African entrepreneurs can now apply for the Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship Programme Cohort 2, an African Union initiative offering selected businesses training, mentorship, market intelligence and opportunities to access markets across the continent.
The programme will select 100 fellows from the 55 African Union Member States, with applications open until September 30, 2026.
Here is what entrepreneurs need to know before applying.
Who can apply for the EAN Fellowship?
The fellowship is open to youth- and women-led businesses that meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
To apply, your business must:
- Be formally registered and operating in an AU Member State.
- Have operated for at least two years.
- Have a minimum of three full-time employees.
- Operate in one of the seven sectors covered by the programme.
The seven eligible sectors are manufacturing, agro-processing, creative industries, ICT/digital, fintech, health, and logistics/transport.
The programme is particularly encouraging applications from women-led businesses and enterprises from underrepresented AU regions and small island Member States.
However, current and former African Union Commission staff, employees or representatives of EAN institutional partners, Regional Economic Communities staff, and graduates of previous EAN Fellowship cohorts cannot apply.
Which fellowship tier does your business qualify for?
Applicants will be placed into one of three tiers based on the maturity of their business.
Tier 1 – Growth: For businesses operating for 2–5 years, with at least three employees and demonstrable market traction.
Tier 2 – Expansion: For businesses operating for 5–10 years, employing 10–30 people and seeking to expand across borders.
Tier 3 – Scale-Ready: For businesses operating for 10 years or more, or those with an investor-ready profile.
The programme has allocated 35 places to Tier 1, 40 to Tier 2 and 25 to Tier 3.
What does the EAN Fellowship offer?
Selected fellows will receive 12 months of structured training across 10 modules, tailored to their sector and business stage.
They will also receive expert mentorship through AU partners, access to the African Trade Observatory (ATO) and AfCFTA market intelligence tools, and opportunities to participate in continental business events.
Tier 1 and Tier 2 fellows will participate in virtual market-entry sessions covering 10 AfCFTA pilot countries, while Tier 3 fellows will have access to B2B matchmaking opportunities.
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How to apply for the EAN Fellowship 2026
1. Confirm your eligibility
Before starting the application, check that your business meets the requirements for registration, years of operation, employee numbers and sector.
2. Prepare your business information
The application asks for details including your business registration information, sector, years of operation, employee count, countries where you currently trade, revenue range, intellectual property status and access to formal finance.
Having these details ready will make the application process easier.
3. Write your 800-word pitch
Applicants must submit a written pitch of up to 800 words explaining:
- What their business does.
- The main market challenge facing the business.
- What they want to achieve through the fellowship.
Your pitch should clearly explain how the EAN Fellowship’s training, mentorship and market-access opportunities can help your business overcome its current challenges and grow.
4. Submit your application
Applications are submitted online through the EAN Fellowship application form. Click here to apply.
Application deadline: September 30, 2026.
Applicants can access the EAN Fellowship 2026 application form.
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What happens after applying?
The EAN plans to communicate application results in October 2026, with the fellowship scheduled to begin in November 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a document verifying access to finance, such as a bank statement or mobile money statement. This document is not required when initially submitting the application.
Applicants should ensure that all information provided is accurate. The programme warns that misrepresentation can lead to immediate disqualification and permanent ineligibility for future EAN Fellowship cohorts.
Key dates
- Applications opened: July 31, 2026
- Application deadline: September 30, 2026
- Results: October 2026
- Programme begins: November 2026
For African founders whose businesses are already operating and looking to expand into new markets, the EAN Fellowship provides an opportunity to access structured business support while exploring opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.