserved communities
If your work aligns with these groups, this fellowship may be one of your biggest growth opportunities.
What You Will Gain as a Fellow
The program offers a long list of benefits designed to help you strengthen your company from every angle—technical, business, regulatory, and financial.
Here’s a breakdown of what you get:
1. Customized Technical Support
You will receive expert guidance to improve how your EdTech product works.
This includes help with:
- Product performance
- User experience
- Technology scalability
Whether you need to solidify your backend systems or refine your learning design, the team will support you.
2. Personalized Business Mentorship
Experienced business coaches will work directly with you to refine:
- Your business strategy
- Your internal structure
- Your growth and sustainability plans
This helps you scale with clarity and confidence.
3. Regulatory Engagement Support
The education sector is heavily regulated.
The fellowship helps you:
- Understand relevant regulations
- Meet necessary compliance requirements
- Communicate effectively with government bodies
This will protect your company from avoidable legal risks.
4. Access to Strategic Partnerships
Your network will expand significantly.
You’ll gain access to:
- Investors
- Schools and educators
- Industry leaders
- Policymakers
These partnerships can open doors to pilot programs, market expansion, and long-term collaborations.
5. Growth-Hacking Support
You will learn proven methods and strategies to rapidly grow your user base.
The program targets helping you reach 8,000–10,000 learners, giving your product real impact and traction.
6. Free CMU Online Courses
Fellows receive access to short courses from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). These courses cover learning science and other essential skills you need to build effective EdTech solutions.
7. Up to USD 70,000 in Equity-Free Funding
This is one of the strongest benefits.
You can receive up to $70,000 in funding without giving up any equity in your company. This means:
- No ownership is taken
- No repayment required
- You retain full control of your startup
This support helps you grow while staying independent.
8. One-Year Post-Acceleration Support
Even after the core program ends, you will continue receiving:
- Visibility
- Mentorship
- Access to ecosystem networks
This ongoing support helps you apply what you’ve learned and sustain your growth.
Important Notes for Applicants
Before applying, keep these key points in mind:
- All submitted documents—BRELA Certificate, TIN, Business License, and others—must be legit and certified copies.
- AI-generated or AI-assisted responses are not allowed. If any part of your application is found to be written using AI, you will be automatically disqualified.
- Your information will be used only for evaluation and kept confidential.
For questions, you can reach the team at edtech@saharaventures.com.
Application Deadline
31 January 2026 at 23:59 EAT
Start early so you have enough time to prepare all documents manually, as required.
Final Thoughts
The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship–Cohort 3 is one of the strongest opportunities for Tanzanian EdTech startups looking to scale, improve their product, grow their user base, and secure funding without giving up equity. If you’re building an educational solution that can improve lives, this program is worth your time.
