EduAccess Africa Fund
The EduAccess Africa Fund was created by Francis Ngannou to open doors to higher education for underprivileged youth in Cameroon and across Africa. Having once been a child without access to education himself, Francis knows the power of a single opportunity to transform a life.
With the EduAcess Africa Fund, Francis aims to award 1000 scholarships to 1000 deserving students.
The program launches in September 2026, with scholarships distributed over a three-year implementation phase.
About the EduAccess Africa Fund
The Context
Cameroon is ranked 151 out of 195 country in the Human Development Index ranking by the UN.
The Problems
- Low Higher Education Enrollment: Only 13.5% of Cameroonians access higher education, compared to 62% in the United States and 98% in Singapore.
- Financial constraint: Despite tuitions as low as $500/year, families cannot afford these fees added to the costs of living, books, housing for one child let alone for all their children.
- Limited Financial Support: Public scholarships and student aid are virtually non-existent, leaving many qualified students without access to funding opportunities.
The Solutions
- Academic Scholarships: Empowering 1,000 students with comprehensive 3–5 year scholarships covering all educational and living costs starting in September 2026 and distributed over three years. (USD 10,000 per student covers all expenses for 3 - 5 years).
- Priority to top-performing students in programs aligned with labor market demands and economic challenges: Waste Management / Environmental Engineering / Renewable Energy & Sustainable Energy / Agriculture & Industrial Engineering / Manufacturing & Production Technology / Software Engineering / Computer Engineering / Ethics & Good Governance.
- Employment Integration Program: Facilitated career placements and internships through the EduAccess Africa Fund’s strategic partnerships with ~75 leading Cameroonian companies.
Key Facts
USD 10,000 scholarships
Per student covers tuition, housing, and living expenses for 3–5 years thanks to the many local pertnerships we built.
1,000 full scholarships
Awarded to talented underpriviledged students across Cameroon, regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity and polical views.
USD 10 million total investment
Dedicated to empowering Africa’s next generation of leaders and innovators.
Employment Integration Program
Facilitated career placements and internships through the EduAccess Africa Fund’s strategic partnerships with ~75 leading Cameroonian companies.
Sustainable change
Every scholar commits to mentoring others in their community, creating a cycle of opportunity and empowerment. The goal is to make a self-sustaining EduAccess Africa Fund —where today’s beneficiaries become tomorrow’s sponsors.
Tangible Impact
With full scholarships, empoverished families will not have to choose which children to spend on higher education for, leading to women empowerment.
At least 90% of graduates will be working at the end of their studies.
In Cameroon, each person with a stable income typically supports an average of five others. Through the EduAccess Africa Fund, empowering 1,000 students would directly improve the lives of 5,000 people, and—thanks to the poverty reduction multiplier effect—could positively impact up to 10,000 individuals across their families and communities.
Fosters a generation of innovators working on local solutions in clean energy, recycling, and digital systems.
by supplying qualified engineers, technicians. Indeed, In order to meet its industrialisation objectives under its “Vision 2035” plan, Cameroon needs to achieve roughly 5.5% annual growth in its industrial sector.
In agriculture and manufacturing — two key drivers of GDP growth. With over 70% of its arable land still uncultivated, Cameroon holds immense potential for agricultural expansion that can strengthen food security, reduce imports, and stimulate broad-based economic growth.
Building a network of young educated change-makers and leaders equipped to transform their local economies, their countries and shaping Africa’s future.
Establishing a long-term education fund model that can be replicated across Africa to reach thousands more in the future.
Why It Matters
Francis Ngannou is a Cameroonian professional Mixed Martial Artist and the Founder of the Francis Ngannou Foundation. Known as “The Baddest Man on the Planet” for his strength, he is the PFL Super Fights Heavyweight Champion and former UFC Heavyweight Champion.
Born into poverty, Ngannou worked in sand mines from the age of 10 and left his village seeking a better life. After years of hardship and homelessness in Douala, he embarked on a perilous two-month journey to Europe in 2012, crossing the desert and Mediterranean Sea before being detained in Spain. Eventually reaching France, he lived on the streets of Paris until given an opportunity to train in a gym where he finally found shelter.
Ngannou views his struggles not as misfortune but as the foundation of his resilience and success — the same spirit that drives his mission to give back through his foundation.
Indeed, having been a child who had to leave school at the age of ten to work as a mine labourer to support his family, Francis understands firsthand that one chance can open the door to an entirely new life.
How You Can Help
Be part of the EduAccess Africa Fund, advancing opportunities for higher education across Africa starting by Cameroon.
Donors can choose to partner with Francis Ngannou as a brand ambassador, associating their support with his global influence and mission or receive exclusive recognition for their contribution. In the following pages, you will discover what we meticulously curated to show you our appreciation for your strong and impacful gesture.
OUR APPRECIATION PACKAGES
OUR BRAND AMBASSADOR PACKAGES
Francis Ngannou and the entire team of the Francis Ngannou Foundation wish to express their deepest gratitude for your time, generosity, and belief in our mission.
Please note that the donation amounts indicated are purely suggestive — we are sincerely grateful for every contribution, whatever its size.
We invite you to contact us for any additional information or collaboration opportunity.
+1 438 951 44 54 / +237 6 51 61 44 54 (+WApp)
partnership@francisngannoufoundation.com
Download the Project Brief
Access the complete program document: detailed and comprehensive.
PDF - Short VersionPDF - Full Version