Apply to the UNDP African Youth Co-Creators Council
Africa remains the youngest continent globally, with over 60 percent of its population under the age of 25. Across the region, more than 226 million young people are actively shaping the futureābuilding enterprises, driving innovation, leading advocacy campaigns, and strengthening accountability systems, often ahead of institutional recognition.
In response to this growing momentum, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA), is establishing the African Youth Co-Creators Council. This newly formed continental advisory body will consist of 11 members drawn from Africaās five regions, including representation from the diaspora. Over a two-year term, selected members will collaborate closely with UNDP teams in Addis Ababa, Dakar, Nairobi, and Pretoria, while also engaging with Country Offices across 46 African countries.
The Council is designed to play a strategic role in shaping UNDPās Africa Youth Portfolio and influencing broader regional programming. Its mandate is anchored in a triple-A framework: Advise, Anticipate, and Amplify. Members will contribute to the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of UNDP initiatives, while offering forward-looking insights on emerging trends, risks, and opportunities affecting young Africans. Additionally, they will strengthen their leadership capacity and extend acquired knowledge to their communities.
Council members will participate in policy dialogues, consultations, and regional engagements with key stakeholders, including the African Union Commission and Regional Economic Communities. They will also identify and document scalable youth-led solutions and contribute to a final consolidated report outlining youth priorities and trends across Africa.
Engagement will primarily be virtual, with select in-person gatherings such as onboarding, mid-term review, and closing sessions. Participants are expected to attend at least 75 percent of all activities. While the role is voluntary, UNDP will cover reasonable costs related to travel, accommodation, meals, and digital participation.
Eligibility is open to African nationals aged 18 to 34, residing either on the continent or in the diaspora (with a maximum of two diaspora slots available). Applicants must demonstrate leadership, innovation, or community engagement in areas such as governance, climate action, digital innovation, peacebuilding, gender, mental health, or economic development sectors. Candidates should also possess strong English communication skills, show commitment to inclusive development, and be able to serve in an apolitical capacity. Prior participation in similar UN or development partner advisory councils is not permitted.
The selection process prioritizes diversity, gender balance, and inclusion, particularly for persons with disabilities and individuals from rural or underserved communities. Applications will be reviewed through a structured process involving UNDP Country Offices and RSCA, followed by interviews and final selection.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by 31 July 2026 via
Submissions are accepted in English or French. For further inquiries, applicants may contact ana.dju@undp.org.
This initiative represents a unique opportunity for young Africans to influence continental development priorities and contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of the region.
