Fully Funded Young African Leaders Program 2027: Geneva Trip, Leadership Training and Seed Funding

Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027: Fully Funded Opportunity for 10 Young Africans

Young changemakers across Sub-Saharan Africa have an opportunity to join the third cohort of the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program, an initiative supporting emerging leaders who are working to address social, economic and environmental challenges in their communities.

Organized by AFS Youth Assembly, with grant support from the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, the program will select 10 young Africans between the ages of 18 and 35 for a 12-month leadership and community development experience.

Selected participants will receive leadership training, international exposure, mentorship, resources and seed funding to develop initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. The program will also provide an opportunity to attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027.

Applications are open to eligible young leaders from Sub-Saharan African countries.

Opportunity Overview

About the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program

The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program was established to identify and support promising young people who are contributing to positive change across African communities.

The initiative recognizes the important role young people play in advancing sustainable development. Through leadership development, practical training and financial support, it aims to help emerging leaders strengthen their projects and expand their community impact.

The program has already supported two cohorts of young African changemakers.

The inaugural 2025 edition recognized 10 leaders representing Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, South Africa and Ghana.

The second edition, announced in 2026, selected another 10 participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, South Africa and Namibia. According to the organizers, the second edition attracted nearly 6,000 applications.

The third edition will select 10 additional participants who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to improving their communities.

Successful candidates will receive formal recognition as Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders and become part of a growing international network of young changemakers.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements

The program is intended for young people who have demonstrated leadership ability or are actively working towards positive change in their communities.

Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Age: Be between 18 and 35 years old.

2. Nationality: Be from a Sub-Saharan African country.

3. Leadership experience: Demonstrate leadership qualities or provide evidence of previous leadership experience.

4. Growth potential: Show the ability and willingness to develop personally and professionally.

5. Valid travel document: Hold an unexpired passport.

6. Community involvement: Applicants leading social impact initiatives connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are preferred.

7. International participation: Be available to attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in person in August 2027.

8. English proficiency: Have intermediate-level English communication skills.

9. Interest in global issues: Demonstrate an interest in global affairs, sustainable development and youth-related issues.

Applicants should also consider the international travel requirement before submitting their applications.

What Does the Fully Funded Program Cover?

The 12-month program combines virtual learning, international leadership activities, practical workshops and community-based projects.

Selected participants will receive support covering participation in the program's listed activities, including travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly in Switzerland.

The main benefits include:

1. AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC)

Participants will enroll in the AFS Global Competence Certificate program, which focuses on developing the intercultural knowledge and skills needed to work effectively across different communities and international settings.

The training will take place virtually before the Youth Assembly.

It is designed to strengthen participants' ability to understand cultural differences, collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds and apply global perspectives to local challenges.

2. Pre-Youth Assembly Preparation Workshops

Before travelling to Switzerland, selected leaders will participate in preparation workshops.

These sessions will help participants prepare for the international gathering, understand its activities and make the most of the learning and networking opportunities available.

3. Fully Funded Participation in the AFS Youth Assembly 2027

One of the major highlights is participation in the AFS Youth Assembly, scheduled for August 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The international gathering brings together approximately 700–900 participants annually from more than 100 countries.

It provides a platform for young people to exchange ideas, develop leadership skills, build international connections and explore solutions to global challenges.

Participants in the Sir Cyril Taylor program will receive special recognition during the Youth Assembly's closing ceremony.

Travel and accommodation for participation in the Youth Assembly will be covered under the program.

4. Effect+ in the Community Training Workshop

Participants will also attend an intensive Effect+ in the Community workshop in Switzerland in August 2027.

The workshop focuses on practical changemaking skills and developing approaches that can be adapted to different community settings.

Following the international training, each selected leader will be expected to organize and replicate the workshop for at least 100 young people in their home community.

This requirement is intended to extend the benefits of the program beyond the 10 selected participants and encourage wider youth engagement in sustainable development.

5. Seed Funding for Community Impact Projects

After returning from the AFS Youth Assembly, participants will develop and implement their own community impact initiatives using seed funding provided through the program.

These projects will be implemented over six months.

During this period, participants will receive mentorship and guidance through the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network.

The support is intended to help young leaders turn their ideas into practical initiatives addressing challenges within their communities.

Program Duration and Important Dates

The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program runs for 12 months.

Its activities include virtual leadership development, preparation workshops, international participation in Geneva and six months of implementation for individual community impact projects.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official online application form provided by AFS Youth Assembly.

Application form: https://forms.gle/VEYy2UHv22nHGDbBA

Applicants are encouraged to apply early rather than wait until the final deadline.

The organizers have specifically highlighted that applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis. They also advise applicants to consider visa processing timelines, which may take several months for international travel.

Important application guidance: AFS Youth Assembly strongly discourages the use of artificial intelligence to write application narratives. Applicants should therefore prepare their personal statements and responses themselves, ensuring that their experiences, leadership achievements and motivations are genuinely represented.

Application Deadline

The closing date for the third edition of the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program is:

November 19, 2026, at 23:59 UTC.

Late applications may not be considered. Early submission is recommended because applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Final Thoughts

The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program offers more than an opportunity to attend an international conference. It combines leadership education, global networking, practical community training and seed funding to help young Africans strengthen their contribution to sustainable development.

For applicants already leading social impact initiatives, the program provides an opportunity to develop their leadership capacity, access international mentorship and extend their work to a wider group of young people.

Eligible candidates from Sub-Saharan Africa who meet the age, leadership and travel requirements are encouraged to review the application guidelines and submit their applications before November 19, 2026.