The AU-EU Youth Action Lab Entrepreneurship Grants 2026 are now open for applications. Eligible youth-led non-profit organisations in selected African countries can apply for 31,500 EURO to implement a 12-month project from January to December 2027. Importantly, the application deadline is 23 September 2026 at 13.00 PM Central African Time.
The grant supports initiatives that advocate for a more enabling environment for young entrepreneurs. In addition, selected organisations will receive mentorship, capacity development support, and access to a platform that connects peers, stakeholders, and decision-makers across Africa and Europe.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: 23 September 2026 at 13.00 PM Central African Time
Eligible Countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia (Somaliland region), Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Project Location: Projects must take place in and the applicant organisation must be registered and located in one of the 12 African Youth Action Lab focus countries listed.
Award Provider: AU-EU Youth Action Lab
Number of Awards: 11
About the Grant
The AU-EU Youth Action Lab Entrepreneurship Grants 2026 will support youth-led, registered non-profit organisations working in Africa. The grant focuses on projects that help create a stronger environment for young entrepreneurs.
Selected organisations will implement projects over 12 months, from January 2027 to December 2027. Beyond funding, the program also offers mentorship, capacity development, and inclusion in a platform for sharing solutions with peers and decision-makers.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be non-profit organisations such as a Trust, CBO, NGO/CSO, or Cooperative with a clear social or environmental mission.
- The organisation must be youth-led. Young people aged 18 to 35 must represent governance and hold primary decision-making power.
- The stated governance expectations require 100% of governance members to be aged 18 to 35, and more than 80% must be directly involved in designing and carrying out activities.
- The proposed project must also be youth-led. All staff implementing the project should be young people aged 18 to 35.
- The organisation must be formally registered in one of the 12 focus countries.
- The organisation must have an organisation bank account and a clear governance structure.
- The organisation must have been operating for at least 12 months.
- Proposed activities must take place in one or more of the 12 specified countries.
Grant Amount: 31,500 EURO
Project Duration: 12 months (January 2027 to December 2027)
Funding Scope: Financial support to implement the project in the community; membership and visibility on a platform to share solutions with peers, decision-makers and stakeholders across Africa and Europe; mentorship and other capacity development support.
How to Apply
Interested organisations should complete the online application form before the deadline. However, applicants should review the full requirements and guidance on the official program page before submitting an application.
👉 Visit the official grant page for details
