AUDA-NEPAD COYWA Grants: Creating Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa

In a bold move to drive sustainable development and foster social resilience, AUDA-NEPAD, in strategic partnership with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), has announced a groundbreaking funding initiative: the Creating Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa (COYWA) program. This initiative marks a significant step toward unlocking the immense potential of Africa’s youth and women, two groups vital to the continent’s future prosperity. COYWA is more than just a grant opportunity; it’s a call to action for organizations, cooperatives, and enterprises dedicated to making a tangible difference. It seeks to catalyze innovative projects that promote inclusion, empower marginalized communities, and enable sustainable development across Africa’s diverse regions. From the streets of Nairobi to the vibrant communities of West Africa, this program aims to spark transformative change at the grassroots level.

With a focus on fostering economic empowerment, digital access, health, and civic participation, COYWA recognizes that investing in youth and women isn’t just morally right it’s essential for Africa’s economic growth and social stability. By supporting impactful initiatives, AUDA-NEPAD and AECID aspire to create a ripple effect one that nurtures future leaders, expands opportunities, and builds resilient communities throughout the continent. This is more than a funding opportunity; it is a movement to rewrite narratives, challenge barriers, and ignite hope across Africa. If your organization is passionate about making a difference, now is the time to step forward and be part of this ambitious journey toward an inclusive, empowered, and prosperous Africa.

Grant Details

• Funding Amount: Up to €120,000 per project
• Total Fund: €1.8 million
• Project Duration: Up to 24 months
• Application Deadline: 30 November 2025 (17:00 SAST)

Focus Areas

Proposals should address at least one of the following key areas:

• Economic empowerment & financial inclusion
• Digital and technology access
• Health, nutrition & reproductive health
• Prevention of gender-based violence
• Leadership and civic participation

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include:

• Civil society organizations, cooperatives, women/youth-led enterprises, and public institutions
• Legally registered in an African Union Member State
• Minimum of 2 years of operational experience
• Projects implemented within one of these regions: EAC, COMESA, SADC, ECOWAS, or ECCAS

How to Apply

Interested organizations are encouraged to submit a detailed project proposal, including a budget, work plan, and relevant documentation, through the official AUDA-NEPAD application portal. Click Here to Apply

For more information visit official website by Clicking Here