African Union Youth Startup Program for Young African Innovators (Free Training and Mentorship) - NAIJA STICK

African Union Youth Startup Program for Young African Innovators (Free Training and Mentorship)

What is the AU Youth Startup Programme?

• The AU Youth Startup Programme is led by the African Union Commission in partnership with Afreximbank and other partners. 
• It supports young African innovators by giving them a platform to grow and connect with key players across the continent.

As part of IATF2025 in Algiers, the programme offers selected startups the chance to:

• Exhibit products, ideas, or prototypes to a global audience. 
• Meet with investors, business leaders, and other founders.
• Join training sessions and receive mentorship.
• Support the AfCFTA goal of stronger trade across Africa.

Eligibility Criteria

This programme is open to young Africans building solutions with the potential to grow across the continent. To be eligible, you should:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
• Be a citizen of an AU member state or part of the African diaspora.
• Own or co-own a registered startup, or have a working prototype solving health, education, and Food security challenges in Africa.
• Be available on the dates of the IATF.
• Show clear interest in innovation, sustainability, or economic development.

Benefits

Selected participants will receive: 

A fully sponsored booth at the AU Youth Startup Pavilion in Algiers to showcase your 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.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to complete your application:

• Prepare your details – Include a short business summary (max 500 words), proof of registration of your company, a PowerPoint pitch deck or visuals of your product and a convincing 2-minute video presentation describing your startup.
• Fill out the form – Use the link below to access the application. Make sure all information is complete and accurate.

Submit by 30 May 2025, 23:59 EAT – Late submissions won’t be reviewed.

Wait for notification – Selected applicants will be contacted by 31 July 2025 via email.

Note: Only one application per startup is allowed. 

All submissions must be in English or French.

How to Apply 

Interested applicant can apply via this link;

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