EASTECO Invites Women Entrepreneurs for Free East Africa Training

The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), in partnership with the African Union Development Agency–NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), is inviting applications for a three-day training programme focused on innovation, entrepreneurship and business development. The initiative aims to strengthen the skills of young entrepreneurs, women-led businesses, innovators, researchers and enterprise-support practitioners across eight East African Community (EAC) Partner States.

The training is being organized under the Creating Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa (COYWA) Program, which supports entrepreneurship development and innovation among young people and women. According to the published program announcement, 160 participants will be selected, with 20 participants from each participating country.

Key Highlights:

• EASTECO–COYWA will provide free three-day business training to 160 participants across eight East African countries
• Training will cover business models, financial management, market access and business growth
• Applications close on 20 November 2026 for eligible youth and women entrepreneurs

The program will be implemented by face to face training sessions in the countries involved. It is designed to deliver high quality practical learning and business development capabilities which can be transferred to participants' current businesses, start up businesses and commercially viable innovations.

The training will be centered on business development and not a lecture approach. Participants will engage in exercises and practical clinics related to their own enterprises, peer learning and coaching. The activities are designed to support them to build up their business concepts, enhance the management of their enterprises and develop sustainable business operations.

Business-model development, financial management, market access, enterprise financing and business growth will be key learning areas. The program aims to equip participants with an understanding of the need to solve the problems that arise in business development and management and enhance their response capabilities to commercial issues.

Applications may be made from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Applicants shall apply for the training in their countries. The training time and location will be provided individually to the selected participants.

The closing date for the application is 20 November 2026 by 4: 00 PM Central Africa Time (CAT) / 5: 00 PM East Africa Time (EAT). Eligibility and instructions on how to apply are available for interested applicants to review prior to applying.

EASTECO–COYWA is part of broader initiatives aimed at building the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the region. The program aims to enhance access to business-development knowledge and boost entrepreneurial activity in East Africa, through the youth- and women-led enterprises.

The initiative involves hands-on training and coaching to ensure that the skills gained can be applied to enterprise development, innovation and sustainable business growth in the region.