The African Youth Action Lab’s Representation Grants fund youth-led, non-profit organisations to deliver 12-month projects in twelve African countries. Grants range from €10,000–€20,000 and prioritize youth leadership, formal registration, and cross-continental collaboration. The programme strengthens youth capacity, fosters Africa–Europe cooperation, and supports impactful community-based initiatives.

Representation Grants by the African Youth Action Lab

Funding Youth-Led Projects Across Africa

Overview

The Representation Grants support youth-led, community-focused projects that elevate young people’s voices and strengthen collaboration across Africa and Europe. These grants help organisations expand their impact, build capacity, and facilitate knowledge-sharing through platforms such as the Youth Action Digital Platform and Annual Learning Events.

Grant Amount and Duration

Grant Size: €10,000–€20,000 (medium and large grants)
Project Duration: Up to 12 months
Target Group: Youth-led foundations, CBOs, NGOs, and civil society movements

Eligible Countries

Projects must operate in at least one of the following focus countries:
Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia (Somaliland region), Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Who Is Eligible?

Organisational Requirements

Eligible applicants must be:

Non-profit entities, including:
- Foundations
- Community-Based Organisations (CBOs)
- Non-Governmental or Civil Society Organisations
Formally registered in their respective country
In possession of a bank account
Structured with a clear governance framework

Youth Leadership Requirements

All governance members must be aged 18–35
All staff involved in project implementation must be aged 18–35
Demonstrated youth participation in decision-making processes

What the Grant Supports

Representation Grants fund projects that:

Strengthen youth leadership and engagement
Promote cross-cultural and cross-continental learning
Connect young leaders through structured collaboration
Enable localised, community-driven initiatives
Support shared learning via the Youth Action Digital Platform and Annual Learning Events

Why This Grant Matters

This programme empowers young people to design and lead development projects in their local communities while building international networks. By fostering Africa–Europe collaboration, it ensures that youth perspectives influence broader social agendas. The grant also boosts organisational capacity and supports sustained youth-led change.

How to Apply / How It Works

Verify Eligibility
Confirm youth-led governance, formal registration, financial capacity, and project presence in an eligible country.
Develop a Youth-Led Project Proposal
Clearly outline goals, expected outcomes, and the project’s relevance to youth empowerment and learning.
Showcase Collaboration Plans
Include ideas for connecting with youth across Africa and Europe through digital platforms or events.
Prepare Required Documents
- Registration certificate
- Governance structure
- Bank account details
- Youth leadership evidence
Submit Application
Follow the African Youth Action Lab’s guidelines and timelines.
Implement and Report
If selected, carry out the 12-month project and participate in collaborative learning events.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting proposals without demonstrating 100% youth-led implementation
Targeting countries outside the 12 eligible nations
Weak collaboration or learning components
Missing registration or governance documents
Proposing activities with unclear youth impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to €20,000 per project, depending on grant size (medium or large).

2. Can unregistered groups apply?

No. Organisations must be formally registered and have a bank account.

3. Do all team members need to be youth?

Yes. All governance members and project implementation staff must be 18–35.

4. Can projects take place outside the listed countries?

No. Activities must occur within the designated twelve focus countries.

5. Are informal youth movements eligible?

Only if they are formally registered as a CBO, NGO, foundation, or similar.

6. Do projects have to involve Europe?

Projects must show intent to build Africa–Europe connections through collaboration or knowledge-sharing.

7. How long can a project run?

Projects may run for a maximum of 12 months.

Conclusion

The Representation Grants offer a powerful platform for youth-led organisations to expand their influence, strengthen capacity, and participate in Africa–Europe cooperation. With funding of €10,000–€20,000 and a clear focus on youth leadership, the programme places young people at the center of development work, enabling them to drive meaningful community impact and global engagement.