The AU Youth Startup Programme is led by the African Union Commission in partnership with Afreximbank and other partners. It supports young African innovators by giving them a platform to grow and connect with key players across the continent.
As part of IATF2025 in Algiers, the program offers selected startups the chance to:
Support the AfCFTA goal of stronger trade across Africa.
Exhibit products, ideas, or prototypes to a global audience.
Meet with investors, business leaders, and other founders.
Join training sessions and receive mentorship.
Eligibility Criteria
This program is open to young Africans building solutions with the potential to grow across the continent. To be eligible, you should:
Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
Be a citizen of an AU member state or part of the African diaspora.
Own or co-own a registered startup, or have a working prototype solving health, education, and Food security challenges in Africa.
Be available on the dates of the IATF.
Show clear interest in innovation, sustainability, or economic development.
Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
A fully sponsored booth at the AU Youth Startup Pavilion in Algiers to showcase your products/services.
Access to matchmaking sessions with investors and business leaders.
Entry to free training and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs
Visibility to over 35,000 attendees, including buyers, partners, and policymakers
Networking with more than 2,000 exhibitors from across Africa and beyond.
The opportunity to be considered for recognition or funding support.
