This flagship AUC Startup Acceleration Initiative aims to support 100 promising youth- and women-led enterprises from all 55 AU Member States. The 12-month programme focuses on helping established African businesses scale, access new markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), strengthen operations, and create jobs.
Cohort 2 targets generating USD 2 million in new revenue and creating 500 new jobs across the continent.
What the Programme Offers
Selected fellows receive comprehensive support tailored to their growth stage, including:
- 12 months of structured business training
- Expert mentorship from African Union partners
- Access to African Trade Observatory (ATO) tools and AfCFTA market intelligence
- Market-entry support in selected African markets
- B2B matchmaking opportunities for scale-ready businesses
- Continental networking and business events
- Support for intellectual property and broader capacity building
The EAN connects micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with markets, skills, and opportunities. It builds on pillars such as the African Trade Observatory, Trade Routes Platform, and Market Intelligence Information System, while advancing inclusive growth aligned with Agenda 2063.
Key Dates:
- Application deadline: 30 September 2026
- Results Announcement: October 2026
- Programme starts: November 2026
Who Should Apply
The programme targets youth- and women-led enterprises that are formally registered and operating in AU Member States. It is designed for established businesses (not pure early-stage ideas) with growth potential, especially those prepared or preparing for cross-border trade.
Previous cohort experience shows a competitive process including the inaugural edition with selected 50 businesses from over 1,500 applications across dozens of countries.
Ineligible applicants include current and former African Union Commission staff, employees/representatives of EAN institutional partners or AU specialised agencies, staff of Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and graduates of any previous EAN Fellowship cohort.
The application form (available in English and French) collects details on the founder/CEO, enterprise registration and operations history, employee numbers, revenue, customer base, workforce demographics (women and youth under 35), financing history, intellectual property, certifications, and readiness for cross-border markets and AfCFTA instruments. Shortlisted applicants will later provide financial verification (e.g., bank or mobile money statements) and passport copies. The form takes about 30 minutes to complete.
How to Apply
Interested Applicants should Submit their application via the official form using the Link provided 👉 Here
For questions, contact the African Union through its official email address: AUEAN@AfricanUnion.org
This is a strong opportunity for African entrepreneurs ready to expand regionally, leverage AfCFTA benefits, and contribute to job creation and economic integration. Share the call widely with networks of youth- and women-led businesses across the continent.
Applications close 30 September 2026. Apply early and position your enterprise for continental growth.
