East African Innovation Challenge Launched to Support Youth and Women Entrepreneurs

The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) has launched a major Youth and Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge under the Creation of Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa (COYWA Programme). The Call for Proposals was announced on 28 January 2026, aiming to empower young innovators and women across the East African Community (EAC).

Empowering Young Innovators Across East Africa

The Challenge is open to youth and women led enterprises from all eight EAC partner states including Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania. The initiative seeks to identify and support high potential startups that can drive innovation, jobs, and inclusive economic growth in the region.

Selected enterprises will receive up to USD 10,000 in grant funding, together with a 5 day regional entrepreneurship bootcamp, a 2 month structured incubation programme, mentorship, access to regional incubation networks, and opportunities to pitch at the 4th EAC Science, Technology and Innovation Conference. A total of 16 enterprises will benefit from this challenge.

Focus Areas and Eligibility

The Challenge prioritizes innovative, scalable solutions in key sectors such as:

• Agriculture
• Health
• Education
• Environment management
• Digital innovation and ICT enabled solutions
• Energy and infrastructure
• Industrialization and trade

To qualify, enterprises must be legally registered, youth or women led, operational for at least 12 months, and based in an EAC partner state. Applicants should also have a minimum viable product or prototype and a revenue generating activity.

Why It Matters

This regional challenge is part of wider efforts to build inclusive innovation ecosystems that uplift youth and women as key contributors to economic transformation. Grants and capacity support help break down barriers such as limited access to finance, skills gaps, and weak market linkages. By fostering cross border collaboration, the initiative strengthens networks among entrepreneurs, mentors, and ecosystem actors throughout East Africa.

Read more: EASTECO Launches Youth and Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge

To apply, click on: https://sti.easteco.org