Objectives of the Call
The Call for Proposals seeks to identify and support organizations working to:
• Advance socio-economic inclusion of youth and women
• Promote transformative leadership in politics, business, and community development
• Strengthen Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
• Expand opportunities for youth and women to participate in local and national development
Focus Areas
Projects submitted under this call should contribute to one or more of the following areas:
• Economic empowerment and financial inclusion, including vocational training, business incubation, and social protection
• Technology and digital inclusion for youth, women, and girls
• Health, nutrition, and SRHR services that improve well-being and bodily autonomy
• Prevention and response to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), with emphasis on community engagement and legal protection
• Leadership development for youth, women, and girls at all levels of decision-making
• Strengthening human security in humanitarian action, migration, and climate-related interventions
• Capacity-building for institutions implementing gender equality commitments
• Improving voice and agency of youth, women, and girls in public and private spaces
Expected Outputs
Projects supported through COYWA are expected to deliver:
• Matching grants to strengthen women-led businesses and business incubation centers
• Increased access to market-oriented vocational training for youth and women
• Expanded digital access and funding for gender-responsive tech solutions
• Improved SRHR services and health outcomes for women and girls
• Reduced levels of gender-based violence and stronger community protection systems
• Stronger institutional mechanisms for gender governance
• Greater participation of women and youth in leadership and peace processes
• Increased voice, agency, and participation in community and public decision-making
Anticipated Outcomes
The COYWA Programme aims to improve the capacities, autonomy, and livelihoods of African women and youth, resulting in greater economic independence, stronger leadership, and enhanced contribution to community development.
Funding Available
• Total available funding: EUR 1,800,000
• Maximum amount per Regional Economic Community (REC): EUR 360,000
• Maximum grant per applicant: EUR 120,000
• Minimum grant: EUR 0 (concepts may propose smaller-scale interventions)
• Project duration: Up to 24 months
• Eligible RECs: EAC, COMESA, SADC, ECOWAS, ECCAS
Each applicant may receive only one grant under this call.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Be legally registered in an African Union Member State
• Be a civil society organization, youth-led enterprise, women-led enterprise, cooperative, or relevant public institution
• Have at least two years of operational experience
• Demonstrate relevant expertise in youth empowerment, women’s empowerment, SRHR, GBV, leadership, livelihoods, or related fields
• Have the financial and operational capacity to manage project funds
• Commit to gender equality and inclusive development
• Be directly responsible for project implementation
Applicants may apply individually or with partners. Associates may participate but cannot receive grant funding except for travel or per diem. Subcontractors must follow AUDA-NEPAD procurement rules.
Eligible and Ineligible Activities
Eligible activities include initiatives that support youth and women in socio-economic empowerment, leadership, digital inclusion, health and SRHR, GBV prevention, and community development.
Ineligible activities include:
• Debt repayments
• Interest payments
• Activities already funded by another donor
• Purchases of land or buildings
• Currency exchange losses
• Recoverable taxes such as VAT
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:
• Official signed letter of interest
• Concept Note
• Completed Grant Application Form
• Detailed Workplan aligned with programme objectives
• Detailed Budget following AUDA-NEPAD’s templates
• Legal registration documents
• Audited financial statements for the last two years
• Optional: Letters of support from partners or local authorities
