Applications are now open for the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2026, a fully funded leadership opportunity for outstanding young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa.
The program is an initiative of the AFS Youth Assembly, supported by the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, and is designed to identify, empower, and amplify young African leaders who are driving sustainable development and social impact in their communities.
Now in its second edition, the program will select 10 exceptional young leaders aged 18–35 and provide them with world-class leadership training, global exposure, mentorship, and seed funding to scale their impact initiatives.
About the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program
Africa’s young population represents one of the continent’s greatest strengths. This program responds to that potential by investing directly in young people who are already creating solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Selected participants will be officially recognized as Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders and will become part of a growing pan-African network of social innovators and changemakers.
Program Benefits and Highlights
Participants selected for the 2026 cohort will receive:
- Full enrollment in the AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC) program (virtual), focused on intercultural understanding and leadership development
- Pre-Youth Assembly preparation workshops
- Fully funded participation in the AFS Youth Assembly 2026, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 12–14 August 2026, alongside young leaders from over 100 countries
- Special recognition during the AFS Youth Assembly Closing Ceremony
- Participation in the “Effect+ in the Community” intensive workshop in Switzerland, focused on leadership, changemaking, and scalable impact models
- Seed funding and mentorship to implement a community impact project over a six-month period
After returning home, each selected leader is required to replicate the Effect+ in the Community workshop locally, reaching at least 100 young people and creating a strong multiplier effect at the grassroots level.
Application Details
- Application Deadline: 20 February 2026
- Program Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Program Dates: August 2026
- Selection Process: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged due to visa processing timelines.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for young African leaders who are looking for:
- International exposure
- Leadership and capacity development
- Funding and mentorship support
- A global platform to scale community impact initiatives
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be 18–35 years old
- Be a citizen or resident of Sub-Saharan Africa
- Demonstrate leadership experience or strong leadership potential
- Be actively involved in or leading a social impact initiative (SDG-aligned projects preferred)
- Show interest in global affairs, youth development, and sustainable development
- Have at least intermediate proficiency in English
- Be available to attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva in person
Scroll down on the official page for full details and submit your application before the deadline.
Check other opportunities:
International Healthcare Worker EOI Pool – Saskatchewan (Canada)
International AIDS Society AIDS 2026 Prevention Ambassador Fellowship (Fully Funded)
Yale University Dorrit Hoffleit Summer Fellowship 2026, USA (Fully Funded)
Win a Free Trip to Switzerland: St. Gallen Symposium 2026 Essay Contest
