The AU-EU Youth Action Lab invites proposals from youth-led initiatives in Africa and Europe seeking funding to implement creative ideas and tackle pressing global challenges.

This initiative aims to strengthen connections between young people across Africa and Europe, fostering collaboration and learning among youth organizations. It also seeks to amplify the voices of young leaders, ensuring their solutions are heard by policymakers within the European Union and African Union. Over the next three years, the Youth Action Lab will periodically open applications, encouraging diverse youth groups from eligible nations to participate. Countries eligible include Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and all EU member states.

The program offers four types of funding, each tailored to a specific focus but unified in their goal of empowering youth. These grants operate under the principle of “power shifting,” emphasizing youth-led decision-making and impact. Here’s what sets these grants apart:

•Youth-Centered Selection: A Youth Advisory Board will oversee the review and selection process, ensuring the chosen projects align with the needs and aspirations of young people.

•Skill Enhancement: Successful applicants will benefit from resources aimed at building long-term stability, financial independence, and organizational growth.

•Streamlined Process: Simplified procedures for applying and reporting make it easier for youth-led initiatives to participate.

GRANT TYPES

The Youth Action Lab offers four funding streams, with a maximum duration of 12 to 15 months for each grant. Applicants are limited to applying for one grant type per cycle.

•Innovation Grants: For projects that aim to create, test, or expand innovative solutions to global issues.

•Entrepreneurship Grants: Designed to support initiatives promoting employment and entrepreneurial ventures among young people.

•Representation Grants: Focused on empowering marginalized youth working at the community level to amplify their voices in various forums.

•Cooperation Grants: Supporting collaboration and partnerships across youth initiatives to strengthen collective impact.

Find more details about each funding category through the relevant links provided.

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