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West Africa Youth Innovation Fund

Empowering young West African entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and resources to turn their innovative ideas into reality.

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About WAYIF

WEST AFRICA YOUTH INNOVATION FUND (WAYIF) An Initiative of the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) 2025

The West Africa Youth Innovation Fund (WAYIF) is a groundbreaking initiative designed to support young entrepreneurs across West Africa.

Our mission is to identify, nurture, and fund the most innovative business ideas from young West Africans aged 18-35. We provide not just funding, but also mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to help turn your vision into a sustainable business.

With grants of up to $10,000, WAYIF is your gateway to transforming your innovative idea into a thriving business that can create jobs and solve pressing challenges in your community.

Young entrepreneurs working together

Why Apply for WAYIF?

Funding Support

Receive up to $10,000 in startup funding to launch or grow your business.

Exposure

Get featured on our platforms and gain visibility for your business.

Program Timeline

Application Period

June 1 - July 31, 2025

Submit your complete application including all required documents before the deadline.

Review Phase

August 1 - August 31, 2025

Our panel of experts will review all applications and shortlist candidates for interviews.

Interviews

September 1 - September 15, 2025

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for virtual interviews to discuss their proposals in detail.

Final Selection

September 30, 2025

Successful applicants will be notified and announced publicly.

Funding Disbursement

October 15, 2025

Grant funds will be disbursed to selected entrepreneurs along with mentorship pairing.

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply?

  • West African nationals aged 18-35 years
  • Individuals or teams with innovative business ideas base
  • Business must be based in or serving a West African country
  • Businesses at pre-seed or early stage
  • Businesses operating in Agriculture, Technology, Eduation and Commerce

Application Requirements

  • Completed application form
  • Written business proposal (PDF/DOC)
  • Video pitch (YouTube/Google Drive link)
  • Business pitch deck (PDF/PPT)

Frequently Asked Questions

This funding is open to West African youth aged 18-35 in the Agriculture, Eduation, Technology and Commerce sectors. Applicants must be nationals and resident in any West African country. Application are open to individuals and teams

Applications are open from the 1st of July 2025 to the 14th of July 2025. at 11:59pm GMT. Late submissions will not be considered.

To be considered for this funding. Individuals and businesses are required to submit the following documents:

  • A written business proposal (PDF/DOC)[Max of 3 pages]
  • A video pitch [2-3 minutes](YouTube/Google Drive Link),
  • A business pitch slideshow (PDF/PPT)

Yes! WAYIF supports businesses at pre-seed and early stage. The key criteria is that your business demonstrates innovation and potential for impact in your community.

Applications will be evaluated based on: Innovation and Creativity, Feasibility and Clarity, Social impact and Inclusion, Scalbility and Growth Potential and Sustainability

Ready to Transform Your Business Idea into Reality?

Don't miss this opportunity to receive funding and support for your innovative business.

Apply Now