160 Youth and Women Entrepreneurs in East Africa to Get Free Business Training Under EASTECO–COYWA Programme
Overview
A capacity-building initiative is being offered for innovators, researchers, enterprise-support practitioners, and young and women-led enterprises across eight East African Community Partner States. Organised by the East African Science and Technology Commission in partnership with the African Union Development Agency–NEPAD under the Creating Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa Programme, the initiative delivers a three-day physical training focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and business development. A total of 160 individuals will be chosen, with 20 selected from each participating nation. The curriculum centers on practical learning exercises, clinics, peer activities, and coaching rather than traditional lectures, guiding attendees through business model design, financial management, market access, and financing readiness over three distinct thematic days.
Who can apply
The opportunity is open to citizens or eligible residents of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda who apply for the training within their respective home country. The target audience includes youth entrepreneurs generally aged 15 to 35, women entrepreneurs, early-stage creators, graduate students, researchers looking to commercialize technology, and enterprise-support practitioners such as incubator personnel and entrepreneurship educators. Candidates must either own or manage an active enterprise, or possess a clearly articulated business idea with commercial potential. Participants are expected to have a demonstrated need for capacity building and must be able to attend all three days of the physical sessions in their country.
What you get
Selected individuals receive free enrollment in the three-day training program along with practical instruction in business modeling, value proposition creation, financial planning, costing and pricing, cash-flow forecasting, digital marketing, and pitch development. Attendees also build a measurable 90-day enterprise action plan and engage in peer learning and networking. During the event days, the organizers supply training facilities, water, tea, and lunch. Applicants should note that this opportunity does not include residential accommodation or Daily Subsistence Allowances, and it functions strictly as an educational program rather than a grant or funding competition.
How to apply
Eligible applicants must submit their applications by 20 November 2026 at 4:00 PM CAT or 5:00 PM EAT. Candidates are required to apply specifically for the training sessions organized within their respective home country. Selected applicants will be contacted directly regarding the specific training venues and dates.