The Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme Cohort 2 (2026/27) is a flagship African Union startup acceleration initiative designed to strengthen promising African micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The programme provides selected entrepreneurs with structured business training, expert mentorship, intellectual property support, market intelligence and opportunities to access markets across Africa and beyond.

For its second cohort, the programme will select 100 fellows from across all 55 African Union Member States, with an ambitious target of generating US$2 million in new attributable revenue and creating 500 new jobs.

The initiative is implemented by the African Union Commission’s Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) and is closely aligned with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Application deadline: 30 September 2026.

Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship 2026/27: Key Details

• Programme: Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme
• Cohort: Cohort 2
• Programme period: 2026/27
• Organiser: African Union Commission
• Implementing department: Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM)
• Type: Startup acceleration and entrepreneurship fellowship
• Number of fellows: 100
• Geographical coverage: All 55 African Union Member States
• Target beneficiaries: Youth- and women-led small enterprises
• Minimum business age: 2 years
• Minimum employees: 3 full-time employees
• Programme duration: 12 months
• Application opens: 31 July 2026
• Application deadline: 30 September 2026
• Results: October 2026
• Programme commencement: November 2026
• Application: Online
• Official contact: AUEAN@AfricanUnion.org

What Is the Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship?

The Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship Programme is an African Union startup acceleration initiative created to support promising African entrepreneurs and strengthen the continent’s MSME ecosystem.

Rather than focusing only on classroom-based entrepreneurship training, the EAN Fellowship combines several forms of practical business support. Selected fellows receive structured training, access to experienced mentors, market intelligence, intellectual property support and opportunities to connect with potential markets and business partners.

The programme is designed around the reality that African businesses often need more than access to capital to grow. Entrepreneurs may also require stronger business strategies, improved knowledge of regional markets, better understanding of intellectual property, access to networks and assistance navigating cross-border trade.

EAN therefore seeks to help promising businesses become more competitive and better positioned to take advantage of opportunities created by African economic integration.

The first EAN cohort, conducted in 2024/25, trained 56 fellows from 30 African countries and generated more than US$1 million in deals and contracts.

Building on that experience, Cohort 2 will expand considerably, with 100 fellows representing all 55 AU Member States.

Who Can Apply for the EAN Fellowship?

The EAN Fellowship is specifically designed for youth- and women-led small enterprises that meet the programme’s business eligibility requirements.

To qualify, an enterprise must:

• Be registered and operating in an African Union Member State.
• Be formally registered as a business entity.
• Have been operating for at least two years.
• Employ a minimum of three full-time staff members.

The African Union is particularly encouraging applications from:

• Women-led enterprises.
• Enterprises from underrepresented African regions.
• Businesses from small island AU Member States.

The programme is therefore not intended for individuals who simply have a business idea but have not yet established a formally registered and operating enterprise.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate that their businesses are already functioning and have reached a level of maturity appropriate for one of the three fellowship tiers.

Eligible Countries and Geographic Coverage

The Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship is a continental African opportunity.

Cohort 2 intends to select fellows from all 55 African Union Member States. This means eligible enterprises can apply from countries across:

• North Africa
• West Africa
• East Africa
• Central Africa
• Southern Africa

The programme also places specific emphasis on achieving balanced representation across the AU’s five continental regions.

At least 40 percent of the 100 fellowship places are reserved to ensure representation across all five AU regions.

In addition, at least five places are reserved for enterprises from African Union small island Member States.

This geographic approach is intended to ensure that the fellowship does not disproportionately benefit businesses from only a small number of African countries or regions.

Seven Eligible Business Sectors

The EAN Fellowship covers seven sectors, organised into two broad clusters that reflect opportunities connected to intra-African trade and the AfCFTA.

Products Cluster

The Products Cluster focuses on enterprises producing goods with potential for intra-African trade.

1. Manufacturing

Manufacturing businesses can apply under this category.

