EASTECO Launches Youth and Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge Under COYWA Programme
East African Science and Technology Commission, Kigali, Rwanda, 28th January, 2026: The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), in partnership with the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), has officially launched a Call for Proposals for the Youth and Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge under the Creation of Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa (COYWA) Programme.
The Challenge aims to identify, support, and scale high-potential, youth- and women-led enterprises across the eight East African Community (EAC) Partner States: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania. The initiative is designed to empower young people and women as drivers of innovation, job creation, and inclusive economic growth, while strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems and addressing persistent barriers such as limited access to finance, weak market linkages, and skills gaps.
Through this competitive challenge, selected enterprises will receive up to USD 10,000 in grant funding, alongside a comprehensive package of non-financial support, including: a 5-day regional entrepreneurship bootcamp, a 2-month structured incubation programme, tailored mentorship and coaching, access to regional incubation facilities and networks, and an opportunity to pitch at the EAC 4th Science, Technology and Innovation Conference. A total of 16 youth- and women-led enterprises will be supported under this Call.
The Challenge will prioritize innovative and scalable solutions in the following thematic areas: Agriculture, Health, Education, Environment Management, Digital Innovation and ICT-enabled solutions, Energy and Infrastructure, and Industrialization and Trade. Funded enterprises are expected to demonstrate strong potential for business growth, job creation, and measurable social, economic, or environmental impact.
Eligible applicants must be legally registered, youth- or women-led enterprises that have been operational for at least 12 months and are based in one of the EAC Partner States. Enterprises should have a minimum viable product or prototype and an established revenue-generating activity.
Applications must be submitted online through the 4th EAC Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Conference website: https://sti.easteco.org/
The application deadline is 15th February 2026, and successful applicants will be notified by 20th February 2026.
Speaking on the launch of the Challenge, EASTECO emphasized that the initiative reflects a strong commitment to empowering youth and women as economic actors and innovators, in line with regional and continental development priorities. The Challenge also supports regional integration by fostering cross-border collaboration, partnerships, and knowledge exchange among entrepreneurs and ecosystem actors.
The Youth and Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge is a flagship mechanism under the COYWA Programme, contributing to sustainable development, enterprise growth, and the creation of decent jobs for young people and women across East Africa.
Media and General Enquiries
East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO)
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: https://sti.easteco.org/
Tags: East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO)