Introduction
Are you leading a youth-driven social enterprise that aims to strengthen economic opportunities for young people? The AU-EU Youth Action Lab Entrepreneurship Grants provide a unique opportunity for youth-led organisations in Africa to scale responsible and sustainable ventures. This funding initiative supports organisations that combine social or environmental impact with revenue-generating activities to empower young people and foster financial inclusion across communities. (AUEU Youth)
The grants are part of the AU-EU Youth Action Lab’s second Call for Proposals, designed to accelerate youth participation in economic development and social innovation. (AUEU Youth)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the AU-EU Youth Action Lab Entrepreneurship Grant, your organisation must meet the following requirements: (AUEU Youth)
Organisational Eligibility
- Registered non-profit entity such as a Trust, Community Based Organisation (CBO), Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)/Civil Society Organisation (CSO), or Cooperative with a clear social or environmental mission.
- Formally registered in one of the eligible African focus countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia (Somaliland), Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia or Zimbabwe. (AUEU Youth)
Youth-Led Requirements
- Governance and leadership comprised predominantly of youth aged 18–35, with primary decision-making power. (AUEU Youth)
- All staff implementing the project must be within the 18–35 age range. (AUEU Youth)
Project Criteria
- Demonstrable income-generating activities that supplement donor support and contribute to organisational sustainability. (AUEU Youth)
- Proof of social or environmental impact, such as job creation, improved livelihoods, or affordable community services. (AUEU Youth)
- A clear monitoring and reporting framework to track project outcomes. (AUEU Youth)
How to Apply
Follow these steps to prepare and submit a competitive application: (AUEU Youth)
- Read the Official Funding Manual
- Access the detailed guidelines: Funding Manual (available in English, French, and Portuguese).
- Ensure Eligibility
- Review the eligibility criteria thoroughly to confirm your organisation and project qualify.
- Prepare Your Proposal
- Draft a compelling project narrative that explains how your initiative supports responsible enterprise growth and youth empowerment.
- Use the Budget Template provided by the Youth Action Lab to outline your proposed use of funds.
- Gather Supporting Documents
- Include registration documents, governance structure, proof of youth-led leadership, and financial information.
- Submit on the ON Grip Platform
- Register and submit your completed application by the deadline.
- Language Registration
- Choose your language (English, French, or Portuguese) before submission; you cannot change this after registering.
For detailed templates and submission steps, visit the AU-EU Youth Action Lab resource page here: https://aueuyouth.com/entrepreneurship-grants/ (AUEU Youth)
Grant Benefits
Successful applicants will receive: (AUEU Youth)
- €30,000 grant funding to implement or scale your youth-led enterprise project.
- Mentorship and capacity building aligned to organisational needs.
- Access to a transcontinental platform for sharing insights and connecting with policymakers, peers, and stakeholders across Africa and Europe.
- Opportunities to participate in learning exchanges and integration into the Power2Voices community.
Key Dates & Deadlines
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for Proposals Opened | 12 November 2025 (AUEU Youth) |
| Application Deadline | 7 January 2026 (14:00 CAT / 15:00 EAT) (AUEU Youth) |
| Assessment Period | January – April 2026 (AUEU Youth) |
| Outcome Notification | Expected April/May 2026 (AUEU Youth) |
| Project Period | May 2026 – April 2027 (12 months) (AUEU Youth) |
Important: Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. (AUEU Youth)
Useful Backlinks to Improve SEO
- Official Entrepreneurship Grants page: https://aueuyouth.com/entrepreneurship-grants/ (AUEU Youth)
- AU-EU Youth Action Lab homepage: https://aueuyouth.com/ (AUEU Youth)
- Funding Manual (multilingual) and application resources: Available via the Entrepreneurship Grants page (AUEU Youth)
- Power2Voices Community Platform for Youth Organisations: sign-up via the Youth Lab resources (AUEU Youth)
