Enterprise Africa Fellowship Scholarship 2026

The Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme Cohort 2 (2026/27) is an African Union initiative offering structured support to high-potential MSMEs across all 55 AU Member States.

What it offers

• Twelve months of structured training across ten modules tailored by sector and tier.
• Expert mentorship through African Union partners and access to the African Trade Observatory and AfCFTA market intelligence tools.
• Participation in continental events and market-access opportunities: virtual market-entry sessions across ten AfCFTA pilot countries for Tier 1 and 2 fellows; B2B matchmaking sessions for Tier 3 fellows.
• Targets 100 fellows and USD 2 million in attributable revenue, aiming to create 500 new jobs.

Who can apply

• Youth- and women-led small enterprises registered and operating in an AU Member State.
• Must be formally registered as a business entity, operating for at least two years, and 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.

What you'll do

Fellows receive tailored support based on enterprise maturity across three tiers:

• Tier 1 (Growth): 35 places for enterprises operating 2–5 years with demonstrable market traction.
• Tier 2 (Expansion): 40 places for enterprises operating 5–10 years with 10–30 employees and cross-border ambition.
• Tier 3 (Scale-Ready): 25 places for enterprises operating 10+ years or investor-ready profiles.

How to apply

• Applications are submitted online via the EAN Fellowship 2026 portal.
• The application form requires business registration details, sector, years of operation, employee count, trading countries, revenue range, IP status, and access to formal finance, plus an 800-word pitch describing the enterprise, its main market challenge, and the applicant’s fellowship objective.
• Shortlisted applicants must provide one supporting document verifying finance access (e.g., bank statement or mobile money statement).

Good to know

• Misrepresentation of any information will result in immediate disqualification and permanent ineligibility for future cohorts.
• The following are ineligible: current and former AUC staff; employees and representatives of EAN institutional partners; REC staff; and graduates of any previous EAN Fellowship cohort.
• Contact: ean.fellowship@africa-union.org