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AfDB Jobs for Youth in Africa (JfYA) — Youth Enterprise Grant and Capacity Support

African Development Bank (AfDB) — Jobs for Youth in Africa Initiative · International Organisation
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All AfricaAgricultureTechnologyCreative IndustriesVocational TrainingManufacturing

About this opportunity

AfDB grants ₦37–₦92 million to youth-led startups in Africa that will hire 5–10 people within a year. You must be aged 18–35, registered in an AfDB member country, and apply through your country office or a designated national agency.

The Jobs for Youth in Africa initiative supports youth-led enterprises and agribusiness ventures that create employment for Africa's growing youth population. Through selected country programmes and challenge funds, youth entrepreneurs receive grant funding, technical assistance, and mentorship to scale job-creating businesses, particularly in agriculture, digital, and creative industries. Funded rounds are deployed through national executing agencies and regional partners.

Who can apply

  • Founder or co-founder aged 18–35 (preferred)
  • Business registered in an AfDB member country
  • Startup that can demonstrate it will create at least 5–10 jobs within 12 months of funding
  • Enterprise operating in agriculture, technology, creative industries, vocational training, or manufacturing
  • Business with a formal registration certificate or proof of registration with the relevant national authority

Not eligible

  • Businesses operating outside AfDB member countries
  • Ventures that cannot credibly show job creation targets of 5–10 roles within 12 months
  • Non-registered or informal enterprises without proof of legal registration

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Documents you will need

  • Business registration certificate or proof of legal registration
  • Business plan showing financial projections for 12 months and job creation targets
  • Curriculum vitae or profile of founder(s) with age confirmation
  • Bank account details or proof of business bank account
  • Identification document (passport, national ID or driver's licence)
  • Evidence of sector focus (e.g. photos, contracts, or letters of intent for agriculture/tech/creative work)
  • Tax registration number (where applicable)
  • Details of any co-founders or management team members

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How to apply, step by step

  1. Check which national executing agency or AfDB country office operates the JfYA programme in your country—this varies by location
  2. Download or request the application form from that office or agency
  3. Complete the form with your business details, founder information, job creation plan, and financial projections
  4. Gather all required documents listed above and attach to your application
  5. Submit your application to the designated national agency or AfDB country office by the stated deadline for your country (deadlines vary)
  6. Expect to be contacted for clarification or an interview if your application progresses
Save and track it and we will email you 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, 24 hours and on the morning of the deadline.

How applications are selected

AfDB and its national executing agencies assess applications against job creation potential, business viability, sector alignment (agribusiness and digital ventures get priority), and founder capacity. Reviews typically take 6–12 weeks. Shortlisted applicants usually attend an interview or pitch session. Selected founders receive the grant in tranches, often tied to job creation milestones and completion of mandatory capacity-building modules.

What reviewers look for

  • Show concrete evidence of job creation—names of planned hires, job descriptions, salary budgets, and a realistic timeline matter more than vague promises
  • Prioritise agribusiness, digital, or green economy angles; these sectors receive explicit preference
  • Demonstrate founder commitment: use personal funds, co-founders, or in-kind contributions to show skin in the game
  • Include a cashflow forecast and unit economics—reviewers want to see you understand how the business will sustain those jobs after grant funds are used
  • If you are a woman founder or operate in underserved regions, highlight this; AfDB typically prioritises inclusive job creation

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have a business running already, or can I apply with an idea?

You must be registered as a legal business. If you have only an idea, you need to register your enterprise first—usually at your state business registry or FIRS office—before applying.

What if my business is in a sector not listed—say, hospitality or transport?

The programme focuses on agriculture, technology, creative industries, vocational training, and manufacturing. Hospitality and transport are outside these sectors, so your application is unlikely to be competitive. Consider how your venture might fit within creative industries or technology if there is overlap.

Can I apply if I am 36 or older?

The programme prefers founders aged 18–35. If you are older, you may still apply, but youth-led enterprises will be prioritised. Check with your country office—some rounds may have stricter age caps.

How long does the full process take from application to receiving money?

Typically 3–6 months from submission to first disbursement, depending on the volume of applications and how quickly you provide any requested documents. Capacity-building modules may run in parallel, so do not assume funding is immediate.

If I get the grant, will I have to repay it?

No. This is a grant, not a loan. You do not repay the money, but you must deliver on your job creation targets and meet any reporting requirements set by AfDB.

Guide written from the official programme page on 16 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

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