Creating Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa (COYWA) – Call for Proposals

The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), together with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), launches the Creating Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa (COYWA) Call for Proposals, aimed at accelerating socio-economic inclusion, empowerment, and gender equality across selected African regions.

Financial Support:
The programme provides a total grant pool of €1,800,000, with up to €360,000 available per participating regional economic community. Each successful applicant may access a grant of up to €120,000. All grants must be used for activities within a 24-month implementation period, supporting new and ongoing initiatives that drive measurable, sustainable impact.

Period of Implementation:
Projects may run for up to 24 months from the grant award date.

Eligible Countries:
Applications are open to legally registered entities operating in the following African Union Member States grouped within these Regional Economic Communities (RECs):

• EAC (East African Community)
• COMESA
• SADC
• ECOWAS
• ECCAS

Partnerships and Eligibility of Partners:
Applicants may apply individually or in partnership with qualifying organizations. All partners must meet the eligibility criteria, actively participate in programme design and implementation, and share project responsibilities. Associates can be involved but cannot receive direct grant funding except travel/per diem costs. Subcontractors may also be engaged for service delivery under procurement rules.

Eligible Entities (Who May Apply?):

• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), legally registered and with at least two years' experience
• Women-led and youth-led enterprises, associations, cooperatives
• Relevant public institutions committed to youth/women empowerment

Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants (and lead partners) must be legally registered, have a minimum of two years’ operational experience in project themes, a proven track record in project delivery, and demonstrate strong management, reporting, and commitment to gender equality and sexual/reproductive health rights. Only one grant per applicant will be awarded.

Expected Outputs and Outcomes:
Expected outputs include:

• Support and incubation of economically viable female-led businesses
• Expanded mentorship, vocational training, and literacy programmes for youth and women
• Greater economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and social protection
• Increased use and influence of technology and E-tech solutions by youth and women
• Improved health, nutrition, and protection for women and girls, including reduced violence and enhanced participation in peace processes
• Strengthened gender governance systems for institutions and communities
• Enhanced leadership and equal participation in decision-making roles
• Empowered voices for youth, women, and girls in households, communities, and public spheres

Anticipated outcomes include improved autonomy, capacities, and livelihoods for African youth and women, strategic contributions to gender equality, and measurable progress toward Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

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