ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP) 2026: Grants and Business Support

Applications are now open for the ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP) 2026. This initiative by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aims to empower young entrepreneurs in West Africa. It offers capacity building, technical support, mentoring, and access to business services to help existing businesses grow. The program is open to young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 who already have an operational business or entrepreneurial activity.

Application Closing Date: July 16, 2026
Location: Benin, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Sierra Leone
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Grants up to $15,000
Opportunity Type: Entrepreneurship Programme

About the ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP)

The ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP) is designed to foster economic growth by supporting young entrepreneurs. The program focuses on providing targeted assistance to help businesses start, consolidate, develop, or continue their operations. It is implemented by the ECOWAS Centre for Youth and Sports Development (CDJS/ECOWAS) with support from AUDA-NEPAD.

This program is a pilot phase initiative that seeks to identify and support promising young entrepreneurs. It offers a structured approach to business development, ensuring that participants receive the necessary tools and guidance to succeed in their ventures. The EYWEP aims to create a more robust entrepreneurial ecosystem within the ECOWAS region.

About ECOWAS

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional group of fifteen West African nations. It was established on May 28, 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos. ECOWAS aims to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states.

The organization works towards common goals in areas such as trade, infrastructure, education, and youth development. The ECOWAS Centre for Youth and Sports Development plays a key role in implementing programs that benefit the youth population within the member countries.

Available Entrepreneurship Opportunities

The EYWEP 2026 is calling for projects from young entrepreneurs who meet specific criteria. The program is open to various types of businesses and entrepreneurial activities. The focus is on supporting those who need assistance to strengthen, stabilize, or develop their existing ventures.

The program is particularly interested in businesses that show potential for growth and socio-economic impact. This includes start-ups, structuring start-ups, and growth start-ups. The goal is to equip entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to scale their operations effectively.

What the EYWEP Offers

Successful applicants to the ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme can benefit from several advantages. The program provides a platform for economic empowerment through various forms of support. These benefits are designed to help businesses thrive and contribute to the regional economy.

The key offerings include:

• Capacity building and technical support.
• Mentoring from experienced professionals.
• Networking opportunities with partners and peers.
• Access to business support services.
• Grants for the best projects, with awards for first, second, and third place, as well as a special prize for the best regional business plan.
• First Place: $15,000
• Second Place: $10,000
• Third Place: $5,000
• Special Award Best Regional Business Plan: $5,000

Programme Duration and Location

This entrepreneurship programme is open to applicants from seven pilot countries within the ECOWAS region. These countries are Benin, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. The specific duration of the programme for individual participants is not specified.

The programme aims to provide support that can lead to the consolidation and growth of businesses. Participants will receive guidance tailored to their specific needs, helping them to develop and sustain their entrepreneurial activities within their respective countries.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP) 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Be a national or resident of one of the seven pilot countries: Benin, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, or Sierra Leone.
• Already have an existing business, whether formal or informal, or an entrepreneurial activity that is currently underway.
• Be a start-up, structuring start-up, or growth start-up.
• Be in need of support to strengthen, stabilize, or develop their business.

Competencies Required

Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria to ensure that the most suitable candidates are selected. These criteria assess the viability and potential of the business and the entrepreneur’s capacity to benefit from the program.

Key selection criteria include:

• Relevance of the business activity or company.
• The level of structuring of the entrepreneurial project.
• Potential for strengthening and growth of the business.
• Economic and financial viability of the venture.
• Demonstrated need for support and networking.
• Current or potential production or service capacity.
• Socio-economic impact, current or potential.
• Potential for job creation or maintenance.
• Motivation of the candidate.
• Ability to take advantage of the coaching program.

Who Should Apply?

This programme is ideal for young West African entrepreneurs who have already started their business journey and are looking for the next level of support. If you are between 18 and 35 years old, live in one of the seven participating countries, and have an active business that needs consolidation or growth, this opportunity is for you.

It is particularly suited for those who can articulate a clear business need and demonstrate the potential for their venture to succeed and create jobs. If you are motivated and ready to learn and grow your business with expert guidance and potential funding, you should consider applying.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit a comprehensive application package. All documents should be consolidated into a single PDF file.

The required documents include:

• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A copy of a valid identity document.
• A presentation note of the company or activity.
• A simplified business plan or a presentation of the business model.
• A projected financial plan.
• The company’s legal documents, if applicable.
• Any additional document that could be useful for assessing the activity.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit their complete applications via email to the address corresponding to their country. The subject line of the email must be: “EYWEP Program Application – Existing Businesses”.

• Benin: [email protected]
• Ivory Coast: [email protected]
• Gambia: [email protected]
• Ghana: [email protected]
• Guinea-Bissau: [email protected]
• Senegal: [email protected]
• Sierra Leone: [email protected]

Applicants should ensure all required documents are prepared and correctly formatted before sending their application. For more information, visit the official EYWEP website.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the selection process. Late applications will not be considered due to the strict closing date. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review all requirements and ensure their application is complete and accurate before submission. Meeting the eligibility criteria and providing all necessary documentation are crucial for a successful application.

Closing Date

The closing date for the ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP) 2026 is July 16, 2026. Applicants are urged to submit their applications well before this date to avoid any last-minute issues.

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