About AEYA Grants

The Africa–Europe Youth Academy (AEYA) is a flagship initiative of the European Union’s Youth Action Plan (YAP) in external action, under the Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package and the “Youth Mobility for Africa Flagship.” Led by Expertise France in consortium with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), AEYA is a four‑year programme (2024–2028) with a budget of €15 million, implemented across 20 Sub‑Saharan African countries.

AEYA’s main objective is to strengthen the role of young people (aged 18–30) as change agents and leaders of sustainable development, while reinforcing Africa–Europe cooperation. The programme ensures inclusion by targeting at least 50% young women and 25% vulnerable youth (including rural, displaced, unemployed, and youth with disabilities).

To achieve this, AEYA is structured into three work packages:

• Unlock Potential: Expanding access to safe, inclusive spaces where youth can express leadership potential.

• Amplify Potential: Supporting young leaders to drive positive change in their communities and empower peers.

• Connect Potential: Promoting inclusive youth leadership at local, national, and international levels.

The current Call for Projects falls under Work Package 1, focusing on “Spaces for Youth” in 18 countries, with The Youth Café responsible for sub‑granting in 11 countries: Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

Through AEYA grants, youth‑led and youth‑focused organisations will receive financial and technical support to design and strengthen Spaces for Youth — safe, inclusive, and empowering environments that foster leadership, innovation, and civic participation.