The Jasiri Talent Investor has opened applications for Cohort 9, inviting exceptional builders from Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda to develop scalable ventures capable of creating lasting economic and social impact across Africa. Unlike traditional accelerator programmes that require applicants to arrive with an established business idea, Jasiri is designed to identify and support exceptional talent before the idea and before the team. Applicants do not need to have a venture or business concept at the time of applying. The opportunity is particularly aimed at individuals with deep knowledge of food systems, strong problem-solving abilities and the resilience required to build ventures that can grow beyond their initial markets. Jasiri Cohort 9 Applications Applications for Jasiri Cohort 9 close on 12 October 2026. The programme is looking for builders who can identify opportunities where others see problems and who have the expertise and determination to turn those opportunities into scalable ventures. Rather than focusing primarily on existing business ideas, Jasiri takes a talent-first approach. The programme seeks people with the potential to become founders and build what it describes as African “Lions”—durable, responsible ventures that are rooted in their communities and designed to endure. For Cohort 9, the current call specifically highlights builders working around food systems in: Ethiopia Kenya Rwanda You Do Not Need a Business Idea One of the most distinctive features of the Jasiri Talent Investor is that applicants do not need an existing idea or venture. The programme is designed for people who have the talent, domain expertise and entrepreneurial potential to identify important market opportunities and develop solutions. Applicants are expected to demonstrate: Deep domain knowledge The ability to identify opportunities within complex problems Entrepreneurial potential Resilience and determination The capacity to build a scalable venture An interest in creating meaningful impact through food systems This makes the programme particularly relevant to professionals, specialists and emerging entrepreneurs who have substantial knowledge of food systems but have not yet launched a startup. What Is Jasiri Looking For? Jasiri describes itself as an impact-focused talent enabler supporting exceptional African talent at different stages of the venture-building journey. Its central focus is Market-Creating Innovation (MCI). Rather than simply competing for existing customers, Jasiri looks for opportunities to create access for people who are currently unable to use particular products or services because of barriers such as affordability, complexity or availability. The programme therefore considers opportunities at the intersection of: Commercial viability Realistic pathways to impact Responsible entrepreneurship Ethical value creation Market creation For applicants, this means having an understanding of a problem is not enough. They should be able to see how their knowledge can eventually contribute to creating a sustainable and scalable solution. Building Africa’s “Lions” Jasiri uses the concept of the African Lion to describe the type of venture it aims to support. Rather than pursuing businesses primarily for rapid valuations or quick exits, the programme seeks ventures that are durable, responsible and deeply connected to the communities in which they operate. According to Jasiri, an African Lion is a responsibly led venture that meets at least one of three thresholds: A valuation above US$100 million Annual revenue above US$20 million A meaningful improvement in the lives of at least 100,000 people This reflects the programme’s emphasis on building ventures capable of creating lasting value rather than short-term growth alone. Fully Funded Talent Investor Programme Jasiri describes its Talent Investor pathway as a founder-first, fully funded start for exceptional talent. The programme supports individuals before they have developed a complete founding team or venture, providing the opportunity to move from talent and domain expertise towards venture creation. Jasiri also provides what it describes as intelligent capital, infrastructure and guidance all the way to scale. This approach is intended to give promising builders the resources and support needed to develop their ideas into commercially viable ventures. Who Should Apply? The Cohort 9 call is particularly relevant to builders in Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda who have strong knowledge of food systems and believe they can identify opportunities for market-creating innovation. Potential applicants could include people who have spent significant time understanding challenges within food production, distribution, access, markets or related systems and who now want to translate that expertise into entrepreneurship. Importantly, applicants should not be discouraged if they have no startup idea yet. Jasiri’s Talent Investor model is specifically designed to identify talent before the idea and before the team. Information Session for Applicants Jasiri is also hosting an information session for prospective applicants ahead of the deadline. The session will take place on: Date: Friday, 9 October 2026 Time: 5:00 PM EAT / 4:00 PM CAT Purpose: Applicant information and questions The session provides an opportunity for prospective applicants to ask questions directly and clarify aspects of the Cohort 9 application before submitting. Interested builders are encouraged to register for the information session if they need clarification about the opportunity or application process. How to Apply for Jasiri Cohort 9 Builders interested in the opportunity should review the Jasiri Talent Investor programme and prepare their application before the closing date. The key deadline is 12 October 2026. Applicants should focus on demonstrating their domain depth, ability to recognise opportunities within problems and resilience to build a scalable venture. An existing business idea is not required for the Talent Investor pathway. Key Opportunity Details Programme: Jasiri Talent Investor – Cohort 9 Target: Exceptional African builders and emerging founders Focus: Food systems Countries highlighted: Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda Existing idea required: No Approach: Talent-first, founder-first venture building Funding model: Fully funded start Application deadline: 12 October 2026 Information session: 9 October 2026 Session time: 5 PM EAT / 4 PM CAT Programme focus: Market-Creating Innovation Regional hub: Rwanda Interested applicants can visit the official Jasiri website and Jasiri Talent Investor programme page for application information. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Important: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the offering organisation. This opportunity is shared for informational purposes based on the official announcement. 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