The Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) is opening its fellowship programme for cohort 2, calling on Business holders to apply. The EAN Fellowship Programme builds on the success of its first cohort, which trained 56 fellows from 30 African countries and facilitated more than USD 1 million in business deals. Cohort 2 aims to expand this impact by strengthening enterprise capabilities, encouraging intra-African trade, supporting job creation, and helping promising businesses take advantage of opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme is an African Union initiative designed to accelerate the growth, competitiveness, and market access of youth- and women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa. The second cohort will support 100 fellows from all 55 African Union Member States through structured training, mentorship, intellectual property support, and opportunities to access African markets.”
Applications are accepted until September 30, 2026. The programme is accepting applications from products centered businesses and service centered businesses. The following are accepted: Manufacturing, Agro-processing, Creative industries, ICT and digital, Fintech, Health, and Logistics and transport. Though all genders, race, and age are encouraged to apply, the fellowship is particularly keen to fellowship is open to youth- and women-led small enterprises operating in African Union Member States.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be registered and operating in an AU Member State.
- Have been operating for at least two years.
- Employ at least three full-time staff.
- Operate within one of the programme’s eligible sectors.
- Demonstrate potential for growth and market expansion.
At least 40 places are reserved to support representation across all five AU continental regions. In addition, at least five places are reserved for enterprises from small island Member States.
Click the link to apply
