UN Opens Youth Ecopreneur Programme Applications for Kenyans, Offers Up to KSh 13 Million in Funding

Young Kenyan entrepreneurs aged 35 and below can apply for a United Nations-backed programme offering business training, mentorship and funding opportunities for green enterprises, with applications closing on 22 November 2026.

Young Kenyan entrepreneurs developing environmentally sustainable businesses have an opportunity to apply for the 2026–2027 Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO), an initiative supporting young business owners working on green solutions and land restoration.

The programme offers business development training, mentorship, international networking opportunities and funding for selected participants. Applications are open to eligible entrepreneurs from developing countries, including Kenya, according to the supplied programme announcement.

Interested applicants have until 22 November 2026 to submit their applications through the official YECO application portal.

The initiative is led by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the G20 Global Land Initiative under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Two categories open to young entrepreneurs

Applicants can choose between two tracks depending on the nature of their businesses.

The Green Business Solutions category targets enterprises developing environmentally sustainable products, services and business models. Eligible areas may include circular economy solutions, low-carbon technologies and eco-design.

The Land Restoration category focuses on ventures addressing environmental degradation through activities such as reforestation, soil conservation, agroforestry, carbon farming and wetland restoration.

Entrepreneurs should select the category that best matches their business activities and confirm the specific eligibility requirements before applying.

How much funding can successful applicants receive?

The programme combines business development support with opportunities to compete for financial awards.

Selected participants begin with a Global Bootcamp and Accelerator, which provides training and mentorship to help strengthen their enterprises.

Those who progress to the Youth Ecopreneur Awards can present their businesses to an international audience. Winners at this stage receive a prize of USD 10,000, equivalent to approximately KSh 1.3 million based on the figures supplied in the announcement.

Entrepreneurs in the Land Restoration category can also compete for a USD 100,000 equity-free funding pool, equivalent to approximately KSh 13 million.

Equity-free funding generally allows recipients to retain ownership of their businesses rather than surrendering company shares in exchange for the funding. However, applicants should check the programme’s official terms for the applicable award conditions and selection criteria.

Successful participants can subsequently access a Scale and Impact phase intended to support business growth.

Additional benefits include coaching and international networks

Beyond financial awards, YECO provides participants with opportunities to strengthen their businesses through professional support and international connections.

The listed benefits include intellectual property guidance from the World Intellectual Property Organization, pro bono legal services from law firm Sidley Austin, business coaching from EY and preferential access to Google’s Startups for Sustainable Development programme.

Participants also join an alumni network of more than 350 YECO graduates and the wider ITC Ye! Community, which connects over 50,000 young entrepreneurs worldwide, according to the supplied programme information.

These opportunities may be particularly relevant to Kenyan businesses seeking to improve their operations, protect intellectual property or establish relationships beyond the domestic market.

Previous participants report business benefits

The previous programme cycle attracted more than 1,500 applications from over 120 countries, according to the supplied information.

Programme feedback also indicated that 96% of surveyed participants reported improved business credibility, 94% expanded their professional networks and 90% developed new skills or improved existing ones.

Among the previous participants was Hellen Munyasa of Uganda’s Helton Traders Limited, who won the 2025–2026 Green Business Solutions category.

Munyasa received a USD 20,000 grant through the PayPal Small Business Impact Awards.

“YECO didn’t just grow my business, it prepared me to grow beyond borders. It changed how I think, how I lead and how I build a green business that creates value, uplifts communities and reaches international impact,” Munyasa said.

Another previous winner, Satellites on Fire, won the 2025–2026 Land Restoration category and was subsequently nominated for the Earthshot Prize. The company also closed a seed funding round worth USD 2.7 million, according to the supplied report.

These examples illustrate the range of opportunities associated with the programme, although individual outcomes will depend on each business and its circumstances.

How Kenyan entrepreneurs can apply

Eligible young entrepreneurs can submit their applications through the official Youth Ecopreneur Programme portal.

Application deadline: 22 November 2026.

Eligibility: Entrepreneurs aged 35 and below from developing countries, subject to the programme’s detailed requirements.

Application categories: Green Business Solutions and Land Restoration.

Official application portal: https://social.yecommunity.com/page/youth-ecopreneur-programme

Applicants should review the official application guidelines, confirm the eligibility conditions for their chosen category and check the documents required before submitting their applications.

The programme presents an opportunity for Kenyan entrepreneurs working on environmental solutions to access business support and compete for funding, while connecting with a wider international network of sustainable businesses.

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