COYWA women and youth programme races toward 30 November proposal deadline

Friday 28th November 2025

by inAfrika Newsroom

The COYWA women and youth programme is entering its final stretch as organisations rush to file applications before the 30 November deadline. AUDA-NEPAD’s Creating Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa call carries a total grant pool of €1.8 million.

Eligible groups include civil society organisations, women- and youth-led enterprises and public bodies in EAC, COMESA, SADC, ECOWAS and ECCAS. Each project can receive up to €120,000 for a period of up to 24 months. In total, each regional economic community can secure €360,000.

The COYWA women and youth programme focuses on socio-economic inclusion, transformative leadership and gender equality. It also funds work on gender-based violence prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and digital or green livelihoods.

Demand is intense because many local actors struggle to access predictable, multi-year funding. Most survive on small, short-term grants that restrict planning and weaken staff retention. As a result, strong ideas often stay small or collapse between funding cycles.

Donors, meanwhile, want clearer results and tighter safeguards. AUDA-NEPAD therefore expects detailed monitoring plans, realistic budgets and solid risk-management measures in each proposal.

Why it matters for COYWA women and youth programme

Supporters say the COYWA women and youth programme can shift gender and youth commitments from speeches to street level. By directing money to local actors, it places resources closer to communities and to people who know local politics and culture.

Stronger economic autonomy and leadership for women and youth can also support peacebuilding, climate resilience and democratic participation. For many applicants, this window offers a rare chance to grow proven work instead of starting over each year.