This may include enterprises involved in the production, processing or assembly of goods for African and international markets.

The fellowship can provide such businesses with opportunities to strengthen their business models, explore regional markets and develop strategies for expansion.

2. Agro-processing

Agro-processing enterprises are also eligible.

This sector is particularly relevant to Africa’s agricultural value chains because processing agricultural products can increase value addition, create employment and improve opportunities for regional trade.

Businesses operating in food processing and other forms of agricultural value addition may therefore find the EAN Fellowship particularly relevant.

3. Creative Industries

The Creative Industries category covers businesses operating within Africa’s creative economy.

Creative enterprises can benefit from business development support, market intelligence, intellectual property knowledge and opportunities to expand their reach beyond domestic markets.

Services Cluster

The Services Cluster focuses on businesses operating in key service industries.

4. ICT and Digital

Technology and digital businesses are eligible to apply.

This category reflects the growing role of digital technologies in African economies and the increasing opportunities for technology companies to provide services across borders.

5. Fintech

Financial technology businesses are included among the programme’s priority sectors.

Fintech enterprises are increasingly important to Africa’s financial ecosystem, particularly in areas such as digital payments, financial inclusion and technology-enabled financial services.

6. Health

Businesses operating in the health sector are also eligible.

The programme recognises the importance of strengthening African enterprises that provide innovative products and services addressing healthcare needs across the continent.

7. Logistics and Transport

Businesses operating in logistics and transportation can apply.

This sector is particularly important for AfCFTA because efficient movement of goods and people is essential to increasing intra-African commerce.

Three EAN Fellowship Tiers

One of the distinctive features of Cohort 2 is the division of fellows into three tiers based on enterprise maturity.

Training, mentorship and market-access support will be tailored to the needs of each tier.

Understanding these categories is important because applicants should be prepared to demonstrate where their enterprise currently sits in its development journey.

Tier 1 – Growth

The Growth tier is intended for relatively young enterprises that have already moved beyond the startup stage and demonstrate evidence of market traction.

Eligible businesses under this tier should generally:

• Have operated for 2–5 years.
• Employ at least three full-time employees.
• Demonstrate market traction.

This tier is particularly relevant to businesses seeking to strengthen their foundations and prepare for the next phase of growth.

Tier 2 – Expansion

The Expansion tier targets businesses that have established themselves more firmly and are ready to pursue wider markets.

Businesses in this category should generally:

• Have operated for 5–10 years.
• Employ between 10 and 30 employees.
• Demonstrate ambitions to expand across borders.

The emphasis on cross-border ambition is particularly relevant to the AfCFTA and the EAN’s goal of strengthening intra-African trade.

Tier 3 – Scale-Ready

The Scale-Ready tier is designed for more mature businesses.

Enterprises may qualify based on:

• Operating for 10 years or more, or
• Having an investor-ready profile.

These businesses are expected to have greater capacity for expansion and may be positioned to benefit from more advanced market-access and business-to-business opportunities.

What Does the EAN Fellowship Offer?

Selected fellows will participate in a 12-month structured programme.

The programme combines training, mentorship, market intelligence and business networking.

Key components include:

1. Structured Business Training

All fellows receive 12 months of structured training across 10 modules.

The training is differentiated according to the sector and enterprise tier of each participant.

This means the programme is designed to provide more relevant support depending on whether an enterprise is at the growth, expansion or scale-ready stage.

2. Expert Mentorship

Fellows receive expert mentorship through African Union partners.

Mentorship can help entrepreneurs strengthen their decision-making, identify growth opportunities and address business challenges.

For businesses seeking regional expansion, access to experienced mentors can also provide valuable insight into market-entry strategies and cross-border operations.

3. African Trade Observatory Access

Participants will gain access to the African Trade Observatory (ATO) and relevant AfCFTA market-intelligence tools.

This is an important feature of the fellowship because businesses interested in expanding across Africa need reliable information about potential markets.

