Ashoka Arab World: Fellowship for Social Entrepreneurs Creating Systemic Change

Ashoka is one of the world’s largest networks of social entrepreneurs, and its regional arm, Ashoka Arab World, focuses on identifying and supporting changemakers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Since its launch in 2003, Ashoka Arab World has played a major role in building the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in the region.

What is Ashoka Arab World?

Ashoka Arab World is a platform that:

• Identifies top social entrepreneurs
• Supports them to scale their impact
• Builds networks across sectors (government, business, civil society)

It has already selected 100+ leading social entrepreneurs across multiple Arab countries.

Globally, Ashoka has supported 3,700+ Fellows in 90+ countries, making it one of the most influential impact networks worldwide.

Ashoka Fellowship 

The flagship opportunity is the Ashoka Fellowship, which is very different from typical fellowships.

Key Features

• Lifetime fellowship (not short-term)
• Focus on proven social entrepreneurs
• Selection through nomination (not open application)
• Highly competitive and selective

Ashoka Fellows are individuals who are already:

• Leading impactful initiatives
• Solving large-scale social problems
• Creating systemic (not small-scale) change

What Fellows Receive

1. Financial Support

• Living stipend (typically ~3 years)
• Allows full-time focus on the initiative

2. Global Network

• Access to 3,700+ Fellows worldwide
• Connections with funders, policymakers, and leaders

3. Visibility & Recognition

• Media exposure
• Speaking opportunities
• International recognition

4. Strategic & Technical Support

• Legal and financial guidance
• Scaling support programs
• Workshops and retreats

Selection Criteria 

Ashoka uses a rigorous 5-criteria model:

1. New Idea – Innovative and disruptive solution
2. Creativity – Unique problem-solving approach
3. Entrepreneurial Quality – Strong drive and persistence
4. Social Impact – Potential for large-scale change
5. Ethical Fiber – High integrity and trustworthiness

The selection process can take 6–9 months and involves multiple interviews and evaluations.

Other Programs Under Ashoka Arab World

Besides the main fellowship, they also run:

1. Youth Changemakers Programs

• Focus on young leaders under 20
• Build early-stage social impact initiatives

2. Women’s Initiative (WISE)

• Supports women social entrepreneurs
• Addresses gender barriers in innovation

3. Leadership & Ecosystem Programs

• Works with schools, governments, and media
• Promotes “Everyone a Changemaker” mindset

Who Can Apply? This is not a typical open fellowship.

To be selected, you must:

• Already be a social entrepreneur (not a student)
• Have a proven, working solution
• Be creating system-level impact (national/global level)
• Usually be nominated by experts or networks

Geographic Scope

• Focus: Arab region (MENA countries)
• However, the global Ashoka Fellowship exists worldwide

So:

• Nepal-based applicants can apply only through global Ashoka pathways, not the Arab World track.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Ashoka Fellowship is considered:

• One of the highest-level recognitions in social entrepreneurship
• Comparable to a lifetime leadership endorsement
• A gateway to global influence and funding networks

It is not entry-level—it is for established changemakers.

Important Reality Check

This is NOT suitable if you are:

• A student or recent graduate
• At idea stage
• Looking for short-term fellowship or training

This IS suitable if you:

• Have a running organization or venture
• Are already creating measurable impact
• Want to scale globally

Final Insight

Ashoka Arab World is a high-level impact ecosystem, not a typical “apply and join” program.

If your goal is:

• Early-stage fellowships → look elsewhere
• Mid-stage leadership programs → consider Watson / ALC / UN programs
• High-impact global recognition → Ashoka is one of the top targets