Overview: What COYWA Is and Why It Matters
The Creating Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa (COYWA) programme, launched by AUDA NEPAD in partnership with AECID, is designed to accelerate gender equality, youth empowerment, and socio-economic inclusion across Africa. The initiative targets innovative projects led by young people and women that create sustainable pathways to prosperity, jobs, and leadership in communities across the continent.
Funding Details: Grants Up to €120,000
COYWA offers grants of up to €120,000 to selected projects. Funding is intended to cover activities such as start-up costs, capacity building, pilot implementations, and scalable initiatives that demonstrate measurable social impact. The programme prioritizes initiatives that can be replicated or scaled, ensuring that limited resources generate lasting change beyond a single community.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility and Beneficiaries
Eligible applicants typically include non-profit organizations, social enterprises, cooperatives, and community groups led by or serving youth and women. Teams should demonstrate a clear plan for advancing gender equality, creating economic opportunities, and promoting inclusive development. Projects should be implementable within Africa and align with COYWA’s goals to reduce barriers faced by women and young people in education, entrepreneurship, and employment.
What The Programme Looks For: Selection Criteria
Applicants should present a compelling problem statement, a practical and innovative solution, and a credible path to impact. Key criteria include:
– Clear alignment with gender equality, youth empowerment, and socio-economic inclusion
– Feasibility and a realistic budget that ensures efficient use of funds
– Potential for scalability or replication across communities
– Strong partnerships or collaboration with local actors, stakeholders, and beneficiaries
– Measurable indicators to track progress and outcomes
How to Apply: Steps and Tips
Interested teams should prepare a detailed project proposal outlining the problem, solution, target beneficiaries, implementation plan, budget, and monitoring framework. The application process typically involves submitting a concept note or full proposal through the official COYWA portal, followed by a review phase and, if shortlisted, a final presentation or interview. Helpful tips include:
– Demonstrate a clear gender-responsive approach and inclusive benefits for women and youth
– Include a strong theory of change and realistic timelines
– Provide evidence or data supporting the need and potential impact
– Show financial discipline with a transparent, itemized budget
Impact and Expected Outcomes
Projects funded under COYWA aim to achieve tangible improvements in livelihoods, skills development, and leadership opportunities for young people and women. Expected outcomes include increased access to jobs or income-generating activities, stronger community networks, and improved local governance and civic participation. By enabling women and youth to lead change, COYWA fosters resilient, inclusive communities across Africa.
Why Apply Now
With cross-border support from AUDA NEPAD and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), COYWA brings together expertise, funding, and regional networks. This combination helps grantees scale impact faster and connect to broader development initiatives on the continent. If you have a bold idea that advances gender equality and economic inclusion, this programme offers a valuable opportunity to turn it into reality.
Next Steps and Contacts
Keep an eye on the official COYWA announcements for dates, eligibility details, and application guidelines. Prepare a concise concept note or full proposal aligned with the programme goals, and assemble a capable team with a clear implementation plan. For more information, consult the AUDA NEPAD and AECID platforms and any official partner communications.
