The African Union Youth Startup Programme, spearheaded by the African Union Commission in collaboration with Afreximbank and various other organizations, is an initiative aimed at nurturing the continent’s young entrepreneurial talent. It offers a unique platform for African youth to elevate their innovative projects, engage with influential figures in business, and foster growth across borders. This initiative will be part of the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) in Algiers, where selected participants will gain an exclusive opportunity to present their ideas to a wide, international audience.

Young founders chosen for the programme will be able to demonstrate their products, services, or early-stage innovations during the event. They will interact with a wide range of stakeholders, including investors, seasoned entrepreneurs, and fellow startup leaders. In addition to showcasing their work, they will be invited to attend hands-on workshops and benefit from mentorship aimed at strengthening their business strategies. The programme is closely aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) mission to boost economic integration and intra-African commerce.

To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 and must hold citizenship in one of the African Union’s member nations or belong to the African diaspora. They should be founders or co-founders of registered ventures or at least have functional prototypes addressing key challenges in sectors such as health, education, or food security. Furthermore, applicants must be available for the full duration of the IATF event and have a demonstrated passion for creating sustainable and impactful change.

Those selected will be awarded a fully funded space at the AU Youth Startup Pavilion in Algiers to promote their ventures. They will also take part in exclusive networking opportunities, including personalized sessions with potential investors and corporate leaders. Additional perks include access to mentorship and business development resources, visibility among thousands of event attendees, and the potential for future recognition or financial backing.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity