African Union Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme 2026/27

The African Union Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme 2026/27 supports African entrepreneurs through a structured 12-month programme combining training, mentorship, and market access tools.

What it offers

• Twelve months of structured training across ten modules tailored by sector and enterprise tier
• Expert mentorship provided through African Union partners
• Access to the African Trade Observatory (ATO) and AfCFTA market intelligence tools
• Participation in continental events
• Tier 1 and 2 fellows: virtual market-entry sessions across ten AfCFTA pilot countries
• Tier 3 fellows: B2B matchmaking sessions

Who can apply

• Youth- and women-led small enterprises registered and operating in an AU Member State
• Enterprises formally registered as a business entity
• Enterprises operating for at least two years
• Enterprises employing a minimum of three full-time staff
• Applications are particularly encouraged from women-led enterprises and businesses from underrepresented AU regions and small island Member States

How to apply

• Click the green button on the programme’s website to go to the application portal
• Submit your application online and attach all relevant documents

Good to know

• The programme is implemented by the AU Commission’s Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM)
• A minimum of 40 places (40 percent of the cohort) are reserved to ensure representation across all five AU continental regions, with at least five places for enterprises from small island Member States
• Deadline: September 30, 2026