Young people across Africa are looking for real opportunities to create practical solutions for climate and environmental challenges. The beVisioneers Mercedes Benz Fellowship is building exactly that pathway. The fourth cohort of this fully funded program will give young innovators the skills, support and confidence needed to turn their ideas into real projects that create long term positive impact. The initiative is designed to help youth who care about the environment but may lack the tools or resources to move from idea to action. With its mix of training, mentoring, financial support and global connections, the Fellowship is becoming one of the most important platforms for eco innovation worldwide.
This focus on direct and human support makes the Fellowship different. It identifies young people, even those without previous experience and equips them with the skills to build solutions that matter in their communities. As environmental challenges grow more urgent, a program like this offers a clear way for youth to build the future they want.
Strong Support for Youth Led Environmental Ideas
The beVisioneers Mercedes Benz Fellowship is fully funded and created for young changemakers who want to address environmental problems in their communities. It offers many benefits that make it easier for participants to stay focused on their ideas.
Fellows receive one on one mentoring, venture coaching and practical project acceleration support. They also get access to needs based financial assistance and the opportunity to apply for project scholarships of up to €20,000. This gives young innovators the room to think, build, test and improve their ideas without worrying about financial barriers.
The Fellowship follows a hybrid learning approach with virtual and in person activities. All travel, accommodation and related costs for key events are fully covered. This ensures that geography or personal financial limitations do not affect anyone’s ability to participate.
To qualify, applicants must be between 16 and 28 years old, speak at least B1 level English and live, work, or study in one of the eligible countries throughout the program. In Africa, eligible countries include Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
The organizers are looking for 1000 young people to join the next cohort starting in May 2026. Applications officially opened on 17 September 2025. They seek individuals who are passionate, committed and ready to take meaningful action for a sustainable future.
The application process is simple and takes about 30 to 40 minutes. It has three parts. The first is the written section where one shares basic details, describe the environmental challenge they want to address, outline their learning and financial needs and complete a self assessment.
The second part is a short video interview. Applicants record up to three minutes explaining the environmental challenge they care about and their proposed idea. Applications without this video are not considered.
The third part is optional and only for those applying for financial support. It includes a reference from someone employed who can confirm the applicant’s living situation and an income declaration with accurate information about monthly earnings.
Training That Builds Real Environmental Leaders
beVisioneers was launched in 2023 by The DO School Fellowships and funded by Mercedes Benz. The goal is to support thousands of young people around the world with the tools and knowledge needed to build environmental solutions.
Once selected, Fellows begin a multi year journey. The first year is a 12 month intensive requiring at least 24 hours of engagement each month. During this period, they receive innovation training, take online learning modules, join Local Hub gatherings, attend a Regional Summit and work closely with venture coaches, mentors, experts and peers.
This strong support system is designed to help every Fellow move from idea to execution. By the end of the first year, participants can apply for project scholarships of up to €20,000 to grow and scale their work.
After completing the first year, Fellows continue to develop their projects and leadership skills through the long term beVisioneers community. This extended support strengthens local environmental initiatives and helps young leaders expand their impact over time.
The Fellowship is not only about supporting individual ideas. It is also about building a global network of young leaders committed to protecting the planet. By empowering youth at an early stage, the program is investing in future innovators who can create long lasting environmental change.
Applications for Cohort 4 close on 26 January 2026.
