ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP) 2026: Apply for Grants and Mentorship

ECOWAS launches 2026 Youth and Women entrepreneurship programme for West African youth

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially launched applications for the 2026 Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP), offering aspiring entrepreneurs across West Africa an opportunity to transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.

The initiative, implemented by the ECOWAS Centre for Youth and Sports Development with support from AUDA-NEPAD, aims to empower young people and women by providing business incubation, mentorship, entrepreneurship training and potential grant opportunities.

With youth unemployment and limited access to startup financing remaining major challenges across the region, the programme is expected to provide a significant boost to emerging entrepreneurs seeking to build scalable businesses.

ECOWAS Entrepreneurship Programme Targets Young Innovators

The 2026 edition of EYWEP focuses on identifying promising entrepreneurs who possess innovative business concepts but may lack the resources and technical support needed to launch and expand their ventures.

According to the programme details, participants will undergo a structured incubation process designed to convert business ideas, prototypes and early-stage projects into viable enterprises capable of contributing to economic growth and job creation across West Africa.

The initiative aligns with ECOWAS’ broader objective of promoting youth empowerment, women’s economic participation and regional development.

Who Can Apply for EYWEP 2026?

Applications are open to individuals aged 18 to 35 years who are nationals or residents of selected ECOWAS member states.

Eligible countries include:

Benin
Côte d’Ivoire
The Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Senegal
Sierra Leone

Applicants must possess an innovative business idea, project, concept or prototype that is still in the pre-launch stage.

The programme particularly encourages participation from young entrepreneurs and women who are seeking opportunities to build impactful businesses within their communities.

Benefits of the ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme

Selected participants will receive extensive support throughout the incubation period.

Entrepreneurship Training and Business Development

Participants will benefit from:

Structured business incubation programmes
Entrepreneurship and leadership training
Project maturation workshops
Business model development support
Business plan preparation assistance

Mentorship and Networking Opportunities

The programme will also provide:

One-on-one coaching sessions
Access to technical experts and industry mentors
Networking opportunities with investors and institutional partners
Support for legal business registration processes

Potential Grant Funding

At the end of the incubation programme, the best-performing projects may receive grants, depending on available funding and programme resources.

This funding component could help participants move from concept stage to operational businesses capable of generating employment opportunities.

African Union Capacity Building Training Program 2026: Certificates, Mentorship and More

Required Documents for Application

Interested candidates are expected to submit several documents as part of the application process, including:

Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Valid identification document
Concept note explaining the business idea
Description of the problem being solved and target market
Supporting materials such as prototypes, mock-ups or proof of concept where available

Applicants are advised to merge all required documents into a single PDF file before submission.

Application Deadline and Submission Process

Applications for the ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme are currently open and will close on July 16, 2026.

Candidates are required to submit their applications through the designated country-specific email addresses listed in the official call for applications.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the official guidelines carefully and ensure all required documents are submitted before the deadline.

Why the Programme Matters for West Africa

The launch of the EYWEP programme comes at a crucial time when many African economies are prioritizing entrepreneurship as a tool for economic diversification and youth employment.

By providing practical training, mentorship and possible financial support, ECOWAS aims to foster a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of driving innovation and sustainable development across the region.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen regional integration by creating networks among young entrepreneurs from different West African countries.

FAQ

What is the ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP)?

The ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme is a regional initiative aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs and women in West Africa through business incubation, mentorship, training and potential grant opportunities.

Who is eligible to apply for EYWEP 2026?

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and be nationals or residents of eligible ECOWAS member countries including Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia.

Is the ECOWAS entrepreneurship programme fully funded?

Yes. The training, mentorship and incubation support are provided at no cost to selected participants.

Does EYWEP provide grants?

Yes. Outstanding projects may receive grants at the end of the programme, subject to funding availability.

What documents are required for application?

Applicants need an updated CV, valid ID, business concept note and any supporting documents such as prototypes or proof of concept.

What kind of businesses can apply?

Any innovative business idea, startup concept, prototype or project in the pre-launch stage can apply, provided it demonstrates potential for sustainability and impact.

What are the benefits of joining EYWEP?

Participants receive entrepreneurship training, mentoring, networking opportunities, business development support and possible access to funding opportunities.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline for submitting applications is July 16, 2026.

How can applicants submit their applications?

Applications must be sent through the country-specific email addresses listed in the official programme guidelines.

Why is the programme important?

The programme seeks to address youth unemployment, promote women’s economic empowerment and stimulate entrepreneurship-led economic growth across West Africa.