Are you a young African entrepreneur building a solution that addresses real needs in your community or across the continent? Is your start-up focused on health, agriculture, education, or digital inclusion? Are you ready to present your working prototype to investors, policymakers, and business leaders from across Africa and beyond?

Apply now to be part of the AU Youth Start-Up Programme at the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025, taking place from 4 to 10 September 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.

Africa has the youngest population in the world. Over 70% of its people are under the age of 35. At the same time, the continent’s service industry is growing fast driven by technology, mobile access, and digital tools that are changing how people work, trade, and solve problems.

The programme launched in 2021 during the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Durban, where 150 youth-led businesses were selected from across the continent. In 2023, the second edition in Cairo focused more on practical learning offering masterclasses, pitch sessions, and networking opportunities with investors and business leaders.

For 2025, the African Union Commission, in partnership with Afreximbank and the Government of Algeria, is expanding the programme to support 75 start-ups at IATF2025 in Algiers. These start-ups will take part in a structured programme that includes hands-on training, market exposure, and access to potential partners and funders.

Recognized by the IATF Advisory Council as a permanent vertical of the IATF, the Pavilion will feature prominently at IATF2025, scheduled for September 5–10, 2025, in Algiers, Algeria.  The AU Youth Start-Up Programme is designed to support young African entrepreneurs who are building practical solutions across sectors like agriculture, health, education, and digital services. It gives early-stage founders a platform to grow their businesses, connect with investors, and access new markets across the continent.

The programme is part of the African Union’s broader commitment to youth empowerment and economic integration, as outlined in Agenda 2063. It also aligns with the goals of the AfCFTA by helping youth-led businesses engage in cross-border trade, scale their services, and contribute to industrial growth across Africa.

As internet access and digital literacy expand across the continent, more young people are using these tools to launch businesses. However, many still lack the exposure, resources, and networks needed to scale. The AU Youth Start-Up Programme helps close this gap by creating structured opportunities to learn, showcase products, and build partnerships at a continental level.

The main objective of hosting this dedicated pavilion is to support the growth of start-ups and innovative MSMEs for promoting value addition and industrialization and job creation on the continent. 

The Specific objectives are to

• Showcase of latest innovative products and services by African Start-ups in sectors such as education, agriculture and, health.
• Connect various African start-ups and other players of the African innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• Build the capacity of participant start-ups on latest issues of strategic interest for the growth of their business.
• Link African start-ups with startups from outside Africa and other players such as incubation hubs, financiers and.
• Create synergies that will pave the way for the African innovation ecosystem to thrive which will in turn develop the African continent.

Application Process

The Call for Applications closes on 30 May 2025 at 23:59 EAT. To apply, visit: https://2025.iatf.africa/newfront/page/explore#auyouth

For inquiries, contact:

Dr Jean-Bertrand Azapmo, Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, African Union Commission, E-mail: AzapmoJ@africa-union.org

Ms. Bulelwa Nkosi, Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, African Union Commission, NkosiB@africa-union.org

Regis-Eric Benoit Gnantain, Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, African Union Commission, tader@africa-union.org

All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by a multi-partner jury panel, made up of representatives from the African Union Commission and its partners.

What Do Selected Start-Ups Receive?

• A booth at the AU Youth Start-Up Pavilion during the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 in Algiers
• Certified business development masterclasses led by industry professionals and experienced entrepreneurs
• Pitch sessions with African and international investors
• Access to AU leaders, trade experts, and policy decision-makers during the IATF
• One-on-one mentoring with business coaches and ecosystem partners
• Travel and accommodation covered for the duration of the programme
• Exposure to over 35,000 trade fair participants, media, buyers, and funders
• Invitation to join the AU Start-Up alumni network, with ongoing support beyond the fair.

Media Contact

Ms. Meaza Tezera | Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals | African Union Commission | E-mail: Meazat@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mr. George Sichinga | Communication Officer | African Energy Commission | E-mail: sichingag@africa-union.org | Algiers, Algeria