Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Union Africaine 2026/2027

The African Union’s Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme is a 12-month acceleration initiative for African SMEs led by young entrepreneurs or women. It focuses on structured growth through training, mentoring, market data access, and business-to-business connections, rather than direct funding.

What it offers

• Twelve months of training delivered in ten modules tailored to each company’s sector and maturity level
• Mentoring provided by partners of the African Union
• Access to the African Trade Observatory and ZLECAf tools for market data
• Visibility at major continental events
• For levels 1 and 2: virtual market-entry sessions in ten ZLECAf pilot countries
• For level 3: targeted B2B matchmaking

Who can apply

• Your company must be formally registered and active in an African Union member state
• You must have at least two years of continuous operation
• You must employ at least three full-time staff
• The business must be led by a young entrepreneur or a woman

What you'll do

• Complete a sector-specific training programme aligned with either manufacturing, agro-processing, creative industries, digital/ICT, fintech, health, logistics, or transport
• Receive mentorship and market intelligence to expand within Africa and beyond
• Depending on your assigned level, participate in virtual market-entry sessions or in-person B2B meetings

How to apply

• Submit your application through the African Union’s official portal before 30 September 2026
• Prepare your business registration documents, proof of at least two years of activity, and staff records

Good to know

• The programme reserves at least 40 places to balance regional representation across Africa
• It specifically encourages applications from women-led businesses and from under-represented regions and small island states