Overview: What the COYWA Programme Offers
The Creating Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa (COYWA) programme, a collaboration between AUDA NEPAD and Spain’s AECID, is designed to drive gender equality, youth empowerment, and socio-economic inclusion across Africa. With grants of up to €120,000, COYWA seeks bold, high-impact projects led by young people and women that address systemic barriers and unlock practical opportunities for participation in the economy, governance, and community life.
Who Can Apply?
COYWA is aimed at non-governmental organisations, civil society groups, community-based organisations, and youth- and women-led initiatives that operate across African countries. Applicants should demonstrate:
– A clear project idea linking youth empowerment and gender equality.
– Strong local ownership with a plan for sustainability beyond the grant period.
– Measurable results and a credible monitoring framework to track progress.
Key Priorities and Impact Areas
Projects funded under COYWA should align with several priority areas, including:
- Education and Skills Development: Vocational training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship skills for young people and women.
- Economic Inclusion: Access to finance, markets, and value chains that enable women and youth to participate in formal economies.
- Entrepreneurship Support: Seed funding, mentorship, incubation, and business development services tailored to women-led and youth-led ventures.
- Advocacy and Governance: Strengthening women’s leadership, community governance, and participation in decision-making bodies.
Projects that show a strong potential for scale, replication, or regional impact are particularly encouraged.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare a concise proposal that outlines:
- Project goal and alignment with COYWA priorities.
- Target beneficiaries (with gender and age disaggregation).
- Implementation plan, timelines, and responsible partners.
- Budget overview showing how funds will be used to deliver measurable outcomes.
- Monitoring and evaluation plan to demonstrate impact and learning.
Applications are typically submitted online through the programme portal. Early planning is advised, as successful applicants often demonstrate strong collaboration with local communities and clear pathways to sustainability after funding ends.
What the Funding Can Enable
Grants up to €120,000 can cover a range of activities—from training programs and microfinance schemes to community enterprise development and information campaigns about gender equality. The emphasis is on durable outcomes that improve participants’ livelihoods, widen access to education and jobs, and foster inclusive growth in local economies.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
To improve your chances, consider these practical tips:
- Show a compelling problem statement grounded in local data and beneficiary voices.
- Demonstrate how the project will empower women and youth to access opportunities they currently lack.
- Provide a clear theory of change with measurable indicators and a realistic budget.
- Highlight collaboration with local partners, including community leaders and relevant government agencies.
- Explain sustainability: what happens when the grant ends and how impact will continue.
Expectations and Accountability
COYWA emphasizes transparency and learning. Grantees may undergo regular reporting, monitoring visits, and financial audits to ensure compliance and maximize social impact. Successful projects will contribute to broader regional development goals, helping to close gender gaps and create more inclusive economies across Africa.
Why This Programme Matters
Investing in youth and women is a proven driver of economic growth, innovation, and community resilience. By providing capital and capacity-building support, COYWA helps unlock latent talent, reduce gender-based barriers, and foster ecosystems where young people and women can lead, collaborate, and prosper.
If you’re leading a viable initiative that advances gender equality, youth empowerment, and socio-economic inclusion, COYWA represents a meaningful funding opportunity to scale impact and create lasting change across Africa.
