The AU-EU Youth Lab Innovation Grants 2026 are open to eligible youth-led organisations working on innovative solutions to global challenges. Each selected organisation can receive a €42,000 grant to develop, test, improve or scale an innovative project.
The programme supports youth organisations in Africa and Europe. However, the current Innovation Grant is open to organisations registered in 12 African focus countries, including Nigeria.
What are the AU-EU Youth Lab Innovation Grants?
The AU-EU Youth Lab Innovation Grants provide financial support to youth-led organisations that want to create lasting solutions to community and global challenges.
In addition, successful organisations receive access to mentorship and capacity development. They can also share their solutions with other young people, decision-makers and stakeholders across Africa and Europe.
Who is Eligible for the AU-EU Youth Lab Innovation Grants?
Applicants must meet several requirements.
The organisation must:
- Be a non-profit, NGO, CSO, Trust or Community Based Organisation with a clear social mission.
- Be formally registered in its country.
- Have an organisational bank account.
- Have a clear governance structure.
- Be youth-led, with people aged 18–35 holding primary decision-making power.
- Have more than 80% of those directly involved in designing and carrying out activities aged 18–35.
- Ensure all staff implementing the proposed project are aged 18–35.
- Implement the proposed activity in an eligible country.
For more youth grants and funding opportunities, visit OpportunityLab.net.
What Country or Region Is Eligible for the programme?
The current Innovation Grants call is open to organisations located and registered in these 12 African countries:
Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia (Somaliland region), Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Therefore, eligible youth-led organisations in the above countries can apply.
Benefits of the AU-EU Youth Lab Innovation Grants
€42,000 grant funding – Each selected organisation can receive up to €42,000 to implement its approved project.
12-month project support – Funded projects will run for 12 months, from January to December 2027.
Mentorship – Selected organisations can receive mentorship to help strengthen their projects and organisational capacity.
Capacity building – Participants can gain training and skills that can improve their ability to manage projects and create lasting impact.
Opportunity to scale innovative ideas – The grant can support organisations that want to develop, test, improve or expand innovative solutions.
Networking opportunities – The programme connects young people and organisations working across Africa and Europe, creating opportunities for collaboration.
Greater visibility – Successful initiatives can gain exposure within the wider Africa–EU youth partnership and among relevant stakeholders.
Policy engagement – The wider AU-EU Youth Lab aims to help young people participate in policy and decision-making processes.
What Does the Grant Cover?
Each Innovation Grant is worth €42,000. The funding supports innovative activities that can create positive and lasting change for young people and their communities.
Projects may focus on:
- Creating or improving an existing solution.
- Testing an innovative approach.
- Scaling a successful idea.
- Addressing global challenges.
- Creating local impact.
- Supporting longer-term policy or systems change.
The funded project will run for 12 months, from January to December 2027.
What Documents Are Required?
Applicants should carefully read the official Funding Manual and application requirements before starting.
The application process requires a project proposal and financial information. Applicants should also have their organisational details and required supporting information ready.
The official application guide says applicants should review the Funding Manual, Budget Template and Sample Application before applying.
When is the Deadline?
The deadline for the current Innovation Grants call is:
23 September 2026 at 13:00 Central African Time (CAT).
Therefore, late applications will not be considered.
How Do I Apply AU-EU Youth Lab Innovation Grants?
First, read the official Funding Manual and confirm that your organisation meets the eligibility requirements.
Next, prepare your proposal and budget. Then, register on the ON Grip application platform and submit your application online.
The official application guide explains that applicants should select the correct grant type and language before clicking Apply Now. The system then directs applicants to ON Grip to register and complete the application.
Where Is the Official Application?
Applications are submitted through the official ON Grip platform.
You can start from the official AU-EU Youth Lab Innovation Grants page:
Official AU-EU Youth Lab Innovation Grants application page
For step-by-step application instructions:
Official AU-EU Youth Lab application guide
The AU-EU Youth Lab Innovation Grants offer an opportunity for eligible youth-led organisations to receive €42,000 for an innovative project. Moreover, successful applicants can receive mentorship and capacity-building support.
Therefore, since the deadline is 23 September 2026 at 13:00 CAT, eligible organisations should begin preparing their applications early.
For more grants, scholarships, fellowships and other opportunities, visit OpportunityLab.net.
