Youth-led organizations and social enterprises can now apply for AU-EU Youth Action Entrepreneurship Grants, designed to create better economic opportunities for young people.
These grants, ranging from €30,000 to €50,000, are intended to support initiatives addressing critical challenges in youth economic participation.
According to Global South Opportunities, these grants are available to organizations and enterprises led by young people aged 18 to 35.
The grants aim to empower initiatives focused on skills development, enterprise growth, and creating supportive environments for young entrepreneurs. The first funding phase will focus on youth skills development.

Focus on Skills Development
The primary goal of this grant cycle is to support projects that enhance skills development for young people. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative ideas for training, education, or skills programs that align with local economic realities and youth needs. Funded projects should aim to:
- Improve access to skills training tailored for young people.
- Support the establishment of youth-led businesses by providing entrepreneurial skills.
- Foster a supportive environment for young entrepreneurs to succeed.
Organizations that receive the grant will use it to develop and implement skills programs benefiting communities and young individuals.
Eligibility and Requirements for Applicants
To qualify for the Entrepreneurship Grants, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Youth-led Leadership: The organization must have young people (aged 18 to 35) as key decision-makers.
- Legal Registration: Social enterprises must be legally registered and demonstrate a clear social impact.
- Country of Operation: Applicants must be based in one of the 12 African Youth Action Lab focus countries, including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and others.
- Financial Experience: Organizations should manage grants or have an annual budget of at least €10,000.
- Project Location: Activities must take place in eligible focus countries.
Proposals can be submitted by individual organizations or in collaboration with other youth-led groups.
Types of Activities Eligible for Funding
The grants will support various activities aimed at boosting youth skills development, such as:
- Developing Training Curricula: Creating new educational materials to address gaps in youth skills for economic participation.
- Scaling Existing Programs: Expanding current initiatives to reach more young people, especially in underserved areas.
- Fostering Partnerships: Building connections between skills providers, businesses, and governments to strengthen youth-focused programs.
Proposals that combine these elements to create long-term solutions for youth economic empowerment will be highly encouraged.
How to Apply
Organizations interested in applying must carefully review the funding guidelines to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. The deadline for applications is February 19th. Proposals can be submitted by individual organizations or jointly with other youth groups.
To assist applicants, webinars will be held in January and February to address any questions. Additionally, applicants can join the Power to Voices Platform to connect with other organizations and stay updated on the latest developments.
For more information and to submit an application, visit the official website and refer to the funding manual, available in English, French, or Portuguese.
This grant opportunity offers a chance for youth-led organizations to implement impactful projects that benefit young people and drive meaningful economic change.