YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator (E-Accelerator) 2026

The YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator (E-Accelerator), developed in partnership with UNDP and the African Union, is a results-driven initiative that enables export-ready youth-led enterprises to scale into intra-African markets under the AfCFTA framework, particularly its Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade. The program addresses key barriers limiting youth participation in regional trade, including non-tariff barriers such as complex customs procedures, regulatory compliance gaps, and weak aggregation mechanisms. Through tailored diagnostics, enterprise strengthening, export-readiness accreditation and improved access to finance, the E-Accelerator aims to drive measurable market expansion, mobilize investment, and foster sustainable job creation across the continent.  

The programme adopts a systemic approach that goes beyond traditional capacity building by ensuring that enterprises not only meet export requirements but also receive comprehensive support to overcome barriers affecting their market expansion. Through the establishment of Policy Sandboxes starting with the pilot phase of 6 countries (listed above), the programme will enable qualified enterprises to navigate and address non-tariff barriers, facilitating smoother export processes and increasing their ability to participate in intra-African trade  thereby contributing to the creation of more productive jobs for young people across the continent.

The E-Accelerator journey comprises:

1. Application & Diagnostics,
2. Selection and Announcement of the Pilot Cohort,
3. Export FitLab,
4. Tailored Enterprise Advisory,
5. The Continental Bootcamp during the YouthConnekt Africa Summit,
6. Business Export Accreditation,
7. Facilitated Intra-African Export through Policy Sandboxes, and (8) Exposure to Continental Business and Financing Opportunities.

• Table of Content
• About YouthConnekt Africa
• YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator (E-Accelerator) Entrepreneurs
• Requirements for YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator (E-Accelerator) Entrepreneurs Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator (E-Accelerator) Entrepreneurs

Requirements for YouthConnekt Africa Export Accelerator (E-Accelerator) Entrepreneurs Qualification

• Are you a young entrepreneur under 35 years old working in these listed 6 countries (Rwanda, Uganda, Senegal, Gambia, Zambia & Zimbabwe)? 
• Is your business already established at the local level and ready to expand into new markets beyond your borders? 
• Are you looking to strengthen your export capacity, access new opportunities, and scale your business across Africa?

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more information, kindly visit YouthConnekt Africa webpage.