Apply for the Ideation Hub Africa (IHA) African Masterclass Series 6.0 (AMS 6.0) - a free, 12-week Impact Accelerator equipping up to 2,500 African changemakers with future-ready skills in funding, technology, AI, innovation, and leadership for the digital age.
Hosted by Ideation Hub Africa, AMS 6.0 is a Pan-African virtual programme open to social entrepreneurs, NGO leaders, innovators, students, and early-career professionals across the continent. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through August 2026; the cohort begins in September 2026. 100% free - but you must apply and be selected.
Quick Facts - IHA African Masterclass Series 6.0
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Ideation Hub Africa (IHA) |
| Programme | African Masterclass Series 6.0 - The Impact Accelerator |
| Theme | Funding, Technology, Innovation, AI & Leadership for the Digital Age |
| Duration | 12 weeks (September - November 2026) |
| Format | Fully virtual - Pan-African |
| Participants | Up to 2,500 changemakers selected |
| Cost | Free - no participation fee |
| Age range | 18 - 45 years (priority for women & underserved communities) |
| Deadline | Rolling basis through August 2026 - apply early |
| Programme starts | September 2026 |
| Official apply | AMS 6.0 Application Form |
What Is AMS 6.0?
Launched in 2020, the African Masterclass Series is one of Africa's fastest-growing impact development programmes for social innovators and changemakers. AMS 6.0 bridges Africa's opportunity gap by combining expert-led masterclasses, live sessions, case studies, hands-on workshops, mentorship, and collaborative project work - organised into Impact Cohorts aligned with the SDGs.
By programme end, AMS 6.0 aims to generate 200+ viable venture ideas, with at least 150 solutions reaching market or pilot stage.
Five Core Pillars
- Funding & Capital - grants, blended finance, angel capital, crowdfunding, and funder reporting in African markets
- Technology & Digital Tools - low-cost tools and digital marketing to scale impact with small teams
- AI & Emerging Tech - hands-on AI tools to increase efficiency and execution speed
- Innovation & Product - human-centred design rooted in real African context and constraint
- Leadership & Policy - strategic partnerships and navigating Africa's social impact landscape
12-Week Curriculum Highlights
- Core Innovation & Mindset Development
- Designing for Context - product, program & service innovation
- Human-Centered Product Innovation (UI/UX for social impact)
- Understanding Africa's Emerging Markets
- Raising Capital for Innovation
- AI Tools for Productivity, Innovation & Scale
- Gender Equity in Action
- From Idea to Impact - MVPs and iteration
- Data-Driven Decision Making for NGOs and social enterprises
- Technology & Digital Marketing for Impact
- Strategic Partnerships & Collaborations
- Policy, Power & Progress - local and global policy insights
Impact Cohorts (SDG-Aligned)
Participants join peer-led groups to design, test, and launch mini-projects addressing sectoral challenges:
- Climate Action & Environmental Resilience
- Health & Wellbeing
- Digital Innovation & Technology for Good
- Education Reform & Learning Innovation
- Peace, Justice & Civic Engagement
- Economic Empowerment & Financial Inclusion
- Gender Equality & Social Inclusion
- Sustainable Food Systems & Agribusiness
- Urban Innovation & Sustainable Communities
- Circular Economy & Green Business
Who Should Apply
- Young Africans aged 18 - 45 - priority given to women and underserved communities
- Social entrepreneurs and NGO leaders building or scaling community projects
- Innovators & builders - AI, innovation, and future-of-work enthusiasts
- Students & early-career professionals seeking practical impact skills
- Nonprofit professionals seeking clarity, capacity, and capital
- Policy advocates and development practitioners
- Developers & designers building tech-enabled solutions
- Returning AMS alumni - every edition has a fresh curriculum; alumni are welcome to reapply
- No registered NGO or business required - early-stage ideas are supported
What Participants Gain
- Free 12-week access to all masterclasses, live sessions, and workshops
- Placement in an SDG-aligned Impact Cohort
- Expert mentorship from 12+ global mentors and sector leaders
- Capstone Challenge - pitch your solution to funders and ecosystem leaders
- Certificate of Completion upon meeting graduation requirements
- Post-programme alumni engagement, visibility, and funding access
- Networking with 2,500+ changemakers across Africa
Programme Timeline
| Phase | When |
|---|---|
| Applications | August 2026 (rolling review) |
| Programme delivery | September - October 2026 |
| Capstone | November 2026 |
| Graduation | December 2026 |
| Impact Cohorts & Think Tanks | Ongoing post-graduation |
How to Apply
- Visit the official AMS 6.0 application page.
- Complete the online form (takes about five minutes).
- If you are a returning AMS alumni, tick the alumni field on the form.
- Submit before the end of August 2026 - applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early.
- Successful applicants receive place confirmation and cohort assignment; onboarding begins ahead of the September start.
Official Links
Apply - AMS 6.0 Application Form
African Masterclass Series - Ideation Hub Africa
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FAQs - IHA African Masterclass Series 6.0
Is AMS 6.0 really free?
Yes. Participation is 100% free - but you must apply and be selected.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through August 2026. There is no fixed closing day - apply as soon as possible.
Do I need a registered NGO or business?
No. AMS 6.0 supports both early-stage ideas and growth-stage ventures.
Can I apply from outside Nigeria?
Yes. AMS 6.0 is Pan-African and runs fully virtually - join from anywhere on the continent.
Can returning AMS alumni apply again?
Yes. Every edition has a fresh curriculum and new focus areas. Apply through the same form and tick the alumni field.
What if I don't have a fully formed idea yet?
That's fine - the programme helps you refine, validate, and strengthen an idea, including early-stage concepts.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes - all participants who meet graduation requirements receive a Certificate of Completion.
When does the programme start?
The 2026 cohort begins in September 2026, with capstone in November and graduation in December.
Where do I apply?
Through the official AMS 6.0 form: https://africanmasterclass.org/ams6/apply-now-for-african-masterclass-series-6/
