The African Union Youth Startup Program is now open for applications, providing young African innovators a platform to grow, showcase their startups, and connect with key industry players across the continent.
The AU Youth Startup Program 2025 offers selected startups the chance to exhibit products, ideas, or prototypes to a global audience, while networking with investors, business leaders, and fellow founders.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Algeria
- Category: Training
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Reward: Access to Funding | Mentorship | Training | No IELTS Required
- Deadline: May 30, 2025
Scholarship Details
The AU Youth Startup Programme is organized by the African Union Commission, in collaboration with Afreximbank and other partners, to empower young African innovators with a platform to connect, grow, and thrive.
As part of IATF2025 in Algiers, the program offers selected startups the opportunity to:
- Exhibit their products, ideas, or prototypes to a global audience
- Meet with investors, business leaders, and other founders
- Participate in training sessions and receive mentorship
- Support the AfCFTA goal of enhancing intra-Africa trade and business growth
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for The African Union Youth Startup Program 2025, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application
- Be a citizen of an African Union member state or part of the African diaspora
- Own or co-own a registered startup, or have a working prototype solving health, education, or food security challenges in Africa
- Be available on the dates of the IATF2025 in Algiers
- Show a clear interest in innovation, sustainability, or economic development
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of The AU Youth Startup Program 2025 will receive:
- A fully sponsored booth at the AU Youth Startup Pavilion in Algiers to showcase products/services
- Access to matchmaking sessions with investors and business leaders
- Entry to free training and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs
- Visibility to over 35,000 attendees, including buyers, partners, and policymakers
- Networking with more than 2,000 exhibitors from across Africa and beyond
- The opportunity to be considered for recognition or funding support
Required Documents
To apply for this program, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Short business summary (maximum 500 words)
- Proof of registration of your company
- PowerPoint pitch deck or visuals of your product
- A convincing 2-minute video presentation describing your startup
How to Apply
To apply for the African Union Youth Startup Program 2025:
- Prepare your details – Include the above-listed documents and ensure accuracy
- Fill out the form – Use the application link below to access the form and submit all required information
- Submit by 30 May 2025, 23:59 EAT – Late submissions will not be considered
- Wait for notification – Selected applicants will be contacted by 31 July 2025 via email
To begin the application process, click HERE
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