Market intelligence can help entrepreneurs understand:

• Regional market opportunities.
• Trade trends.
• Potential markets for their products or services.
• Cross-border opportunities.
• Business expansion possibilities.

4. Continental Events

Fellows will participate in continental events, providing opportunities to engage with entrepreneurs, experts, institutions and potential business partners from different African markets.

Such events can contribute to business networking and collaboration.

Market Access Opportunities

Market access is a major component of the EAN Fellowship.

The programme is not limited to training entrepreneurs. It is also designed to help participating businesses explore opportunities beyond their domestic markets.

Tier 1 and Tier 2 Market-Entry Sessions

Fellows in Tiers 1 and 2 will participate in virtual market-entry sessions covering 10 AfCFTA pilot countries.

These sessions are intended to expose businesses to potential markets and help entrepreneurs better understand the process of entering new African markets.

Tier 3 B2B Matchmaking

Tier 3 fellows will participate in business-to-business matchmaking sessions.

These sessions are designed to create opportunities for mature enterprises to connect with potential business partners, customers and other commercial stakeholders.

For scale-ready businesses, B2B matchmaking may be particularly valuable for developing commercial relationships and expanding regional operations.

EAN Fellowship and the African Continental Free Trade Area

The EAN Fellowship is closely connected to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The AfCFTA is intended to strengthen economic integration across Africa and create a larger single market for goods and services.

For African MSMEs, greater continental integration can create opportunities to:

• Enter new African markets.
• Expand customer bases.
• Build regional supply chains.
• Establish cross-border partnerships.
• Increase exports.
• Develop new products and services.
• Create employment.

The EAN Fellowship seeks to help entrepreneurs develop the capabilities and connections necessary to take advantage of these opportunities.

Application Process

Applications for the EAN Fellowship are submitted online.

Applicants will be required to provide information about their enterprise, including:

• Business registration details.
• Business sector.
• Number of years the enterprise has operated.
• Number of employees.
• Countries where the business currently trades.
• Revenue range.
• Intellectual property status.
• Access to formal finance.

Applicants will also need to submit a written pitch of up to 800 words.

The pitch should explain:

1. What the enterprise does.
2. The main challenge facing the business.
3. What the applicant hopes to achieve through participation in the EAN Fellowship.

Applicants should use the pitch to clearly communicate the enterprise’s current position, growth potential and reasons for seeking support through the programme.

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Supporting Financial Document

A supporting document verifying access to finance is not required at the initial application stage.

However, shortlisted applicants will later be asked to provide evidence of access to formal finance.

Acceptable evidence may include:

• Bank statement.
• Mobile money statement.
• Equivalent financial documentation.

Applicants should therefore ensure that appropriate financial records are available should they progress to the shortlisting stage.

Important Warning About False Information

Applicants should take particular care when completing the application.

The African Union states that misrepresentation of any information provided in the application will result in immediate disqualification and permanent ineligibility for all future EAN Fellowship cohorts.

Applicants should therefore ensure that:

• Business registration information is accurate.
• Employee numbers are truthful.
• Revenue information is accurate.
• Years of operation are correctly stated.
• Trading countries are accurately reported.
• Financial information is supported by legitimate documentation.
• All other information submitted can be verified where necessary.

Applicants should not exaggerate the size, revenue, age or performance of their enterprise in an attempt to qualify for a higher tier.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Certain individuals and organisations are explicitly excluded from applying.

The following are not eligible:

• Current staff of the African Union Commission.
• Former staff of the African Union Commission.
• Employees and representatives of EAN institutional partners.
• Staff members of Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
• Graduates of any previous EAN Fellowship cohort.

Applicants who fall into any of these categories should not submit an application.

Key Dates for the EAN Fellowship 2026/27

Applicants should keep the following dates in mind:

The application deadline is 30 September 2026.

