What Is the AU Youth Start-Up Programme?
The AU Youth Start-Up Programme is an initiative by the African Union Commission aimed at empowering young African entrepreneurs with practical, scalable solutions to challenges in health, agriculture, education, and digital inclusion. Now in its third edition, the programme will be hosted at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) from 4–10 September 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.
In collaboration with Afreximbank and the Government of Algeria, this initiative will support 75 youth-led start-ups through a high-impact programme designed to equip them with tools to grow and scale.
Why the AU Youth Start-Up Programme Matters
Africa has the youngest population in the world. Over 70% of Africans are under 35, representing both a challenge and a massive opportunity. While young innovators are launching ideas that solve real world problems, they often lack access to resources, mentors, and capital.
The AU Youth Start-Up Programme offers a much-needed platform to help bridge these gaps. It aims to unlock Africa’s potential, strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystem, promote intra-African trade, and advance the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the goals of AfCFTA.
What Start-Ups Gain from the AU Youth Start-Up Programme
Selected youth-led businesses will benefit from a range of structured support, including:
- A dedicated booth at the AU Youth Start-Up Pavilion at IATF2025
- Business development masterclasses with expert trainers
- Investor pitch sessions and networking with regional and international funders
- Direct access to trade experts and AU policymakers
- One-on-one mentorship with business coaches and ecosystem leaders
- Covered travel and accommodation for the duration of the programme
- Exposure to over 35,000 trade fair participants, including buyers, media, and funders
- Long-term inclusion in the AU Start-Up Alumni Network for continued support
A Powerful Opportunity. But Not Without Challenges
While this programme marks a major step forward, it doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Many systemic barriers still limit the full participation and success of youth innovators and entrepreneurs across the continent.
Here are some of the key challenges:
- Limited access to information in rural or underserved communities
- Digital divide and high data costs that hinder online application, visibility and inclusion
- Lack of seed capital, business infrastructure, and access to formal financial services
- Regulatory complexities that make it difficult to start and scale businesses
- Underdeveloped support systems, such as accelerators or regional hubs
- Geographic inequity, with urban centers often dominating programme access
- Post-programme sustainability, where funding and mentorship often drop off
- Sector fragmentation, where key stakeholders are not well-connected
- Credibility challenges, as youth-led ventures are often undervalued by investors
The AU Youth Start-Up Programme makes significant strides to bridge these gaps. Still, sustained efforts from governments, investors, development partners, and local ecosystems are essential to build a truly inclusive innovation landscape. It cannot be a standalone effort.
How to Apply for the AU Youth Start-Up Programme at IATF2025
If you’re a youth-led start-up in agriculture, health, education, or digital services, and you have a working prototype or early product, this is your chance to elevate your business.
🕒 Deadline: 30 May 2025 at 23:59 EAT
🔗 Apply here: AU Youth Startup Application
Applications are reviewed by a jury of experts from the African Union Commission and partner institutions.
Final Thoughts: A Step Toward Sustainable Innovation in Africa
The AU Youth Start-Up Programme at IATF2025 is more than an event. It is an investment in Africa’s future. It offers young innovators visibility, mentorship, and critical market access. But to fully realize its impact, the initiative must be part of a larger, coordinated effort to remove systemic obstacles and build sustainable, inclusive sectors across the continent.
📢 Don’t miss your chance. Apply by May 30th, 2025. Help shape Africa’s future through innovation, trade, and entrepreneurship.
Author: Jide Awe
Science, Technology and Innovation policy advisor.
Nigeria’s Inaugural Tech Mentor of the Year
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