Young people continue to be at the frontlines of global change—innovating, advocating, problem-solving, and building stronger communities. To support this incredible energy, the AU–EU Youth Action Lab has opened a new General Call for Proposals, inviting youth-led initiatives across Africa and Europe to apply for funding, mentorship, and cross-continental collaboration.
Whether you are innovating in your community, growing a social enterprise, advocating for marginalised youth, or building policy solutions across continents, there is a grant type designed for you.
What Is the AU–EU Youth Action Lab?
The AU–EU Youth Action Lab is an initiative that empowers young people (aged 18–35) to design and implement solutions linked to global challenges. Through powershifting grantmaking, the program ensures that:
✔️ Young people review and select the proposals
A Youth Advisory Board leads the selection—“nothing about youth without youth.”
✔️ Grants strengthen long-term capacity
Funds support stability, resilience, financial security, and organisational growth.
✔️ Application and reporting are simplified
The process is designed to be youth-friendly and grounded in clear, accessible guidance.
Four Grant Opportunities Available
The 2026 call features four grant types, each with its own focus but a shared mission—to uplift youth leadership across Africa and Europe.
1. Innovation Grants (30,000–40,000 EUR)
For: Youth-led non-profits in 12 African countries
Duration: 12 months
The Innovation Grants support youth organisations developing or testing new solutions to global challenges. Whether you are designing a tool, scaling a project, or introducing fresh ideas in your community, this grant helps bring your impact to life.
Examples of eligible activities
- Tools that increase youth participation in decision-making
- New approaches to climate resilience
- Online learning platforms or shared innovation tools
Eligibility Snapshot
- 100% youth-led governance
- 80%+ youth in program design and implementation
- Legally registered organisation with a bank account
- Based in one of the 12 focus African countries
2. Entrepreneurship Grants (30,000 EUR)
For: Social enterprises and youth-led organisations addressing economic inclusion
Duration: 12 months
This grant supports responsible growth of youth-led social enterprises—ventures that generate income while delivering social or environmental impact.
Examples of eligible activities
- New skills development curriculum for youth
- Scaling an existing vocational or enterprise program
- Creating networks that link young entrepreneurs with businesses or government actors
Eligibility Snapshot
- Non-profit or cooperative with revenue-generating activities
- Youth-led (18–35) and formally registered
- Demonstrated social/environmental impact
- Based in one of the 12 focus African countries
3. Representation Grants (10,000–20,000 EUR)
For: Organisations led by or working with underrepresented and marginalized youth
Duration: 12 months
These grants support young people advocating for rights, equity, and inclusion. They fund community-led initiatives that amplify marginalized voices and push for meaningful participation in decision-making.
Examples of eligible activities
- Advocacy campaigns for marginalized youth
- Policy events or dialogues
- Community research, analysis, and youth-led knowledge products
- Coalition or network building
Eligibility Snapshot
- Youth-led groups or community organisations
- Founder/co-founder must be under 35
- At least 70% of staff under 35
- Based in a focus African country
4. Cooperation Grants (50,000 EUR)
For: Cross-continental consortiums of youth-led organisations (Africa + Europe)
Duration: 12 months
The Cooperation Grants promote joint advocacy between African and European youth organisations. They help build strong partnerships that influence policy and respond to shared global challenges.
Examples of eligible activities
- Joint SDG-focused advocacy campaigns
- Policy research and youth consultations
- Cross-continental learning exchanges
- Collaborative solutions to climate, inequality, digital gaps, migration, etc.
Eligibility Snapshot
- Apply as a consortium of 2–4 youth-led organisations
- At least one partner must be from the EU and one from the eligible African countries
- Coordinator must have cross-organisational project experience
Eligible African Countries (All Grant Types)
Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia (Somaliland region), Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Why These Grants Matter
The Youth Action Lab is more than funding—it is a centre of youth power, amplifying young innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates, and coalition builders.
As a grantee, you receive:
- Financial support
- Mentorship and capacity development
- A platform to share your work across Africa and Europe
- Opportunities to influence decision-makers at AU and EU levels
- Access to the Power2Voices global youth community
This is a unique chance for young leaders to scale their impact and contribute to stronger, more inclusive societies.
How to Apply
1. Read the funding manual carefully
Available in Portuguese and French.
2. Download the required templates
- Budget template
- Sample application
3. Register under the correct grant type and language
4. Submit your application
- Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Representation Grants:
Deadline: 7 January 2026 - Cooperation Grants:
Deadline: 12 February 2026
Upcoming Webinars
Each grant type offers information and Q&A webinars in English, with interpretation in French and Portuguese.
These sessions help you understand eligibility, build partnerships, and strengthen your proposal.
Dates include:
- 20 November
- 25 November
- 27 November
- January 2026 sessions for partner matching and proposal support
Join the Power2Voices Online Community
To connect with other youth-led organisations:
Step 1: Create an account on Power2Voices
Step 2: Follow the AU–EU Youth Action Lab Community
This space keeps you updated on grant announcements, partner search opportunities, and learning resources.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 AU–EU Youth Action Lab grants offer one of the most accessible and empowering youth funding opportunities across Africa and Europe. If you are a youth-led organisation ready to innovate, advocate, build, or collaborate—this is your moment.
With powershifting at its core, the Youth Action Lab ensures that young people lead the change, shape the agenda, and build solutions that last.
