AU-EU Youth Action Lab Entrepreneurship Grants 2026

The AU-EU Youth Action Lab Entrepreneurship Grants 2026 support youth-led organisations advocating for an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs. Focused on Africa and Europe, the grants aim to empower organisations working with young people (aged 18–35) to address barriers to economic participation and business growth. Applicants must propose projects that foster advocacy strategies to improve conditions for young entrepreneurs in one or more of the 12 eligible African countries.

What it offers

• Financial support: EUR 31,500 per grant.
• Project duration: 12 months (January–December 2027).
• Capacity building: Mentorship and tailored support for grantees.
• Networking: Access to a platform for sharing solutions with peers, decision-makers, and stakeholders across Africa and Europe.

Who can apply

• Non-profit organisations (Trusts, CBOs, NGOs/CSOs, or Cooperatives) with a clear social/environmental mission.
• Youth-led governance: 100% of governance roles and >80% of activity design must be held by people aged 18–35.
• Youth-led projects: 100% of project staff must be aged 18–35.
• Registration: Must be formally registered, have a bank account, governance structure, and operate for at least 12 months.
• Location: Registered and operating in one of the 12 focus countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia (Somaliland), Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.

How to apply

• Read the Funding Manuals (English, Portuguese, French).
• Ensure eligibility criteria are met.
• Develop a proposal (individually or with other youth organisations).
• Submit by 23 September 2026 at 13:00 CAT via the application portal.

Good to know

• 11 grants will be awarded in the final call for proposals.
• Applications are non-negotiable: the grant amount is fixed at EUR 31,500.
• Webinars and FAQs are available for guidance, but attendance is optional.