Africa-Europe Innovation Programme Launches Training for Startup Incubators and Accelerators

A new capacity-building program designed to strengthen business support organizations across Africa and Europe was announced today, offering a chance to enhance services, funding access, and cross-continental networking.

The Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership (AEIP) initiative will deliver a 30-hour online course, running from December 2025 to March 2027, specifically for incubators and accelerators with at least two to three years of operational experience. The program focuses on ecosystem mapping, organizational development, program design, and impact measurement, providing practical tools and frameworks for participants. Successful completion – requiring attendance at 80% of sessions – will result in an EU|BIC diploma.

The AEIP program aims to address a critical need for enhanced support structures for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both regions, fostering innovation and economic growth. Eligibility requires organizations to be based in Africa or Europe and commit team members to the online sessions. The European Business & Innovation Centre Network – EBN, with its EU|BIC quality label, has designed the expert-led training modules. Applications are being accepted until November 21, 2025, and only 40 core participants will be selected, with additional observer slots available. You can find more information about the European Business and Innovation Centre Network here.

Officials emphasize the importance of preparing a strong application that highlights an organization’s history, service portfolio, and challenges. The AEIP training program page provides a complete application form and further details on the selection process.

Selected organizations will be notified of their acceptance and asked to prepare their teams for the program’s kickoff in December.