The Young African Leaders Program 2027 is accepting applications from young changemakers across Sub-Saharan Africa, offering 10 selected participants a fully funded opportunity to develop their leadership skills, attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, and advance community impact projects.
Applications for the third edition of the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program are open until 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
Organised by AFS Youth Assembly with grant support from the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, the initiative is designed for emerging African leaders aged 18 to 35 who demonstrate leadership potential and an interest in sustainable development.
The 12-month programme combines international exposure, leadership training, mentorship and seed funding to help participants expand their impact in their communities.
What Is the Young African Leaders Program 2027?
The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program was established in 2025 to support young people who are working to create positive change across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The programme identifies 10 promising leaders and provides resources to strengthen their skills, develop their projects and build international networks.
Its first edition recognised young leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, South Africa and Ghana.
The second edition selected participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, South Africa and Namibia, attracting almost 6,000 applications.
The 2027 edition will build on this foundation by selecting another group of young African changemakers.
Who Can Apply for the Young African Leaders Program 2027?
The opportunity is open to eligible applicants from Sub-Saharan African countries, including South Africa.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Come from a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Demonstrate leadership qualities or a proven record of leadership.
- Show potential for personal and professional growth.
- Hold a valid, unexpired passport.
- Be able to attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva in August 2027.
- Have at least intermediate English proficiency.
- Demonstrate an interest in global affairs, sustainable development and youth issues.
Applicants already leading social impact projects connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are preferred.
The programme is particularly relevant to young entrepreneurs, community organisers, social innovators and youth leaders working on initiatives that address challenges in their communities.
What Does the Fully Funded Scholarship Cover?
The Young African Leaders Program 2027 offers a 12-month scholarship covering participation in the programme’s activities.
According to AFS Youth Assembly, the scholarship includes travel and accommodation for participants attending the Youth Assembly in Switzerland.
Selected participants will also receive access to several development opportunities.
Global Competence Certificate Programme
Participants will enrol in the AFS Global Competence Certificate programme, which is designed to strengthen intercultural understanding and skills relevant to community leadership.
The programme will take place virtually before the Youth Assembly.
Leadership Preparation Workshops
Selected participants will attend preparatory workshops ahead of the international conference.
These sessions are intended to help participants prepare for the Youth Assembly and make the most of the experience.
AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva
Participants will attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027.
The event brings together young leaders, changemakers and professionals from different countries to exchange ideas, develop skills and explore solutions to global challenges.
According to AFS, the annual gathering attracts approximately 700 to 900 participants from more than 100 countries.
Selected Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders will receive special recognition during the Youth Assembly’s closing ceremony.
Young African Leaders Program 2027 Includes Seed Funding
One of the programme’s key benefits is the opportunity to develop community impact projects after returning home.
Participants will take part in the Effect+ in the Community workshop in Switzerland, designed to help young leaders turn ideas into practical initiatives.
Following the international programme, each selected leader will be expected to deliver an Effect+ workshop to at least 100 young people in their local community.
Participants will also initiate their own impact projects using seed funding provided through the programme.
These projects will run for approximately six months, supported by mentorship and guidance from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network.
The programme announcement does not specify the amount of seed funding each participant will receive.
Why This Opportunity Matters for Young South Africans
For young South Africans working in entrepreneurship, community development and social innovation, the programme offers access to resources that can be difficult to secure independently.
International leadership programmes can provide opportunities to build professional networks, learn from other changemakers and strengthen existing community initiatives.
The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program goes a step further by combining international exposure with support for practical projects after participants return home.
This creates an opportunity for selected leaders to apply their learning within their own communities rather than limiting the experience to an international conference.
South Africans have been represented in both previous editions, demonstrating that eligible local applicants can compete for places in the programme.
How to Apply for the Young African Leaders Program 2027
Applications are submitted online through the official AFS Youth Assembly application form.
Programme: Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program — Third Edition
Available places: 10
Age requirement: 18–35 years
Eligible region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Programme duration: 12 months
International event: AFS Youth Assembly, Geneva, Switzerland – August 2027
Funding: Fully funded programme participation, including Youth Assembly travel and accommodation, with seed funding for impact projects
Application deadline: 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC
Official application link: APPLY HERE
AFS encourages early applications because visa processing can take several months and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The organisation also strongly discourages applicants from using artificial intelligence to write their application narratives.
Applicants should therefore prepare authentic responses that reflect their own leadership experience, community involvement and goals.
Applications Close on 19 November 2026
The Young African Leaders Program 2027 offers a valuable opportunity for emerging African leaders to strengthen their skills and expand the impact of their work.
With only 10 places available, interested applicants should review the eligibility requirements and prepare their applications ahead of the deadline.
For young South Africans working to create meaningful change in their communities, the programme provides an opportunity to connect local initiatives with an international network of leaders and changemakers.
The Young African Leaders Program 2027 is an opportunity for emerging changemakers to develop their leadership skills and expand community projects. Discover more youth development opportunities on Pat on Brands, and visit the AFS Youth Assembly website for official programme information. Eligible applicants can submit their applications here before the 19 November 2026 deadline.
