Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme - Cohort 2

The Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme Cohort 2 (2026/27) is an African Union initiative supporting high-potential MSMEs through structured training, mentorship, and market access across Africa and beyond.

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.
• Tier-specific support:
  • Tier 1 and 2: virtual market-entry sessions across ten AfCFTA pilot countries.
  • Tier 3: B2B matchmaking sessions.
• Targets 100 fellows from all 55 AU Member States, aiming for USD 2 million in new attributable revenue and 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 encouraged from women-led enterprises and businesses in underrepresented AU regions and small island Member States.
• Ineligible: current/former AU Commission staff, EAN institutional partner employees, REC staff, and past EAN fellows.

What you'll do

• Receive tailored training, mentorship, and market access support based on enterprise maturity tier:
  • Tier 1 (Growth): 35 places for enterprises operating 2–5 years with 3+ employees.
  • Tier 2 (Expansion): 40 places for enterprises operating 5–10 years with 10–30 employees.
  • Tier 3 (Scale-Ready): 25 places for enterprises operating 10+ years or investor-ready.
• Minimum 40 places reserved for regional representation, including at least five for small island Member States.

How to apply

• Submit an online application via the provided link.
• Required details include business registration, sector, years of operation, employee count, trading countries, revenue range, IP status, and finance access.
• Include an 800-word pitch describing the enterprise, main market challenge, and fellowship objective.
• Shortlisted applicants must provide one supporting document verifying finance access (e.g., bank or mobile money statement).

Good to know

• Application opens: 31 July 2026
• Application deadline: 30 September 2026
• Results communicated: October 2026
• Programme commences: November 2026
• Misrepresentation of information results in immediate disqualification and permanent ineligibility for future cohorts.