ECoWYERT Program 2027: Boost Your Business for Regional Trade

Enhancing Capacities of Women and Youth-led Enterprises for Regional Trade (ECoWYERT) Program 2027

Applications are open for the Enhancing Capacities of Women and Youth-led Enterprises for Regional Trade (ECoWYERT) Program 2027. This program invites young people, entrepreneurs, traders, and enterprises to strengthen their skills, grow their businesses, and explore opportunities in regional trade. The initiative is supported by the Mastercard Foundation and led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It aims to provide practical, market-focused support across six African countries.

Application Closing Date: On Rolling Basis
Location: Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Programme Duration: 2025 to 2030
Stipend: Not specified
Opportunity Type: Training Program for Entrepreneurs and Traders

About the ECoWYERT Program

The Enhancing Capacities of Women and Youth-led Enterprises for Regional Trade (ECoWYERT) Program is designed to help participants at various stages of their careers and business journeys. Whether you are preparing to enter employment, start a business, or expand an existing enterprise into regional markets, this program offers tailored support. It focuses on developing practical skills and knowledge relevant to today’s business and trade landscape.

The program is a collaborative effort involving several key organizations. The Mastercard Foundation and UNDP are leading the initiative, with co-implementation by the COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB), the Better Than Cash Alliance (BTCA), and the Trade and Development Fund (TDF). This partnership ensures a wide reach and diverse expertise.

The ECoWYERT Program aims to foster economic growth by empowering women and youth entrepreneurs. It focuses on building capabilities in areas such as entrepreneurship, financial management, and regional trade. By participating, individuals and businesses can gain a competitive edge and contribute to economic development within Africa.

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that works to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities. It helps countries develop policies and leadership skills to achieve sustainable development goals. UNDP’s work spans across many areas, including democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention, and recovery.

The UNDP plays a crucial role in supporting developing nations by providing technical assistance and advocating for policy changes. They work with governments and local partners to find solutions to complex development challenges. Their aim is to create a world where people and planet can thrive together.

Available Program Categories

The ECoWYERT Program offers different categories to suit participants’ current situations. Applicants should choose the category that best matches their employment, business, or trade stage.

• New-to-Trade Youth: For young women and men aged 16-35 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), aspiring entrepreneurs, or those transitioning into employment or entrepreneurship.
• Existing Traders: For sole traders, rural and peri-urban traders, small-scale cross-border traders (SSCBTs), and informal businesses.
• Growing Trade Enterprises: For micro businesses, small businesses, home-based enterprises, and small-scale processors looking to strengthen operations.
• Scaling Trade Enterprises: For medium-sized businesses, formal enterprises, aggregators, and growth-oriented businesses aiming to expand across Africa.

What the Program Offers

Participants in the ECoWYERT Program can expect to gain valuable skills and knowledge depending on their chosen category. The program provides practical, market-focused support to help individuals and businesses succeed.

• Skills Development: Practical employability, entrepreneurship, and business-management skills.
• Financial Literacy: Training in financial literacy, management, and record-keeping.
• Business Growth: Guidance on business planning, growth strategies, marketing, and customer development.
• Digital Tools: Introduction to digital business and selling tools.
• Trade Knowledge: Cross-border trade and export-readiness skills, and knowledge of regional markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
• Business Formalisation: Support for formalizing businesses.

Programme Duration and Location

The ECoWYERT Program will run from 2025 to 2030. The program will be implemented across six countries: Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Specific locations within these countries may vary.

Minimum Requirements

Eligibility for the ECoWYERT Program depends on the category selected by the applicant. Each category has specific criteria to ensure participants receive the most relevant support.

• New-to-Trade Youth:
• Aged 16-35 years.
• Youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
• Aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Youth transitioning from education or vocational training.
• Young people seeking to turn income-generating activities into sustainable businesses.
• Existing Traders:
• Sole traders.
• Rural and peri-urban traders.
• Small-Scale Cross-Border Traders (SSCBTs).
• Informal businesses.
• Growing Trade Enterprises:
• Micro businesses.
• Small businesses.
• Home-based enterprises.
• Small-scale processors.
• Scaling Trade Enterprises:
• Medium-sized businesses.
• Formal enterprises.
• Aggregators.
• Growth-oriented businesses.

Competencies Required

While specific competencies are not listed, participants are expected to demonstrate a willingness to learn and engage actively in the program. Key qualities that will help individuals benefit most include:

• A strong desire to improve business and trade skills.
• Commitment to completing the program’s training modules.
• Ability to apply learned concepts to their own businesses or career paths.
• Openness to new ideas and market opportunities.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for young entrepreneurs, traders, and established businesses in the participating countries who are looking to expand their reach and capabilities. If you are a young person aiming to start or grow a business, a small trader seeking to formalize and expand, or an enterprise ready to scale into regional markets, this program is designed for you. It is particularly beneficial for women and youth who are driving economic activity.

Required Documents

Applicants are advised to prepare common application documents. While specific requirements may vary, it is advisable to have the following ready:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Certified copy of your South African ID or relevant identification document.
• Certified copies of any relevant educational certificates or qualifications.
• Academic records.
• Proof of residence.
• A cover letter explaining your interest and suitability for the program.
• Any other documents requested on the application portal.

How to Apply

Applications for the ECoWYERT Program are being accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants should ensure they provide complete and accurate information when submitting their application.

Click here to apply for the ECoWYERT Program.

Applicants are encouraged to read the program details carefully and select the category that best fits their profile. Ensure all personal and business information is correct before submitting.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Submission of an application does not guarantee selection.
• Applicants should ensure all information provided is accurate and complete.
• The program is open to individuals and enterprises in specific African countries.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is on a rolling basis. This means applications will be reviewed as they are received. It is advisable to apply as soon as possible to be considered.

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