Are you a young African with a bold business idea or a startup ready to grow?
2025 could be your breakthrough year.
Across Africa, organizations are investing in youth with big dreams offering grants, training, mentorship, and global exposure. Whether you’re into tech, climate, health, education, or agriculture, there’s something here for you.
In this blog, we’re bringing you 10 of the best youth entrepreneurship grants available in 2025. These opportunities aren’t just about money, they’re about transformation. They’ve already empowered thousands of young people to create jobs, build communities, and change lives.
Now it’s your turn.
📊 Real Impact: How Many Have Already Benefited?
Over the past three years, these programs have collectively funded and supported over 4,000 youth-led ventures across Africa. Just take a look:
- Tony Elumelu Foundation: 3,000+ entrepreneurs funded (2022–2024)
- UNICEF StartUp Lab (Ghana): 100+ startups supported
- Standard Chartered Women in Tech: 200+ women-led startups
- AU-EU Youth Lab: 400+ youth enterprises backed
- Swiss Re Foundation & ESEA: Over 500 impact startups empowered
These aren’t just numbers—they’re real people with real stories, just like you.
🔟 10 Life-Changing Youth Grant Opportunities in 2025
1. Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Programme
💰 $5,000 | 🗺️ Open to all 54 African countries
This flagship program has empowered over 15,000 entrepreneurs. It offers funding, training, and mentorship to turn your idea into a business that changes lives.
2. Swiss Re Foundation Changemakers Africa
💡 For health and climate innovators | ⏰ Apply by May 28
This 5 month program is for early-stage entrepreneurs with powerful solutions. You’ll gain expert support, refine your model, and connect globally.
3. Standard Chartered Women in Tech (Zambia & Uganda)
👩🏾💻 Women-led startups | 💵 $10,000 grant
Perfect for female founders in tech! Gain funding, incubation, and mentorship to grow your business in a thriving network.
4. UNICEF StartUp Lab (Ghana)
🌍 Social impact focus | 🕐 Apply by May 15
For purpose-driven ventures solving real problems. This 6-month program connects you to UNICEF’s innovation team and Ghana’s growing impact scene.
5. AU-EU Youth Lab Grants
🌐 Africa-Europe collaboration
This exciting program backs youth-led enterprises that drive social and economic inclusion. A great chance to go cross-border and scale your impact.
6. Young Africa Enterprise Project (YAEP)
🚀 Ages 18–35 | 💸 Up to $45,000
YAEP doesn’t just hand out grants—they equip you with virtual support, tools, and coaching. It’s a great fit if you’re ready to scale your venture sustainably.
7. Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Africa (ESEA)
🌿 For startups in Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique
Winners receive $25,000 plus long-term support. If you care about sustainability and innovation, this one’s for you.
8. AFRISE Challenge
🎓 Student & youth entrepreneurs
More than a competition—it’s a launchpad. Get visibility, mentorship, and funding while pitching your idea to real investors.
9. Youth Entrepreneurship & Innovation Fund – AfDB
🏛️ Backed by the African Development Bank
This initiative fuels youth entrepreneurship ecosystems with funding and ecosystem support. It’s focused on long-term, systemic impact.
10. YAEI x Absa Youth Programme
📈 Training, mentorship & funding access
If you’re looking to scale and need expert guidance and capital connections, this collaborative program could be your next big step.
📊 Youth Entrepreneurship Grants in Africa – Country Eligibility Table (2025)
| Grant Program | Target Countries |
|---|---|
| Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) | All 54 African countries |
| Swiss Re Changemakers Africa | Pan-African – with focus on Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Standard Chartered Women in Tech (Zambia & Uganda) | Zambia, Uganda |
| UNICEF StartUp Lab Accelerator | Ghana |
| AU-EU Youth Lab Grants | All African countries + Europe (youth-led cross-continental projects) |
| Young Africa Enterprise Project (YAEP) | Open to most African countries, especially Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa |
| ESEA (Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Africa) | Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique |
| AFRISE Challenge | Pan-African (open to students and youth across the continent) |
| AfDB Youth Entrepreneurship & Innovation Fund | All AfDB member countries (most African nations) |
| YAEI x Absa Youth Programme | South Africa, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Uganda, others |
💬 Final Words: Your Idea Deserves a Chance
Too many incredible ideas never get the chance to shine—not because they aren’t great, but because they lack funding and support. These 10 opportunities are here to help you break that barrier.
If you’ve been sitting on a powerful idea…
If you’ve launched but need a boost to keep going…
If you believe your business can impact lives…
Start applying. Start sharing. Start building.
Africa needs your voice, your vision, and your hustle.
🔗 Share this blog with a fellow dreamer.
📥 Bookmark it so you don’t miss deadlines.
📲 Follow @LaliMotivates for more opportunities.
Let’s build Africa’s future, one entrepreneur at a time.
