AUDA-NEPAD Supports Women and Youth Projects

Monday 8th December 2025

by inAfrika Newsroom

The AUDA NEPAD COYWA women youth grants window is now open for organisations across Africa’s main regional blocs. The “Creating Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa” (COYWA) programme offers grants of up to €120,000 for projects that boost jobs, skills and protection from gender-based violence.

According to AUDA-NEPAD documents, the call targets civil-society groups, women-led and youth-led enterprises, and public institutions in EAC, COMESA, SADC, ECOWAS and ECCAS. Projects can run for up to 24 months and must focus on socio-economic inclusion, leadership, and access to education, vocational training and finance.

The AUDA NEPAD COYWA women youth grants also support initiatives that prevent gender-based violence and promote sexual and reproductive health rights. Priority will go to proposals that show clear impact for marginalised groups, including rural women, young people with disabilities and communities affected by conflict.

The call is part of the second phase of the AUDA-NEPAD Spanish Fund, which pools resources from African and European partners. It aligns with African Union goals on youth, gender equality and Agenda 2063.

Next steps

Applicant organisations must submit concept notes and full proposals through AUDA-NEPAD’s online portal before the published deadline. Technical committees will screen submissions for eligibility, results frameworks and financial management capacity. Shortlisted projects will then move to a due-diligence stage.

The AUDA NEPAD COYWA women youth grants team plans regional information sessions, both online and in person, to answer questions from potential applicants. National focal points in member states will help smaller organisations understand requirements and prepare documents.

Once grants are awarded, AUDA-NEPAD will track progress on jobs created, enterprises supported, and services delivered to women and youth. Lessons are expected to feed into future funding windows and AU-wide policy debates.

Why it matters: AUDA NEPAD COYWA women youth grants

Africa’s “youth bulge” is often described as a risk. This programme treats it as an opportunity if backed with capital, training and protection. The AUDA NEPAD COYWA women youth grants aim to shift resources towards local actors who understand their communities.

For women entrepreneurs, access to modest but flexible funding can unlock suppliers, new markets and digital tools. For young people, targeted projects can mean real skills, safe spaces and pathways into decent work.

If the window is oversubscribed, it will also send a clear message: demand for serious, accountable support is high. The question will then be whether member states and partners are ready to scale it.