Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship: AU Cohort 2 Open

Scaling African Businesses Beyond Local Borders

Expanding a business beyond local borders requires more than ambition. Entrepreneurs need access to market intelligence, regulatory knowledge, strategic partnerships, and reliable business networks.

To support the growth of African businesses across the continent, the African Union Commission (AUC) has opened applications for the Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship Programme Cohort 2 (2026/27).

Managed by the AUC Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM), the Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship is a continental business acceleration initiative designed to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) strengthen their operations and explore opportunities beyond their domestic markets.

Following the success of its inaugural cohort, which trained 56 fellows across 30 African countries and generated more than USD 1 million in commercial contracts, Cohort 2 is set to expand its reach.

The programme aims to select 100 fellows from all 55 African Union Member States. It also aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with targets including USD 2 million in new revenue and the creation of 500 sustainable jobs.

Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship Programme Clusters

The Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship supports registered businesses operating across selected product and service sectors.

Products Cluster

Businesses involved in intra-African trade within the following sectors may be eligible:

• Manufacturing
• Agro-processing
• Creative Industries

Services Cluster

The services cluster includes businesses operating in:

• ICT and Digital Solutions
• Fintech
• Health
• Logistics and Transport

Fellowship Tiers for Selected Businesses

Selected enterprises will be placed into one of three tiers based on their stage of business development and operational maturity.

Tier 1: Growth

This tier offers 35 spaces for businesses that:

• Have operated for two to five years.
• Have at least three full-time employees.
• Can demonstrate clear market traction and growth potential.

Tier 2: Expansion

This tier provides 40 spaces for companies that:

• Have operated for five to 10 years.
• Employ between 10 and 30 people.
• Are preparing to expand through cross-border trade and new African markets.

Tier 3: Scale-Ready

The final tier offers 25 spaces for more established businesses that:

• Have operated for more than 10 years, or
• Have developed an investor-ready business profile and are prepared for significant growth.

What Enterprise Africa Network Fellows Will Receive

Selected participants will take part in a 12-month structured business development programme covering 10 practical modules.

The fellowship includes access to:

• Mentorship from African Union institutional partners.
• Intellectual property (IP) guidance.
• Trade and market information through the African Trade Observatory (ATO).
• Business development and market expansion support.
• Opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs and business partners across Africa.

Tier 1 and Tier 2 participants will also take part in virtual market-entry sessions covering 10 AfCFTA pilot countries.

Meanwhile, Tier 3 businesses will gain access to continental business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking opportunities designed to support partnerships and commercial expansion.

Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship Eligibility Requirements

The programme is open to formally registered youth- and women-led small businesses operating within an African Union Member State.

Applicants are expected to meet the following requirements:

• Operate a formally registered business in an AU Member State.
• Have operated for at least two years.
• Employ a minimum of three full-time staff members.
• Be youth-led or women-led.
• Meet the requirements of the selected programme cluster and tier.

Applicants must also provide business registration information, employee details, operational history, and a written pitch of up to 800 words explaining their business and what they hope to achieve through the fellowship.

How to Apply for the Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship

Eligible entrepreneurs can apply for the Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship Cohort 2 by submitting the required application information before the deadline.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026

Announcement of Results: October 2026

Programme Start: November 2026

Application Link:
https://www.jotform.com/form/261954212716053

Official Contact Email:
AUEAN@AfricanUnion.org

Why African Entrepreneurs Should Consider the Fellowship

For African businesses looking to expand beyond their local markets, access to the right knowledge, networks, and partnerships can make a significant difference.

The Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship provides an opportunity for eligible entrepreneurs to strengthen their businesses, gain practical insights into cross-border trade, and connect with a wider African business ecosystem.

As intra-African trade continues to create new opportunities for MSMEs, initiatives like this fellowship can help emerging businesses build the systems, partnerships, and market knowledge needed to operate and grow across African borders.