- The United Nations opened applications for the 2026-27 Youth Ecopreneur Programme, targeting entrepreneurs under 35 from developing countries
- YECO offers business training, mentorship, and international exposure across two categories: Green Business Solutions and Land Restoration
- Winners can access a KSh 1.3 million (USD 10,000) prize, while Land Restoration entrants compete for a KSh 13 million (USD 100,000) equity-free funding pool
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Young Kenyan entrepreneurs working on green business or land restoration now have an opportunity to apply for the 2026-27 Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO).
Source: UGC
YECO is a United Nations initiative offering training, mentorship, funding, and access to global networks. Applications close on 22 November 2026.
YECO is a flagship programme of the International Trade Centre and the G20 Global Land Initiative, operating under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
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It targets entrepreneurs aged 35 and below, with a particular focus on applicants from developing countries.
What the Programme Offers
The programme is structured in stages, beginning with a Global Bootcamp and Accelerator that provides business development training and mentorship.
Participants then advance to the Youth Ecopreneur Awards, where selected finalists present their ventures to an international audience. Winners at the awards stage receive KSh 1.3 million (USD 10,000) in prize money.
Entrepreneurs applying in the Land Restoration category can also compete for a share of a KSh 13 million (USD 100,000) equity-free funding pool, meaning recipients retain full ownership of their companies.
Following the awards, participants enter a Scale and Impact phase with continued support to grow their businesses.
Additional 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 the Google Startups for Sustainable Development programme.
Participants also join an alumni network of over 350 YECO graduates and the broader ITC Ye! Community, which connects more than 50,000 young entrepreneurs worldwide.
Interested Kenyan entrepreneurs can apply through the official YECO application portal before the 22 November 2026 deadline.
Two Application Tracks Available
Applicants choose between two categories. The Green Business Solutions track is for ventures developing sustainable products, services, or models, including circular economy solutions, low-carbon technologies, and eco-design.
The Land Restoration track covers businesses working on reforestation, soil conservation, agroforestry, carbon farming, wetland restoration, and related technologies.
The previous programme cycle drew more than 1,500 applications from over 120 countries.
Among past participants, 96% reported that YECO strengthened their credibility, 94% expanded their professional networks, and 90% improved or developed new skills relevant to their work.
One notable alumna, Hellen Munyasa of Helton Traders Limited in Uganda, who won the 2025-26 Green Business Solutions category, received a KSh 2.6 million (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 past winner, Satellites on Fire, which claimed the 2025-26 Land Restoration category, was nominated for the Earthshot Prize and closed a KSh 349 million (USD 2.7 million) seed funding round.
Source: TUKO.co.ke