Applicants are strongly advised to submit before the final day to avoid technical problems or incomplete applications.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme Cohort 2.

How to Apply for the Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship

Interested entrepreneurs should follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm eligibility

Check that your enterprise:

• Operates in an AU Member State.
• Is formally registered.
• Has operated for at least two years.
• Has at least three full-time employees.
• Falls within one of the seven eligible sectors.
• Is youth- or women-led.
• Does not fall under any of the excluded categories.

Step 2: Identify your enterprise tier

Determine whether your business fits:

• Tier 1 – Growth
• Tier 2 – Expansion
• Tier 3 – Scale-Ready

Be realistic when determining your enterprise’s maturity.

Step 3: Gather your business information

Prepare accurate information concerning registration, employees, revenue, markets, intellectual property and access to finance.

Step 4: Prepare the 800-word pitch

Clearly explain your enterprise, its main market challenge and what you want to achieve through the fellowship.

Step 5: Review your application

Carefully check every answer before submitting. Incorrect or misleading information can lead to disqualification and permanent ineligibility for future cohorts.

Step 6: Submit online

Use the official EAN Fellowship application form.

How to Strengthen Your EAN Fellowship Application

Entrepreneurs should avoid treating the application as simply another business registration form. The programme is competitive, with only 100 fellowship places available.

A stronger application should clearly communicate:

A clear business model

Explain what your company sells or provides, who its customers are and how it generates revenue.

Evidence of market traction

Where relevant, provide credible information demonstrating that customers are already using or purchasing your products or services.

A clearly defined challenge

Do not simply state that your business needs funding. Explain the specific market, operational, technical, regulatory or expansion challenge you are facing.

A strong growth strategy

Explain where you want the business to go and how the EAN Fellowship can help you get there.

Regional ambitions

If you intend to expand into other African countries, clearly explain which markets you are considering and why.

Alignment with AfCFTA

Show that you understand how your business can contribute to or benefit from increased intra-African trade.

Accurate information

Every figure and statement should be truthful and, where necessary, verifiable.

Why This Fellowship Could Be Valuable for African Entrepreneurs

African MSMEs play a major role in employment, innovation and economic development across the continent. However, many businesses face challenges when attempting to move from local operations to regional or international markets.

The EAN Fellowship addresses several of these challenges through a combination of:

• Business training.
• Mentorship.
• Market intelligence.
• Networking.
• Market-entry support.
• B2B matchmaking.
• Intellectual property support.
• Continental exposure.

The programme’s focus on different enterprise maturity levels is also significant. A two-year-old business with three employees may require very different support from a ten-year-old enterprise preparing for investment or regional expansion.

By separating participants into three tiers, the programme aims to provide more targeted support.

Official Application and Programme Resources

• Apply for the EAN Fellowship
• Read the official African Union call for applications
• Download the official EAN Call for Applications
• Download the EAN Concept Note
• Contact: AUEAN@AfricanUnion.org

Conclusion

The Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship Programme Cohort 2 (2026/27) represents a major opportunity for ambitious African entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses, access new markets and build stronger connections across the continent.

With 100 fellowship places available across all 55 African Union Member States, the programme combines 12 months of structured training with expert mentorship, AfCFTA market intelligence, continental networking and targeted market-access opportunities.

The three-tier structure also allows businesses at different stages of development to receive support suited to their level of maturity, from growing enterprises with demonstrated market traction to established businesses preparing for regional expansion or investment.

Entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility requirements should begin preparing their business information and 800-word pitch early. Most importantly, applicants should ensure that every piece of information submitted is accurate, as misrepresentation can result in permanent exclusion from future EAN Fellowship cohorts.

Application deadline: 30 September 2026.

This is an opportunity for African businesses not only to strengthen their individual enterprises but also to contribute to a more integrated, competitive and interconnected African economy.

Discover more Entrepreneurship, African and Fellowship opportunities on Opportunities for Youth (OFY).