BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — The Africa-Europe Youth Academy (AEYA) has launched its "Spaces for Youth" Call for Projects, offering grants of up to €40,000 to youth organizations working to empower young people through leadership development, innovation and community engagement. The initiative forms part of the European Union's Youth Action Plan (YAP) under the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package, with applications open until 7 August 2026.
The program seeks to strengthen youth-led organizations by supporting the creation or expansion of safe and inclusive Youth Spaces where young people can access leadership training, mentorship, entrepreneurship support and civic engagement opportunities. These spaces are expected to encourage innovation while helping young Africans develop the skills needed to contribute to sustainable development within their communities.
Under the program's first phase, 20 youth organizations will each receive €10,000 to implement projects lasting between six and twelve months. Organizations that demonstrate strong performance during implementation may then progress to a second phase, where four outstanding projects will receive additional grants of up to €40,000 alongside continued technical assistance.
"The call aims to support youth organizations in developing and strengthening Youth Spaces, enabling young people to access safe, inclusive and stimulating environments where they can develop leadership skills, receive support services and expand their initiatives."
The program is being implemented by Expertise France in partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and regional organizations, with different implementation partners covering various regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. Eligible youth organizations from countries including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and several West African nations are encouraged to submit proposals.
Beyond financial support, successful applicants will receive capacity-building opportunities through coaching, mentorship and technical guidance designed to improve project implementation and organizational sustainability. Participating organizations will also become part of a wider Africa-Europe Youth Academy network, allowing them to collaborate with peers, exchange best practices and build long-term partnerships across the continent and Europe.
The Academy focuses on empowering young people aged 18 to 30, with particular emphasis on supporting young women and vulnerable youth. Through investments in youth leadership and entrepreneurship, the program aims to strengthen young people's participation in economic, social and civic development while reinforcing cooperation between Africa and Europe.
"The Africa-Europe Youth Academy seeks to strengthen the role of young people as change agents and leaders of sustainable development while reinforcing links between Africa and Europe."
Applications may be submitted in English or French, depending on the implementing region. Organizers have also scheduled online information sessions to guide prospective applicants through the eligibility requirements, application process and project expectations before the submission deadline.
The launch comes as governments and development partners place increasing emphasis on youth-led solutions to address unemployment, entrepreneurship and community development challenges across Africa. By combining grant funding with mentorship and institutional support, the Academy hopes to strengthen grassroots organizations capable of creating lasting opportunities for young people.
For many youth organizations, the initiative represents more than a funding opportunity. It offers access to international expertise, regional partnerships and practical resources that can help scale community-led projects beyond local boundaries while contributing to sustainable development goals.
Eligible organizations can submit their applications through the official Africa-Europe Youth Academy application platform before 7 August 2026, with successful projects expected to begin implementation after the selection process concludes.