Enterprise Africa Network (EAN) Fellowship 2026/27

Applications are open for the Enterprise Africa Network Fellowship Cohort 2. The African Union Commission runs this flagship MSME development program. It provides structured training, mentorship, and direct market access. This second cohort will select 100 fellows across all 55 AU states. The program targets $2 million in new attributable revenue overall. It also aims to create 500 new jobs across the continent.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: African Union Commission, ETTIM Department
• Fellows Selected: 100 entrepreneurs across 55 AU Member States
• Duration: Twelve months of structured training
• Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
• Programme Commences: November 2026

Eligible Fellowship Sectors

• Manufacturing, agro-processing, and creative industries
• ICT and digital technology
• Fintech and financial services
• Health, logistics, and transport

About the Programme

This fellowship builds on the EAN’s successful inaugural cohort. That first group trained 56 fellows from 30 African countries. It generated over one million dollars in deals and contracts. Cohort 2 significantly expands this scope and ambition further. Sectors align closely with the African Continental Free Trade Area. This ensures fellows can capitalize on intra-African trade opportunities effectively.

Fellowship Tiers

Fellows are placed into one of three enterprise-maturity tiers. Tier 1, Growth, offers 35 places for younger businesses. Tier 2, Expansion, provides 40 places for cross-border-ready enterprises. Tier 3, Scale-Ready, reserves 25 places for established or investor-ready companies. At least 40 places ensure representation across all African regions. Small island member states receive a minimum of five guaranteed places.

What Fellows Receive

All fellows access twelve months of sector-specific structured training. This includes ten distinct modules tailored to each enterprise’s tier. Expert mentorship comes through African Union partner organizations directly. Fellows also gain access to AfCFTA market intelligence tools. Tier 1 and 2 fellows join virtual market-entry sessions across pilot countries. Meanwhile, Tier 3 fellows participate in dedicated B2B matchmaking sessions.

Who Can Apply

Eligible businesses must operate within an AU Member State currently. They need formal business registration and at least two years’ operation. A minimum of three full-time employees is also required. Women-led enterprises and underrepresented regions are especially encouraged to apply. Notably, previous EAN fellowship graduates cannot reapply to this cohort.

How to Apply

Complete the online application detailing your business and market challenges. Include a written pitch, capped at 800 words total.

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Conclusion

This fellowship offers a genuinely substantial opportunity for African entrepreneurs to access continental markets, expert mentorship, and structured growth support entirely free of charge. Its tiered structure and strong AfCFTA alignment make it especially valuable for businesses ready to scale across borders. Given the ambitious 100-fellow cohort and broad regional representation goals, eligible enterprises should prepare a strong application well before the September 30 deadline.

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