Apply to the ECOWAS YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME (EYEP)
🚀 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: ECOWAS YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME (EYEP)
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Centre for Youth and Sports Development (CDJS), in partnership with AUDA-NEPAD, invites applications for the ECOWAS Youth and Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP).
This initiative is designed to empower young entrepreneurs by providing capacity building, mentorship, technical support, and access to business development opportunities that foster sustainable enterprise growth.
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Who Can Apply?
This call is open to:
- Young people aged 18–35 years
- Nationals or residents of the following pilot countries:
Benin, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and Sierra Leone - Entrepreneurs with existing businesses or operational ventures (formal or informal)
- Start-ups in the structuring or growth stage seeking support
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Eligible Sectors
Businesses must operate within one of these priority areas:
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
- Solar and renewable energy
- Agrosilvopastoral and agricultural value chains
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Programme Objectives
Selected participants will receive support to:
- Strengthen and scale their businesses
- Improve production and service delivery
- Enhance financial and entrepreneurial management
- Access mentorship, networking, and partnerships
- Increase market visibility and business resilience
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Grants & Awards
Top-performing projects will receive:
- 🥇 First Prize: $15,000
- 🥈 Second Prize: $10,000
- 🥉 Third Prize: $5,000
- 🌟 Special Award (Best Regional Business Plan): $5,000
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What You’ll Gain
Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Targeted training and coaching
- One-on-one mentoring
- Business development and management support
- Networking and visibility opportunities
- Access to funding partners and support institutions
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Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a single PDF file containing:
- Updated CV
- Valid ID
- Business/activity profile
- Simplified business plan or model
- Financial projections
- Legal documents (if applicable)
- Any additional supporting documents
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How to Apply
Submit your application via email based on your country with the subject:
“EYWEP Program Application – Existing Businesses”
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Deadline
🗓 16 July 2026 (23:59 GMT)
⚠️ Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
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Additional Information
- Participation is completely free
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Designed to support entrepreneurs ready to scale and strengthen their businesses
📧 For inquiries: cdjs@ecowas.int
