Apply to the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program.
AFS Youth Assembly is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the second edition of the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program.
With the generous support of the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, this program continues its mission to empower outstanding young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa with the skills, resources, and seed funding needed to advance sustainable development in their local communities.
Africa is home to one of the youngest populations in the world, with more than 70 percent under the age of 30. This demographic strength presents a powerful opportunity to address global challenges and unlock long-term development potential. The United Nations continues to emphasize the importance of investing in young African leaders to drive meaningful and lasting change. The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program reflects this vision by supporting ten exceptional young leaders between the ages of 18 and 35 who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
Selected participants will be formally recognized as Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders and will join a growing network of changemakers dedicated to transforming their communities and shaping the future of Africa.
Building on the success of the inaugural edition, which recognized ten inspiring leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, South Africa, and Ghana, the second edition welcomes a new cohort to continue this legacy of impact.
Applications are now open.
Application Deadline
February 20, 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and demonstrate leadership qualities or a proven record of leadership experience. Candidates should show strong potential for personal and professional growth and preferably be leading a social impact initiative aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Applicants must be able to attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland from August 12 to 14, 2026, be proficient in English at an intermediate level, and demonstrate interest in global affairs, sustainable development, and youth issues.
Program Benefits
Participants will be enrolled in the AFS Global Competence Certificate Program, delivered virtually prior to the Youth Assembly, to build essential intercultural competencies for community impact. They will also take part in preparatory workshops designed to enhance their Youth Assembly experience.
Participants will attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Switzerland from August 12 to 14, 2026. The Assembly is a global platform that brings together 700 to 900 young leaders from over 100 countries each year, including strong representation from Sub-Saharan Africa. The experience fosters global learning, collaboration, and leadership development, with special recognition awarded to leaders during the closing ceremony.
In addition, participants will engage in the Effect Plus in the Community intensive workshop in Switzerland in August 2026. This training focuses on changemaking skills and scalable impact frameworks. Upon returning home, each leader is expected to replicate the workshop for at least 100 young people in their local community, creating a multiplier effect for sustainable development.
Impact Projects
Following the Youth Assembly, selected leaders will implement their own community impact projects using seed funding provided through the program. Each participant will receive mentorship and support from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network over a six-month implementation period.
Application Link
https://www.youthassembly.org/2025/12/24/2026-ctcf-young-african-leaders/
Deadline: February 20, 2026
