Apply for the African Union Commission Enterprise African Network Inaugural Cohort Fellowship Programme(Fully-funded)

African Union Commission to Host MSME Forum in Namibia

The African Union Commission (AUC) is pleased to announce the Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Forum, scheduled to take place from September 9 to 13, 2024, in Windhoek, Namibia. This highly anticipated event marks a significant milestone in the AUC’s efforts to support and empower small businesses across the continent.

Launch of the Enterprise African Network Fellowship Program

In conjunction with the MSME Forum, the AUC is excited to introduce the inaugural cohort of the Enterprise African Network (EAN) fellowship program. This program aims to empower innovative small businesses by providing them with access to funding, mentorship, and market opportunities. As the largest gathering of MSMEs in Africa, the MSME Forum is the perfect platform for launching this groundbreaking initiative.

Objectives of the Fellowship Program

The EAN fellowship program is designed to support the growth, innovation, and sustainability of MSMEs, driving economic development and creating job opportunities. By fostering these enterprises, the AUC aims to enhance the resilience of the MSME sector and contribute to the overall economic prosperity of the continent.

Call for Applications

The AUC invites eligible MSMEs to apply for the EAN fellowship program. Your assistance in disseminating this information to your network will be invaluable in ensuring that deserving businesses across Africa have the opportunity to benefit from this initiative.

Priority Sectors

The fellowship program focuses on several key sectors:

Agriculture (Agri-SME): With 80% of Africa’s food handled by agricultural SMEs, this sector is crucial for sustainable food systems and economic opportunities in both rural and urban areas.

Manufacturing: This sector has immense potential to drive economic development, particularly in pharmaceuticals, vaccine manufacturing, medical and chemical industries, automotives, and processing of products such as leather, cocoa, shea butter, and soya.

Creative Industry: Driven by a growing youth population and urbanization, Africa’s creative industry includes traditional cultural expressions, visual arts, design, and creative services. Investing in this sector can boost economic opportunities and innovation.

Critical Minerals Sectors: SMEs play a vital role in the supply chains of critical minerals, essential for electric vehicles and technological innovations.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT): ICT startups are pivotal for fintech, e-commerce, and digital applications, fostering massive use of technological innovations.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the EAN fellowship program, MSMEs must meet the following criteria:

• African MSMEs aged 20 – 50 from any AU Member State
• Operational for a minimum of 24 months
• Registered and operating in one or more AU Member States
• Only one entry per business and founder
• Sectors: Agriculture, Manufacturing, ICT, Mineral Sector, and Creative Industries
• Valid passport

Apply Now

Interested MSMEs can apply for the EAN fellowship program by visiting the official registration page: MSME Forum Registration.

Your support in promoting this opportunity is greatly appreciated. Together, we can ensure that the most innovative and deserving MSMEs have access to the resources they need to thrive.

For more information, visit the official MSME Forum website.