About this opportunity
Applications are now open for the YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator 2026 , a growth-focused programme designed to support young entrepreneurs with established businesses who are ready to expand beyond their domestic markets and explore opportunities across Africa. The Export Accelerator is designed to help youth-led enterprises strengthen their export readiness, improve competitiveness and overcome some of the challenges involved in expanding into new African markets.
The 2026 programme is open to young entrepreneurs and youth-led businesses in Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, The Gambia, Zambia and Zimbabwe . The initiative is implemented by YouthConnekt Africa in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union (AU) and aligns with efforts to increase youth participation in intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
What the YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator Offers Selected entrepreneurs will receive support designed to help them prepare their businesses for regional expansion and cross-border trade. The programme will focus on helping participating businesses: Strengthen their export capacity and readiness.
Prepare to enter new African markets. Improve their competitiveness.
Navigate customs and regulatory requirements. Overcome non-tariff barriers to trade.
Improve access to finance and investment opportunities. Build stronger regional business networks.
Expand their operations across African markets. The programme will also provide tailored enterprise support based on the specific needs, growth potential and export readiness of participating businesses.
Eligibility
The YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator 2026 is designed for young entrepreneurs who: Are under 35 years old. Are from Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, The Gambia, Zambia or Zimbabwe .
Own or operate an already established business. Have a business that is ready to explore expansion beyond the domestic market.
Are interested in building a competitive enterprise capable of participating in intra-African trade. The programme is intended for entrepreneurs who are ready to grow their businesses beyond their home markets.
It is not designed for applicants who are only seeking grants.
Application steps
Interested young entrepreneurs should complete the official application and diagnostic form. Applicants are encouraged to provide accurate information about their businesses, current operations, growth plans and export ambitions.
Apply for the YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator 2026 Eligible entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply and take advantage of the opportunity to prepare their businesses for expansion into new African markets.
Who can apply
- requirements
Sources and verification
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