Free 12-Month Accelerator for African Entrepreneurs – Enterprise Africa Network

The Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship 2026/27 is an African Union startup acceleration programme supporting 100 entrepreneurs from across all 55 AU Member States to grow their businesses, access new markets and expand across Africa.

Here’s what you can expect:

• 100 fellowship places

• 12 months of structured business training

• 10 training modules tailored to business sector and growth stage

• Expert mentorship through African Union partners

• Intellectual property support

• Access to African Trade Observatory and AfCFTA market intelligence

• Continental networking and event opportunities

• Market-entry support across AfCFTA countries

• B2B matchmaking for more established businesses

• Direct market-access opportunities

• Three different fellowship tiers for growth, expansion and scale-ready businesses

• No cash grant or investment is advertised

Who can apply?

• Youth-led and women-led small businesses

• Businesses registered and operating in an African Union Member State

• Formally registered businesses

• Businesses operating for at least two years

• Businesses with at least three full-time employees

• Manufacturing businesses

• Agro-processing businesses

• Creative industries

• ICT and digital businesses

• Fintech businesses

• Health businesses

• Logistics and transport businesses

• Women-led enterprises and businesses from underrepresented regions are particularly encouraged to apply.

Deadline: 30 September 2026.