Africa Union Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme 2026/27 is a flagship African Union startup acceleration initiative supporting youth- and women-led businesses across Africa. The fellowship provides entrepreneurs with structured training, expert mentorship, intellectual property support, market access opportunities, and business growth resources to scale enterprises across the African continent and beyond.
The Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme Cohort 2 (2026/27) is an African Union initiative designed to strengthen the growth and competitiveness of African micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Implemented by the African Union Commission’s Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM), the programme supports promising entrepreneurs through business training, mentorship, market opportunities, and tools that help enterprises expand within Africa and international markets.
Following the success of the first cohort, which supported 56 fellows from 30 African countries and generated more than USD 1 million in deals and contracts, the second cohort aims to support 100 entrepreneurs from all 55 African Union Member States.
The programme targets ambitious businesses with growth potential and aims to contribute to increased revenue generation and job creation across Africa.
Background & Fellowship Description
The Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship is the African Union’s flagship startup acceleration programme for developing competitive MSMEs.
The fellowship focuses on helping African entrepreneurs overcome business challenges by providing access to:
- Business growth training.
- Expert mentorship.
- Intellectual property support.
- Market intelligence tools.
- Regional and continental networking opportunities.
- Access to AfCFTA-related market opportunities.
The programme is aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and supports businesses seeking to expand beyond their domestic markets.
Who Should Apply?
The EAN Fellowship Programme is designed for youth-led and women-led enterprises that meet the following requirements:
- The business must be registered and operating in an African Union Member State.
- The enterprise must be formally registered as a business entity.
- The business must have operated for at least two years.
- The enterprise must employ at least three full-time staff members.
Applications are especially encouraged from:
- Women-led businesses.
- Enterprises from underrepresented African regions.
- Businesses from small island African Union Member States.
Fellowship Sectors
The 2026/27 cohort covers seven major sectors divided into two clusters:
Products Cluster
Businesses producing goods for intra-African trade, including:
- Manufacturing.
- Agro-processing.
- Creative industries.
Services Cluster
Businesses providing essential services, including:
- ICT and digital solutions.
- Fintech.
- Health.
- Logistics and transport.
The programme supports enterprises across different industries with tailored assistance based on their business stage and sector.
Fellowship Tiers
Applicants will be placed into one of three fellowship tiers depending on enterprise maturity and growth potential.
Tier 1 – Growth
Available for businesses that:
- Have operated for 2–5 years.
- Employ at least three people.
- Demonstrate market traction.
Available places: 35 fellows.
Tier 2 – Expansion
Designed for businesses that:
- Have operated for 5–10 years.
- Employ between 10 and 30 staff members.
- Have ambitions for cross-border expansion.
Available places: 40 fellows.
Tier 3 – Scale-Ready
For mature businesses that:
- Have operated for more than 10 years.
- Have an investor-ready profile.
Available places: 25 fellows.
What the Fellowship Offers
Selected fellows will receive twelve months of structured support focused on business development and expansion.
Benefits include:
Business Training
Fellows participate in ten training modules designed according to their sector and enterprise development stage.
Training areas focus on strengthening business capabilities and preparing companies for sustainable growth.
Expert Mentorship
Participants receive guidance from experienced professionals and African Union partners to address business challenges and improve operational performance.
Market Access Support
Fellows gain access to:
- African Trade Observatory (ATO).
- AfCFTA market intelligence tools.
- Continental business events.
- Regional market-entry opportunities.
Tier 1 and Tier 2 fellows will participate in virtual market-entry sessions across selected AfCFTA pilot countries.
Tier 3 fellows will participate in business-to-business matchmaking opportunities designed to connect businesses with potential partners and investors.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate that their enterprise meets the programme requirements, including:
- Business registration information.
- Sector of operation.
- Years of business activity.
- Number of employees.
- Current trading countries.
- Revenue information.
- Intellectual property status.
- Access to formal finance.
Applicants must also submit a business pitch of up to 800 words explaining:
- Their enterprise.
- Main market challenges.
- Objectives for joining the fellowship.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to provide supporting financial documentation, such as a bank statement, mobile money statement, or equivalent evidence.
Application Process
Applications for the Africa Union Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship Programme 2026/27 are submitted online.
Applicants should provide accurate information about their business operations and growth objectives.
The application process requires entrepreneurs to demonstrate:
- Business sustainability.
- Market potential.
- Growth ambitions.
- Commitment to expanding their enterprise.
False or misleading information may result in disqualification and permanent ineligibility for future EAN Fellowship cohorts.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 31 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
- Selection Results: October 2026
- Programme Begins: November 2026
Additional Information
The Africa Union Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme 2026/27 provides a valuable opportunity for African entrepreneurs seeking to strengthen their businesses, access mentorship, and connect with continental markets.
The programme supports the growth of MSMEs while contributing to Africa’s economic development, innovation ecosystem, and job creation goals.
Entrepreneurs interested in applying should carefully review the eligibility requirements and prepare a strong business pitch before submitting their application.
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