Applications are now open for the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference (YPC) 2026, an opportunity for young Africans to travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and participate in conversations shaping the future of public health across Africa.
The two-day Youth Pre-Conference will take place immediately before the 5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2026). It will bring together young health professionals, students, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates, communicators and community leaders from across the continent.
Opportunity Details
- Host Institution: Africa CDC
- Program: Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026
- Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Program Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Applicants: Young Africans
- Age: 18–35 years
- CPHIA 2026 Dates: November 23–27, 2026
About the Youth Pre-Conference
The Youth Pre-Conference is the official youth platform of CPHIA 2026. It provides a space for young Africans to exchange ideas, showcase solutions, build networks and contribute to discussions on Africa’s health priorities.
The 2026 edition focuses on health security and health sovereignty, exploring how Africa can move towards stronger, more resilient and self-reliant health systems.
Participants will take part in discussions, workshops, dialogues and interactive sessions covering areas such as:
- Digital Health, Research and Innovation
- Building Africa’s Public Health Workforce
- One Health and Emergency Preparedness
- Local Manufacturing and Health Sovereignty
- Youth Leadership in Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
- Be a citizen of an African Union Member State.
- Be enrolled in at least an undergraduate program or have relevant educational, professional or community experience.
- Have an interest or background in public health or related fields.
- Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to improving health outcomes in Africa.
- Be available to fully participate in the Youth Pre-Conference and CPHIA 2026.
- Be willing to participate in peer learning, networking and the cultural activities of the program.
Relevant backgrounds may include:
- Public health
- Medicine and nursing
- Community and environmental health
- Research
- Digital health and technology
- Health policy and public service
- Development
- Communications and journalism
- Entrepreneurship
- Manufacturing
- Social sciences
- Other fields contributing to Africa’s health security and sovereignty
What Selected Participants Will Gain
Selected young delegates will have the opportunity to:
- Connect with young professionals from across Africa.
- Meet public health leaders, policymakers, researchers and innovators.
- Showcase their work, projects and ideas.
- Participate in workshops and interactive sessions.
- Contribute to youth priorities and recommendations for CPHIA 2026.
- Build valuable professional and continental networks.
- Gain knowledge and experience in Africa’s health security and sovereignty.
Fully Funded Benefits
Selected participants will receive full sponsorship to attend the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026 and CPHIA 2026 in Addis Ababa.
The sponsorship covers:
- Return flight tickets
- Accommodation
- Meals
- CPHIA registration fee
Participants will attend the Youth Pre-Conference before continuing to the main CPHIA 2026 conference.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is particularly suitable for young Africans who are studying, working or actively contributing to public health and related fields.
If you are a student, researcher, health professional, entrepreneur, innovator, advocate, communicator or community leader with an interest in Africa’s health future, this could be a valuable opportunity to gain international exposure and connect with others across the continent.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the official Africa CDC platform.
VISIT AFRICA CDC YOUTH PRE-CONFERENCE 2026 – TO APPLY
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