The Green Rise Africa Fellowship, a program spearheaded by Acumen in partnership with the Masafa Foundation, is opening new doors for Gambian entrepreneurs working in the climate and green economy space.  

Speaking at African Princess Hotel on Thursday, Acumen representatives emphasised that the fellowship is not just about business growth but about cultivating moral leadership, to set the tone with a powerful reminder: “If not me, who?”, urging participants to see themselves as agents of change. 

Omono Etomi Acumen Fellows manager explained that Acumen’s mission is to invest in entrepreneurs who build inclusive societies. The Green Rise Africa Fellowship is a six-month hybrid program combining virtual workshops and in-person sessions across West Africa. Its curriculum focuses on self-reflection, values-driven leadership, and resilience in business.  

Oluchi Okoroafor, Acumen’s fellowship senior associate, highlighted that the fellowship goes beyond technical training: “It asks leaders to look beyond their businesses, examine their values, and be intentional in their decisions.” Workshops such as Authentic Voice and Adaptive Leadership help fellows navigate ethical dilemmas and competing priorities.

Oyinda Adegboye, founder manager of Acumen, described Acumen’s global network of over 2,000 fellows as the fellowship’s greatest legacy. Graduates gain lifelong membership, access to peer collaboration, and opportunities for funding through the Angels Green Rise Africa program, which offers grants of $25,000 or $50,000.  

“Funding is important,” Adegboye noted, “but the strongest capital we provide is social capital - the network of entrepreneurs who support and learn from each other.”  

Local entrepreneurs shared how the fellowship has transformed their work.  

Beran Dondeh Gillen, co-founder, The Hub Ltd, described the program as “truly transformational”, emphasizing that it validated his commitment to integrity in business. “It’s an uphill battle to be a moral leader, but Acumen gave us the opportunity to learn, validate, and pass these values on to our teams.”  

Mariam Sarge, founder of Electric Energy Solution, explained how the fellowship helped her delegate tasks and amplify her business story. “Before, I did everything myself. Now, through Authentic Voice, I’ve learned to pitch proposals and bring my team forward. The fellowship is not just teaching me how to manage a business, but how to explore new opportunities.”  

The event underscored Acumen’s vision: to nurture leaders who can tackle poverty and climate challenges with integrity. As the Green Rise Africa Fellowship expands across 15 countries, Gambian entrepreneurs are finding themselves part of a larger movement one that blends business innovation with moral leadership.