12/07/2026
📢 ECOWAS YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME (EYEP)
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Partner Organizations: AECID, ECOWAS, AUDA-NEPAD (African Union Development Agency), COYWA, FOR VON
Focus: Call for applications for young people aged 18 to 35 who already have an existing business.
Background
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Centre for Youth and Sports Development (CDJS/ECOWAS), is implementing the ECOWAS Youth and Women's Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP) with the technical and financial support of AUDA-NEPAD.
The programme aims to promote the economic empowerment of young people through capacity building, technical support, mentoring, networking, access to business support services, and the development of sustainable entrepreneurship.
As part of its pilot phase, ECOWAS is inviting applications from young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 who already have an existing business or an operational entrepreneurial activity and need targeted support to strengthen, consolidate, develop, or continue their production.
Eligible Countries
• Benin • Ivory Coast • Gambia • Ghana • Guinea-Bissau • Senegal • Sierra Leone
Purpose
The programme seeks to identify and support young entrepreneurs who are already engaged in an economic activity or operating an existing business. Successful applicants will receive support to strengthen their production, management, business structure, and growth.
Beneficiaries will have the opportunity to: • Consolidate their business • Improve production or service delivery • Strengthen entrepreneurial and financial management • Access mentorship, networking, and partnership opportunities • Improve visibility and market access • Increase resilience and growth potential
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must: • Be between 18 and 35 years old • Be nationals or residents of one of the seven pilot countries • Already own or operate an existing business, whether formal or informal • Be running a start-up or business in the structuring or growth stage • Need support to strengthen or expand their business
Eligible Sectors
• Pharmaceutical industry • Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) • Solar and Renewable Energy • Agrosilvopastoral activities and agricultural value chains
Awards
🥇 First Place: $15,000 🥈 Second Place: $10,000 🥉 Third Place: $5,000 🏆 Special Award for Best Regional Business Plan: $5,000
Eligibility Requirements
Applications must: • Be submitted by applicants aged 18 to 35 • Be from nationals and residents of one of the seven pilot countries • Be for an existing business or operational economic activity • Fall within one of the priority sectors • Be submitted before the deadline • Include a complete application package
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on: • Relevance of the business • Level of business structure • Growth potential • Economic and financial viability • Need for support and networking • Production or service capacity • Socio-economic impact • Job creation potential • Motivation of the applicant • Ability to benefit from the coaching programme
Benefits
Successful applicants will receive: • Targeted training • Technical and managerial support • One-on-one mentoring • Business management support • Networking and visibility opportunities • Connections to partners and financing institutions • Support to strengthen and expand their business
Required Documents
Applicants must submit: • Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) • Valid means of identification • Business or activity presentation • Simplified business plan or business model • Projected financial plan • Company registration documents (if applicable) • Any additional supporting documents
Important: Combine all documents into one PDF file.
Application Process
The selection process includes:
Reception and review of applications
Administrative verification
Technical evaluation
Shortlisting
Additional interviews or verification where necessary
Final selection
Admission into the support programme
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
How to Apply
Send your complete application to the email address for your country.
Email Subject: EYWEP Program Application – Existing Businesses
Benin: [email protected]
Ivory Coast: [email protected]
Gambia: [email protected]
Ghana: [email protected]
Guinea-Bissau: [email protected]
Senegal: [email protected]
Sierra Leone: [email protected]
Deadline
📅 16 July 2026 ⏰ 23:59 GMT
Applications received after the deadline or with incomplete documentation will not be considered.
Additional Information
• Participation is completely free. • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. • The programme is designed to support young entrepreneurs who already have an existing business and need assistance to strengthen and grow their operations.
For enquiries, contact: [email protected]
