AU Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme 2026/2027: Business Development Opportunity

The African Union (AU) is inviting applications for its Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme 2026/2027. This program is designed for promising entrepreneurs across Africa to gain structured training, expert mentorship, and market access. It aims to accelerate the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the continent.

Application Closing Date: September 30, 2026
Location: Across all 55 AU Member States
Programme Duration: Twelve months
Stipend: Not specified (focus on business growth and deals)
Minimum Qualification: Registered and operating small enterprise for at least two years, employing a minimum of three full-time staff.

About the AU Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme

The AU Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme is a key initiative by the African Union Commission (AUC) to support the development of businesses in Africa. This program focuses on providing entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s competitive market. It is part of the AUC’s Startup Acceleration Initiative.

The program offers structured training across ten modules, tailored to different sectors and business tiers. Fellows also receive expert mentorship from AU partners. Access to the African Trade Observatory (ATO) and AfCFTA market intelligence tools is provided. Participants will also have opportunities to attend continental events.

The EAN Fellowship aims to foster significant business growth. The inaugural cohort (2024/25) successfully trained 56 fellows, resulting in over USD 1 million in deals and contracts. The upcoming Cohort 2 (2026/27) plans to support 100 fellows from all 55 AU Member States, targeting USD 2 million in new revenue and the creation of 500 new jobs.

About the African Union (AU)

The African Union is a continental union consisting of 55 member states. It is a continental organization that was founded in 2002. The AU’s mission is to achieve greater unity and solidarity between African countries and peoples. It works to accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent. The AU plays a significant role in promoting peace, security, and stability in Africa.

The AU Commission’s Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) is responsible for implementing the EAN Fellowship Programme. This department focuses on fostering economic growth and development across the continent through various initiatives.

Available Fellowship Opportunities

The EAN Fellowship Programme Cohort 2 covers seven key sectors, divided into two clusters that align with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These sectors are crucial for intra-African trade and economic development.

Products Cluster (goods for intra-African trade):

• Manufacturing
• Agro-processing
• Creative Industries

Services Cluster:

• ICT/Digital
• Fintech
• Health
• Logistics/Transport

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful fellows will benefit from a comprehensive twelve-month development program. This includes extensive training and expert guidance designed to boost their businesses.

• Structured Training: Twelve months of training across ten modules, with content adapted to specific sectors and business tiers.
• Expert Mentorship: Guidance from experienced mentors provided through African Union Partners.
• Market Access: Access to the African Trade Observatory (ATO) and AfCFTA market intelligence tools.
• Continental Events: Opportunities to participate in significant continental business gatherings.
• Market Entry: Virtual market-entry sessions across ten AfCFTA pilot countries for Tier 1 and 2 fellows.
• B2B Matchmaking: Dedicated B2B matchmaking sessions for Tier 3 fellows.

Programme Duration and Location

The AU Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme is a twelve-month program. It is open to entrepreneurs from all 55 AU Member States, making it a continent-wide initiative. Specific locations for training sessions may vary, with virtual components and participation in continental events.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the EAN Fellowship Programme, enterprises must meet specific criteria. These requirements ensure that the program supports businesses with the potential for significant growth and impact.

• Enterprise Type: Youth- and women-led small enterprises.
• Registration: Must be registered and operating in an AU Member State.
• Business Entity: Must be formally registered as a business entity.
• Operating History: Must have been operating for at least two years.
• Staffing: Must employ a minimum of three full-time staff members.
• Encouraged Applications: Applications are particularly encouraged from women-led enterprises and businesses from underrepresented AU regions and small island Member States.

Competencies Required

While specific competencies are not explicitly listed, the nature of the fellowship suggests that participants should possess certain qualities to maximize their benefit from the program. These include a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to business growth.

• Strong business acumen
• Willingness to learn and adapt
• Commitment to business development
• Ability to engage with mentors and partners
• Desire to expand market reach

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for ambitious entrepreneurs leading small enterprises in Africa. It is particularly suited for those who are youth- or women-led and have a proven track record of operation. If your business is registered, has been running for at least two years, and employs a minimum of three people, you are encouraged to apply.

The program is also a great opportunity for businesses looking to expand their reach within the African continent through the AfCFTA. If you are seeking structured support, expert guidance, and access to new markets, this fellowship is designed for you.

Required Documents

Applicants will need to provide information about their business during the application process. While not all documents are required upfront, it is good to have them ready.

• Business Registration Details: Information about your company’s registration.
• Sector and Operations: Details on your business sector, years of operation, and employee count.
• Market Reach: Information on countries where your business currently trades.
• Financials: Revenue range and information on access to formal finance.
• Intellectual Property (IP) Status: Details about your business’s IP.
• Written Pitch: A pitch of up to 800 words describing your enterprise, its main market challenge, and your objectives for the fellowship.

Note: Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide one supporting document verifying finance access (e.g., bank statement, mobile money statement). This is not required at the initial application stage.

How to Apply

Interested entrepreneurs can apply for the AU Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme online. The application requires detailed information about your business.

Click here to apply for the AU Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme 2026/2027

Before submitting your application, ensure you have gathered all necessary business details and have prepared your written pitch. Double-check all information for accuracy.

For more detailed information, you can visit the official AU Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship page.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the selection process.
• Ensure all information provided in the application is accurate and truthful.
• Prepare your written pitch carefully, as it is a key part of your application.
• Applications from underrepresented regions and women-led enterprises are particularly encouraged.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications for the AU Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 is September 30, 2026.

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