AU Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship 2026/2027 for African Entrepreneurs

Applications are now open for the African Union (AU) Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme 2026/2027, the second cohort of the African Union's flagship startup acceleration initiative for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Implemented by the African Union Commission through its Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM), the fellowship is designed to equip promising African businesses with the knowledge, networks, and market opportunities needed to scale across the continent.

Following the success of its inaugural cohort, which supported 56 entrepreneurs from 30 African countries and facilitated more than USD 1 million in business deals and contracts, the 2026/2027 cohort will expand to accommodate 100 fellows from all 55 African Union Member States. The programme aims to help participating businesses generate over USD 2 million in new revenue while creating at least 500 new jobs across Africa.

About the Fellowship

The Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship was established to strengthen African enterprises by providing structured business development support and helping entrepreneurs take advantage of opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Rather than offering direct financial grants, the programme focuses on building the capacity of businesses through mentorship, practical training, networking, and access to continental markets.

Throughout the 12-month fellowship, selected entrepreneurs will participate in intensive training modules tailored to the maturity and needs of their businesses. They will receive guidance from experienced mentors, connect with investors and industry experts, gain access to market intelligence tools, and participate in continental business events designed to facilitate partnerships and expansion opportunities.

The fellowship is particularly committed to supporting youth- and women-led enterprises, recognizing their critical role in driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth across Africa.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Twelve months of structured business development training.
• One-on-one mentorship from industry experts and African Union partners.
• Access to the African Trade Observatory (ATO) and AfCFTA market intelligence tools.
• Intellectual property support.
• Opportunities to participate in continental networking events.
• Virtual market-entry sessions for eligible fellows.
• Business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking opportunities for scale-ready enterprises.
• Exposure to investors, partners, and potential customers across Africa.
• Opportunities to expand into regional and continental markets.

Fellowship Tiers

Applicants will be assigned to one of three fellowship tracks based on the stage of development of their businesses:

Tier 1 – Growth

• Businesses operating for 2–5 years.
• Minimum of three full-time employees.
• Demonstrated market traction.

Tier 2 – Expansion

• Businesses operating for 5–10 years.
• Between 10 and 30 full-time employees.
• Strong ambition to expand across borders.

Tier 3 – Scale-Ready

• Businesses operating for more than 10 years or investor-ready enterprises seeking rapid growth.

Eligible Sectors

The fellowship supports businesses operating in seven priority sectors grouped into two clusters.

Products Cluster:

• Manufacturing
• Agro-processing
• Creative Industries

Services Cluster:

• ICT and Digital
• Fintech
• Health
• Logistics and Transport

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, businesses must:

• Be formally registered and operating in an African Union Member State.
• Have been in operation for at least two years.
• Employ a minimum of three full-time staff members.
• Operate within one of the eligible sectors.
• Be youth- or women-led enterprises.

Applications are especially encouraged from women-led businesses, enterprises from underrepresented African regions, and businesses located in Small Island Member States.

The following are not eligible:

• Current or former African Union Commission staff.
• Employees or representatives of EAN institutional partners.
• Staff of Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
• Graduates of previous EAN Fellowship cohorts.

Required Information

Applicants will be required to provide:

• Business registration details.
• Enterprise profile.
• Number of employees.
• Revenue range.
• Information on access to finance.
• Intellectual property status.
• An 800-word business pitch explaining the enterprise, its market challenge, and objectives for joining the fellowship.

How to Apply

Interested entrepreneurs should:

1. Visit the official Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship application portal.
2. Review the programme guidelines and eligibility requirements.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Prepare a compelling business pitch highlighting the enterprise's growth potential and development impact.
5. Submit the application before the deadline.

Selection Process

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Business maturity.
• Market traction.
• Growth potential.
• Cross-border expansion readiness.
• Contribution to Africa's economic development.
• Alignment with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).