Deadline: 30-Sep-2025
The Expertise France has launched a call for projects under Work Package 1 – Unlocking Potential, focusing on youth empowerment in 18 Sub-Saharan African countries.
This initiative aims to strengthen youth organizations by transforming them into “Spaces for Youth” that can provide safe, inclusive, and empowering environments for young people while enhancing their capacity to deliver impactful projects.
The selected countries—ranging from Ivory Coast, Senegal, Benin, and Ghana in West Africa to Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Zambia in East and Southern Africa—offer fertile ground for engagement. Youth and civil society organizations in these regions possess strong community knowledge and trust but often operate in semi-structured environments with limited sustainability. The program seeks to bridge these gaps by providing financial support, training, technical assistance, and connections to EU stakeholders.
The call will directly support 50 recognized youth organizations already active in social, cultural, ecological, participatory, or educational initiatives. By investing in these organizations, the program aims to scale their work, enhance sustainability, and unlock the leadership potential of marginalized young people, including those living with disabilities or facing gender and identity-based discrimination.
Expertise France will select up to three intermediary organizations to oversee the implementation of the scheme. These intermediary applicants will be tasked with sourcing and selecting youth-led organizations, guiding them through funds management and reporting, providing capacity-building support, and distributing grants within their assigned geographical areas.
To ensure balanced coverage, the program is divided into three lots: Lot 1 (Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Benin, Togo, Guinea, Mauritania, Ghana) with €414,000 available; Lot 2 (Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda) with €207,000 available; and Lot 3 (Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, Ethiopia) with €414,000 available.
Eligible lead applicants must be legal, non-profit entities such as CSOs, NGOs, or international organizations with a long-term presence in the countries of operation. They must demonstrate proven experience in managing multi-country programs and supporting grassroots youth initiatives, as well as the capacity to comply with EU financial and reporting standards. Applicants may act individually or in partnership but must assume full financial responsibility if awarded a grant.
Through this initiative, Expertise France aims not only to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of youth organizations but also to integrate them into the broader Africa-Europe Youth Academy. This will include participation in mentoring, online training, and local events, ensuring young changemakers are empowered with skills, visibility, and networks to drive meaningful transformation in their communities.
For more information, visit Expertise France.
