West Africa Regional Community Organizing Institute (COI) 2026
Call for Applications: West Africa Regional Community Organizing Institute (COI) 2026
“Communities don’t transform themselves. People organize them.”
Are you ready to mobilize citizens, build movements, and lead transformative change in your community?
Applications are now open for the 2026 West Africa Regional Community Organizing Institute (COI), a premier leadership and capacity development program hosted by Yiaga Africa with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).
Apply here: https://shorturl.at/PFTOY
About the Program
The Community Organizing Institute (COI), formerly known as the Youth Organizing School, is a highly competitive regional program that brings together 30–35 mid-career practitioners from across West Africa. Participants are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to advancing democracy, good governance, and inclusive development in contexts where these values are under threat.
The program fosters collaboration between Anglophone and Francophone West Africa, strengthening regional solidarity among civic leaders and community organizers.
COI alumni (over 400 across the region) include civic activists, nonprofit leaders, campaign strategists, journalists, and reform advocates actively shaping democracy and development in their countries.
Program Dates
August 2026 (participants must attend the full duration of the program)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
• Be citizens and residents of a West African country (including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, among others)
• Be no older than 30 years by August 2026
• Be mid-career practitioners actively working in democracy, development, or rule of law
• Hold leadership or influential roles in civil society, media, political organizing, or advocacy
• Demonstrate strong professional achievements and commitment to community impact
• Have a solid command of English or French (written and spoken)
Female applicants and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Selection Criteria
• Practical experience and leadership in civic or political engagement (not academic focus)
• Demonstrated impact in advancing democracy, development, or governance
• Strong potential to scale impact through training and regional collaboration
• Commitment to applying knowledge gained to real-world community challenges
Program Curriculum
The curriculum draws from Harvard Kennedy School’s “Leadership, Organizing and Action” framework and includes:
• Community and political organizing
• Policy advocacy and reform strategies
• Non-violent movement building
• Power mapping and coalition building
• Gender mainstreaming
• Online and transnational organizing
• Negotiation and leadership development
Participants will gain practical tools to engage governments, political actors, and regional institutions effectively.
Program Costs
All participation costs—including training, accommodation, and logistics—are fully covered by Yiaga Africa.
Application Deadline
14 July 2026
Application Process
Applicants must complete an online application including:
• Personal information
• Essay responses
• English/French proficiency
• Video submission
• Letters of recommendation
• Certification
Note: Due to the high volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted.
This is a unique opportunity to join a network of influential civic leaders across West Africa and gain the skills needed to drive meaningful democratic and social change.
