Jasiri is excited to announce that the Jasiri Talent Investor program, a transformative initiative for aspiring entrepreneurs, is now accepting applications for its 8th cohort.
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Jasiri Talent Investor Opens Applications for 8th Cohort: A Fully Funded Journey to Build High-Impact Ventures
Jasiri is a programme of Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy that invests in, guides and supports entrepreneurs in East Africa. Jasiri is excited to announce that the Jasiri Talent Investor program, a transformative initiative for aspiring entrepreneurs, is now accepting applications for its 8th cohort.
As Anthony Farr, CEO of Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies, puts it: “Thinking big, thinking long-term, and embodying responsible entrepreneurship demand courage.” Jasiri provides the resources, mentorship, and community to support those who have the courage to take that first step. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur ready to build innovative ventures from scratch, this is your moment to join a network of African changemakers shaping the future.
What is the Jasiri Talent Investor?
Jasiri Talent Investor is a fully funded, 13-month program that takes a unique approach to entrepreneurship by investing in individuals and their potential before they even have a business plan. Operating in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda, Jasiri equips participants with the tools, training, and support needed to create market-defining ventures that deal with societal challenges. From a one-month online Jasiri JumpStart to a three-month residential intensive in Rwanda, followed by nine months of venture-building, the program is a comprehensive journey designed to foster success.
What sets Jasiri apart?
The programme removes financial and systemic barriers, covering all costs—including flights, transportation, and a monthly stipend—allowing fellows to focus entirely on their entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, Jasiri fosters collaboration by bringing together like-minded participants creating opportunities for them to form strong, diverse teams and even potential co-founders. .
One of Jasiri's core beliefs is that the best way to combat poverty is by nurturing and empowering responsible entrepreneurs and leaders. By accelerating their growth, Jasiri enables them to create meaningful employment while embodying the values of ethical leadership.
Jasiri is committed to excellence, long-term commitment, spirit of humility, responsible stewardship, diversity and inclusion.
Why the 8th Cohort Matters
The launch of the 8th cohort signals Jasiri’s continued commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs. Since its inception, the program has supported 227 entrepreneurs across seven cohorts, resulting in 93 ventures with 81 of them still active across 42 industries that have created over 2,035 jobs and positively impacted 12,627 individuals across their industries. Jasiri is calling on ambitious individuals to join this legacy of innovation and strongly encourages women as well as applicants from outside Addis to apply, fostering diverse leadership within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Why You Should Consider Applying
Comprehensive Support: Fully funded with mentorship from industry experts and tailored business coaching.
Team-Based Innovation: Collaborate with co-founders to turn ideas into scalable businesses.
Proven Results: A track record of building ventures that address real-world problems and drive economic growth with monthly stipends during your three month stay at the Residential Intensive phase that takes place in Rwanda.
Who Can Apply?
Jasiri is looking for driven individuals who:
Are citizens of Ethiopia, Kenya, or Rwanda (including diaspora members).
Are able to commit full-time, including a three-month stay in Rwanda.
Bring professional skills and a knack for spotting market opportunities.
Thrive in collaborative settings and are eager to co-found a venture.
How to Apply
Applications are already open, and the deadline is April 5, 2025. The thorough process features an entrepreneurial intentions survey, an innovation scenario test, psychometrics assessments, and an online selection conference.
The ideal Jasiri applicant is innovative and resilient, recognizes opportunity, self-sufficient, ambitious and value-driven. Be a part of Jasiri and dare to challenge yourself.
