Africa faces urgent climate and development challenges, but young people across the continent are stepping up with innovative, community-based solutions. However, many of these promising ideas struggle to gain traction due to a lack of resources, mentorship, and necessary platforms.
The AU-EU Youth Action Lab has launched its second call for proposals, providing catalytic grants and technical support specifically for youth-led organisations in Africa and Europe. This initiative is a significant opportunity for young climate advocates, social entrepreneurs, and community organisers.
Why It Matters
Youth-led initiatives in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Senegal are instrumental in tackling environmental issues. From climate-smart agriculture to conservation efforts, these young leaders are at the forefront of change. However, to scale their solutions, they often require financial and institutional support that is hard to access. This new funding initiative aims to change that by investing in youth organisations, empowering them as key players in policy-making and driving systemic change.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include organisations that are:
- Led by individuals aged 18–35.
- Legally registered in eligible African countries (such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria) or any EU member state.
- Demonstrating strong governance and social impact through their projects.
This funding is especially suited for organisations working at the community level, particularly in rural areas and informal settlements.
Available Funding
The program offers four types of grants tailored to different stages of organisational growth:
1. Innovation Grants (€30,000–€40,000): For early-stage projects addressing sustainability challenges, including new clean energy solutions and environmental accountability tools.
2. Entrepreneurship Grants (€30,000): To support the growth of youth-led enterprises focusing on environmental or social missions with income-generating strategies.
3. Representation Grants (€10,000): To amplify the voices of marginalised youth in policy-making and advocacy.
4. Cooperation Grants (€50,000): For collaborative projects between African and European organisations on issues like climate justice and biodiversity conservation.
How to Apply
The application process is clear but requires preparation:
– Read the Funding Manual (available in English, French, and Portuguese).
– Check eligibility for your chosen grant category.
– Craft a comprehensive project proposal, either independently or in partnership.
– Submit your application through the official portal.
For detailed information and application access, visit [aueuyouth.com](https://aueuyouth.com).
Application Deadlines:
- Most grants: January 7, 2026
- Cooperation grants: February 12, 2026
- Pre-selection: Mid to late March 2026
- Project implementation starts: May–July 2026
- These timelines provide ample opportunity for organisations to refine and submit strong proposals.
Why African Youth Should Act
This funding call represents a crucial chance for young climate innovators to receive support from a significant AU-EU partnership. It acknowledges the vital role that youth organisations play in addressing global issues. With climate impacts becoming increasingly pronounced, now is the time for African youth to leverage this opportunity for meaningful change.
