African Union CIEFFA Online Capacity Building Training 2026: Free Digital Skills, STEAM, Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship Training for Africans Worldwide
The African Union International Centre for Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA), in partnership with ImpactHER, has officially opened applications for the African Union CIEFFA Online Capacity Building Training 2026 under the theme “#AfricaEducatesHer – Digital Skills for All: Bridging the Gender Gap in STEAM, Financial Literacy, and Entrepreneurship.”
This fully sponsored online training programme is designed to equip women and men from all 55 African Union Member States and members of the African Diaspora with practical knowledge and skills in gender equality, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), digital literacy, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to empower participants to become leaders and change-makers who contribute to inclusive education, economic empowerment, and sustainable development across Africa.
The programme, which begins in August 2026, builds on the success of previous editions that have already certified more than 12,500 young people across 55 African countries and 34 non-African countries, making it one of the continent’s leading online capacity-building initiatives.
About the African Union CIEFFA Online Capacity Building Training
The African Union CIEFFA Online Capacity Building Training is a regional initiative jointly implemented by the African Union CIEFFA and ImpactHER to strengthen the capacity of African youth through accessible online learning.
The programme recognizes that despite growing opportunities in digital transformation and entrepreneurship, many young Africans—particularly women—continue to face barriers to accessing quality education, digital skills, financial knowledge, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
By combining practical online learning with gender-responsive education, the programme seeks to prepare participants to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
The 2026 edition focuses on developing skills that are increasingly essential for employment, innovation, business creation, and community development across Africa.
About African Union CIEFFA
The African Union International Centre for Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA) is a specialized institution of the African Union operating under the Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI).
The Centre was established to promote:
- Gender equality in education
- Girls’ and women’s education
- Skills development
- Educational advocacy
- Inclusive education across Africa
Its work supports the African Union’s broader education and development agenda while promoting equal educational opportunities for women and girls.
About ImpactHER
ImpactHER is an internationally recognized non-profit organization committed to empowering African women entrepreneurs.
Its mission focuses on:
- Bridging the gender financing gap
- Supporting women-owned businesses
- Providing entrepreneurial education
- Promoting financial inclusion
- Creating economic opportunities for African women
By partnering with AU CIEFFA, ImpactHER brings practical entrepreneurship and financial literacy expertise to participants across the continent.
Theme for the 2026 Training
The 2026 programme will be delivered under the theme:
“#AfricaEducatesHer – Digital Skills for All: Bridging the Gender Gap in STEAM, Financial Literacy, and Entrepreneurship.”
The theme emphasizes the importance of ensuring equal access to digital knowledge and entrepreneurial opportunities while promoting gender equality in education throughout Africa.
Objectives of the Programme
The online training seeks to:
- Strengthen digital skills among African youth.
- Promote gender equality in and through education.
- Increase access to STEAM education.
- Improve financial literacy.
- Develop entrepreneurial skills.
- Empower young Africans to become community leaders.
- Promote inclusive economic growth.
- Encourage innovation and digital transformation across Africa.
Training Areas
Participants will receive training in several key areas, including:
1. Gender Equality in Education
Participants will learn how gender-responsive education contributes to inclusive learning environments and sustainable development.
Topics include:
- Gender equality in education
- Inclusive educational practices
- Women’s empowerment
- Educational leadership
2. STEAM Education
The programme promotes access to STEAM by helping participants understand how science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics contribute to solving real-world problems.
3. Digital Skills
Participants will strengthen practical digital competencies needed in today’s workforce and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Learning areas include:
- Digital literacy
- Technology applications
- Online productivity
- Digital innovation
4. Financial Literacy
The training equips participants with knowledge in:
- Personal finance
- Budgeting
- Financial planning
- Savings
- Business finance
5. Entrepreneurship
Participants will learn practical entrepreneurial skills, including:
- Business development
- Opportunity identification
- Business planning
- Innovation
- Enterprise management
Benefits of the Programme
Successful participants will receive numerous benefits, including:
Free Online Training
The programme is delivered online, allowing participants to learn from anywhere with internet access.
Certificates
Participants who attend the required percentage of each programme will receive certificates in:
- Digital Skills
- Entrepreneurial Skills
- Financial Literacy
According to the application information, participants are expected to attend the required proportion of sessions for each programme to qualify for certification.
Join Prestigious Networks
Participants become members of:
- African Union CIEFFA Network
- ImpactHER Network
These networks provide opportunities for collaboration, learning, and future engagement.
Opportunities for Future Fully Funded Activities
Completing the programme may increase participants’ chances of being invited to fully funded in-person activities organized by African Union CIEFFA.
Access to Additional Training
Participants may also gain access to future fully funded online training programmes sponsored by ImpactHER.
Programme Format
The programme will be delivered entirely online.
Selected applicants will be divided into different batches.
Each batch will undergo:
- One month of training
- Online learning sessions
- Practical skills development
Training begins on 31 August 2026.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to:
- African women
- African men
- African youth
- Members of the African Diaspora
Applicants must demonstrate an interest in building skills in education, entrepreneurship, digital technologies, and leadership.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be an African woman or man.
- Hold African citizenship.
- Reside in Africa or anywhere in the world.
- Demonstrate motivation to learn digital skills, entrepreneurial skills, and financial literacy.
- Show leadership potential and commitment to promoting girls’ and women’s education.
- Have access to a reliable internet connection.
- Have access to a laptop, computer, smartphone, or tablet.
- Understand at least one programme language:
- English
- French
- Portuguese
Why You Should Apply
This programme offers much more than online learning.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Develop in-demand digital skills.
- Improve entrepreneurial capacity.
- Gain financial literacy.
- Join continental professional networks.
- Earn recognized certificates.
- Build leadership skills.
- Access future African Union opportunities.
- Contribute to gender equality and inclusive development in Africa.
For young Africans seeking practical, career-enhancing skills while joining a continent-wide network of innovators and leaders, this training presents an outstanding opportunity.
Application Process
Interested applicants should complete the official online application form.
Applicants should ensure they:
- Select their preferred language (English, French, or Portuguese).
- Complete all required application fields.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
Applicants with questions may contact:
Application Deadline
31 July 2026
Late applications may not be considered, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Click HERE to learn more about the African Union CIEFFA Online Capacity Building Training 2026.
Conclusion
The African Union CIEFFA Online Capacity Building Training 2026 represents an exceptional opportunity for Africans across the continent and in the diaspora to strengthen their knowledge in digital skills, STEAM, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and gender-responsive education.
With free online learning, recognized certificates, access to continental networks, and opportunities to participate in future fully funded African Union activities, the programme is well suited for aspiring entrepreneurs, students, professionals, educators, and community leaders seeking to contribute to Africa’s digital and economic transformation.
Eligible applicants should prepare their applications and submit them before 31 July 2026 to take advantage of this valuable learning opportunity.
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