ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme 2026

The ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP) 2026 is now accepting applications from aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs across West Africa. The programme is designed to equip young people and women with the skills, mentorship, and business support needed to build sustainable businesses and create jobs within the region.

If you are an entrepreneur with an innovative business idea or an existing startup, this is an excellent opportunity to receive expert guidance, business incubation, and regional exposure.

What Is It About?

The ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP) is an initiative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) that aims to strengthen entrepreneurship across its member states. The programme focuses on empowering youth and women through business incubation, entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and access to a regional network of investors and business development experts.

Participants will receive practical support to refine their business models, improve their leadership skills, and prepare their businesses for growth. The programme also promotes innovation, job creation, and economic development throughout West Africa by helping entrepreneurs transform promising ideas into sustainable enterprises.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme 2026, applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of an ECOWAS member state.
• Be a young entrepreneur or woman entrepreneur with a viable business idea or existing business.
• Demonstrate commitment to growing a sustainable enterprise.
• Be available to participate in the programme’s training, mentorship, and incubation activities.
• Submit a complete application before the deadline.

What You’ll Gain

Successful applicants will benefit from several opportunities, including:

• Comprehensive entrepreneurship and business management training.
• Business incubation and acceleration support.
• One-on-one mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
• Networking opportunities with investors, policymakers, and fellow entrepreneurs.
• Exposure to regional markets across West Africa.
• Support in developing scalable and investment-ready businesses.

These benefits are designed to improve the long-term success of participating businesses while contributing to economic growth and employment across the ECOWAS region.

Deadline and Application Process

Applications for the ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme 2026 are open until July 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM GMT. Interested applicants should complete the online application form through the official ECOWAS programme portal and provide all required information about their business or business idea.

Before applying, carefully review the eligibility requirements and prepare a compelling application that clearly explains your business concept, its potential impact, and your vision for growth. If you are looking to build a successful business while gaining access to expert mentorship and a strong regional entrepreneurial network, the ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme 2026 is an opportunity you should not miss.

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