The FATE Institute Fellowship Program

Developing Thought Leaders Driving Policy, Research,
and Innovation for MSMEs in Africa.

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The FATE Institute is the research, policy and advocacy division at FATE Foundation leading innovative thinking and creating platforms to enable idea exchange and problem-solving strategies to foster sustainable entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

Benefits of the Fellowship

While the FATE Institute Fellowship is not a paid program, it offers a unique platform for impact, growth, and visibility. Fellows will benefit from:

The opportunity to work on addressing key gaps in the Nigerian entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The opportunity to host or participate in insightful policy discourses and conversations.

The opportunity to engage with and learn from high-level public and private sector stakeholders.

Opportunities for collaborative research, peer learning, and community building with other policy experts, researchers, and practitioners.

A platform to amplify their research work in core entrepreneurship conversations.

The opportunity to work with the FATE Institute on entrepreneurship policy campaigns and advocacy initiatives.

Our Fellows Research Work

Our Fellows conduct high-impact, evidence-based research addressing critical challenges and opportunities within the African MSME ecosystem. Their work informs policy, strengthens advocacy, and drives innovative solutions to support entrepreneurs.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the FATE Institute Fellowship Program, applicants must demonstrate

Passion

  • A strong passion for the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
  • A clear commitment to addressing gaps within the Nigerian entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Research

  • Academic rigor and intellectual depth.
  • Strong research, data analysis, and report writing skills for developing policy briefs and thought leadership articles.

Dialogue/Conversations

  • Ability to design policy conversations based on developed insights.
  • Capacity to host policy dialogues that influence policy reforms.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • •Experience engaging with public sector stakeholders on policy implementation.
  • A sound understanding of the Nigerian political landscape.

Academic Background

  • Ongoing or completed PhD or master’s program in Economics, Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Law, Political Science, or related fields.
  • Published research work.

Experience

  • At least 10 years of relevant experience in entrepreneurship ecosystem development and policy reform processes.
  • A strong understanding of Nigeria’s macroeconomic and microeconomic landscapes.

Ready to Shape the Future of MSME Policy in Africa?

Join a network of visionary professionals advancing evidence-based
policy and innovation for entrepreneurs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The FATE Institute Fellowship Program is a two-year, non-residential fellowship designed to engage policy experts, economists, academics, and development professionals in producing evidence-based research and insights. Fellows contribute to policy processes aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The program is open to individuals with:

  • A strong passion for entrepreneurship and policy reform
  • Academic training (ongoing or completed PhD or master’s program) in relevant fields such as Economics, Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Law, Political Science, or related disciplines
  • Demonstrated experience in research, stakeholder engagement, and policy influence

No, the fellowship is not paid. However, it provides valuable non-financial benefits such as national visibility, access to key stakeholders, opportunities for policy influence, collaborative research, and thought leadership development

Applicants must:

  • Demonstrate commitment to addressing gaps in Nigeria’s entrepreneurship ecosystem
  • Possess strong research, analytical, and policy writing skills
  • Have experience in engaging with public sector or policy stakeholders
  • Be academically qualified with at least a completed or ongoing PhD or master’s program
  • Have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience

Yes. While published work is an added advantage, applicants without publications but with strong analytical and writing skills are encouraged to apply.

For additional information, please contact us at:
policy@fatefoundation.org
+2348136185288

Fellows will gain:

  • The opportunity to work on entrepreneurship policy challenges in Nigeria
  • Access to high-level public and private sector actors
  • A platform to showcase and amplify their research
  • Opportunities to participate in and host impactful policy conversations
  • Peer collaboration, community building, and exposure through the FATE Institute networks
  • Engagement in entrepreneurship policy campaigns

The fellowship spans two years. Fellows will be actively involved in research, learning, dialogues, and collaborative policy-related activities throughout this period.

It is a part-time, non-residential fellowship. Fellows can maintain their current professional or academic roles while participating in program activities.

Fellows will develop:

  • Research papers
  • Policy briefs
  • Thought leadership articles
    They may also participate in policy dialogues and advocacy initiatives related to entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.

The deadline for applications is Friday, July 25, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

Applications must be submitted online via our application portal. You will be required to upload:

  • A current CV
  • Motivation statements
  • Links to any published research, policy briefs, or opinion articles

Fellows Programme

 

The FATE Institute Fellowship Program is delivered virtually. All learning sessions, mentorship engagements, policy discussions, and collaborative activities are conducted online, allowing Fellows across different locations to participate fully without the need for physical relocation.

However, Fellows may occasionally be invited to attend or speak at physical events hosted by the FATE Institute.

Learn more about the FATE Institute Fellowship program and
get your questions answered at our virtual information session

Email

policy@fatefoundation.org

Contact Number

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