Applications are now open for the 2026 ECOWAS Regional Business Incubation Programme, an initiative under the ECOWAS Youth and Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme (EYWEP) implemented by the ECOWAS Centre for Youth and Sports Development with technical and financial support from AUDA-NEPAD.
The programme is designed to identify and support young entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas through a structured incubation programme that helps transform ideas into viable and sustainable businesses.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
Be between 18 and 35 years old
Be a national or resident of one of the following countries:
Benin
Côte d’Ivoire
The Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Have an innovative business idea, concept, prototype, or project in the pre-launch stage.
Eligible Sectors
Projects should fall within one of these priority areas:
Pharmaceutical industry
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Solar and renewable energy
Agri-silvo-pastoral activities and agricultural value chains
Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
Structured business incubation
Entrepreneurship training
Project maturation workshops
One-on-one mentoring and coaching
Business model and business plan development
Support for legal business registration
Networking opportunities with technical, financial, and institutional partners
At the end of the programme, grants may be awarded to the best projects in each participating country, subject to available funding.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should submit:
Updated CV
Valid ID
Concept note describing the business idea
Description of the problem, proposed solution, and target market
Supporting documents (if available)
Prototype, mock-ups, images, or proof of concept (if available)
All documents must be merged into a single PDF file.
Method of Application
Applications must be submitted via the country-specific email address listed in the official call for applications.
Refer to the application guide for the appropriate email address for your country.
Application Documents
Call for application EBIP
Appel à candidature EYWEP
Appel à candidature EBIP
CONVOCATÓRIA PARA CANDIDATURAS EYWEP
CONVOCATÓRIA PARA CANDIDATURAS EBIP
For More Information,
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: 16 July 2026.