Kenyan entrepreneurs working on green business or land restoration can now apply for the 2026-27 Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO). Applications close on 22 November 2026.
YECO is a flagship programme of the International Trade Centre and the G20 Global Land Initiative, run under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. It is open to entrepreneurs aged 35 and under, with a focus on applicants from developing countries.
What the programme offers
The programme runs in stages. It starts with a Global Bootcamp and Accelerator, which offers business training and mentorship. Selected finalists then present their ventures to an international audience at the Youth Ecopreneur Awards. A Scale and Impact phase follows, with continued support to grow the business.
Winners at the awards stage receive KSh 1.3 million (USD 10,000). Land Restoration entrants can also compete for a KSh 13 million (USD 100,000) equity-free pool, so recipients keep full ownership of their companies.
Open to entrepreneurs aged 35 and below.
Other benefits include intellectual property guidance from the World Intellectual Property Organization, pro bono legal help from Sidley Austin, business coaching from EY, and preferential access to the Google Startups for Sustainable Development programme. Participants also join an alumni network of more than 350 YECO graduates and the ITC Ye! Community of over 50,000 young entrepreneurs.
Two application tracks
The Green Business Solutions track is for ventures building sustainable products, services or models, including circular economy solutions, low-carbon technologies and eco-design.
The Land Restoration track covers reforestation, soil conservation, agroforestry, carbon farming, wetland restoration and related technologies.
What past participants say
The last cycle drew more than 1,500 applications from over 120 countries. Of past participants, 96 per cent said YECO strengthened their credibility, 94 per cent expanded their networks and 90 per cent improved or developed new skills.
Watch the Youth Ecopreneur Awards 2025 -International Trade Centre (ITC) x G20 Global Land Initiative (UNCCD)
