YAEP 1st Cohort
YAEP Cohort 1 – Enterprise Development Programme
YAEP Cohort 1 is an ACCELERATION PROGRAMME and marks the inaugural implementation phase of the Young Africa Enterprise Project. It is designed to support a selected 500 exceptional young African entrepreneurs with practical skills, mentorship, and growth-oriented opportunities.
The cohort focuses on strengthening entrepreneurial capacity, enhancing business readiness, and connecting youth-led enterprises to relevant networks and ecosystem actors. Through a structured blend of targeted training, mentorship, peer learning, and partner engagement, Cohort 1 prepares participants for sustainable enterprise growth within real market conditions.
Cohort 1 also serves as a learning and pilot phase for YAEP, providing valuable insights to refine programme delivery models, partnership frameworks, and impact pathways ahead of future cohorts and regional expansion.
The Cohort 1 programme is scheduled to commence in April 2026, culminating in engagement opportunities aligned with the YAEP Regional Summit & Expo.
Components of the Cohort 1 Program:
Knowledge Development for Enterprise Growth
Entrepreneurship remains one of the most powerful tools for personal and economic transformation. YAEP equips motivated young people with the knowledge, training, and professional networks they need to thrive.
Participants gain access to our communication platform and e-learning hub, offering courses, mentorship, and capacity-building resources tailored to start-up development and enterprise growth.
By empowering young Africans with skills and knowledge, YAEP helps them build sustainable businesses, create opportunities, and shape their own future.
International Market Opportunities
A core pillar of YAEP is opening doors to international markets across Europe, Asia, Middle East and the Americas. Through strategic partnerships and market-access pathways, YAEP helps young African entrepreneurs showcase their products, services, and innovations on global platforms.
This exposure expands business reach, unlocks new customer bases, and strengthens Africa’s participation in global trade. Beyond individual success, this contributes to the continent’s wider economic development by fostering cross-border collaboration, export growth, and international visibility for African enterprises.
Attracting Investors and Global Entrepreneurs
YAEP offers a compelling gateway for investors seeking meaningful engagement with Africa’s rising innovators. The programme highlights the continent’s vast potential for enterprise growth, innovation, and high-impact investment opportunities. Investors benefit from early access to promising ventures, while also contributing to sustainable economic advancement.
The initiative also welcomes entrepreneurs and industry leaders from around the world to collaborate with young African start-ups and established entrepreneurs. This exchange of ideas, expertise, and resources builds a dynamic, diverse ecosystem that fuels innovation and drives long-term success.
Programme Highlights
- Online Training & Coaching: Leadership, business principles, market research, and financial literacy
- International Market Exposure: Access to global business networks
- Investment Facilitation: Connect with investors and funding opportunities
- Long-term Support & Growth: Continuous mentorship and access to trade platforms
Important Dates:
- Call for Application: Ends on 28th February 2026
- Start Date for the Cohort Program: 1st April 2026
- End date for the Cohort Program: 15th June 2026
- YAEP Regional Summit: 18th to 20th August 2026