About this opportunity
Applications are now open for the Africa-Europe Youth Academy (AEYA) Spaces for Youth Grant 2026 , an initiative supporting youth-led organisations across Africa to create or strengthen safe, inclusive spaces where young people can learn, innovate, develop leadership skills, and drive community change. The programme is funded by the European Union under the Global Gateway initiative and implemented by Expertise France in partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and regional implementing partners.
Grant Benefits Selected organisations will receive: €10,000 grant to implement a youth space project (Phase 1) Training and capacity-building support Coaching and technical assistance Networking opportunities with youth organisations across Africa and Europe Outstanding projects from Phase 1 may also qualify for: Up to €40,000 in additional funding (Phase 2) Continued technical support to scale their impact.
Eligibility
The call is open to youth-led organisations in eligible African countries that are working to create or strengthen Youth Spaces . Eligible countries for the West Africa call include: Benin Côte d’Ivoire Ghana Guinea Mauritania Senegal Togo.
What Are “Youth Spaces”? Youth Spaces are safe and inclusive environments where young people can: Develop leadership skills Access mentorship and support services Build entrepreneurial and innovation skills Organise community initiatives Collaborate and network with peers Promote civic engagement and social impact.
Project Duration Selected projects will be implemented over a period of 6 to 12 months . Why This Matters The AEYA Spaces for Youth Grant aims to strengthen youth-led organisations by providing financial and technical support to establish sustainable spaces where young people can learn, collaborate, and contribute to their communities.
It also promotes stronger cooperation between Africa and Europe in youth development and innovation.
Application timeline
August 7, 2026 (11:59 PM GMT).
Application steps
Interested youth organisations can submit their applications through the official AEYA application portal
Sources and verification
Important disclaimer
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