The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program will choose 10 young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa for a fully funded 12-month programme that ends with a trip to Switzerland in August 2027. Nigerians aged 18 to 35 can apply, and the deadline is 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC, according to the AFS Youth Assembly, which runs the programme.
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early helps. Visas for Switzerland can also take months.
Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Organiser | AFS Youth Assembly |
| Funder | Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation |
| Places | 10 |
| Who can apply | Citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries, aged 18 to 35 |
| Length | 12 months, third edition of the programme |
| In-person part | AFS Youth Assembly and a workshop in Geneva, Switzerland, August 2027 |
| Cost to you | Fully funded, including travel and accommodation for the Youth Assembly |
| Deadline | 19 November 2026, 23:59 UTC |
What the 12 months involve
The programme is more than a conference trip. Selected leaders go through six stages:
- Global Competence Certificate. A virtual AFS course you complete before travelling.
- Preparation workshops ahead of the Youth Assembly.
- The AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva in August 2027.
- "Effect+ in the Community" workshop, an intensive training in Switzerland during the same trip.
- A workshop you run at home for at least 100 young people, based on what you learned.
- A six-month impact project, backed by seed funding and mentoring from the Youth Assembly's Impact Network.
That fifth step is the real commitment. Plan where and how you would reach 100 young people before you apply, because a concrete plan shows you can deliver.
Who should apply
You must:
- be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country and aged 18 to 35;
- have a valid, unexpired passport;
- show leadership experience or a track record of leading others;
- have at least intermediate English;
- be able to attend the Youth Assembly in Geneva in person in August 2027; and
- care about global affairs, sustainable development and youth issues.
Leading a social impact project linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals is preferred. Past cohorts included young leaders from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Mali, South Africa, Malawi and Namibia.
How to apply
- Read the full call on the Youth Assembly website.
- Check that your passport is valid well beyond August 2027. If it is not, start your renewal now.
- Click "Apply now" on the page and complete the online form.
- Submit before 19 November 2026. Earlier is better, since review is first come, first served.
The organisers strongly discourage using AI to write your answers. They want to hear about your work in your own words, so describe what you did, who it helped and what you learned.
Your timeline from now to Geneva
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Now | Check your passport's expiry date and start a renewal if needed |
| Before 19 November 2026 | Submit the online application (earlier is better) |
| After selection | Begin the virtual Global Competence Certificate and preparation workshops |
| As soon as you are selected | Apply for your Swiss visa, which can take several months |
| August 2027 | Attend the Youth Assembly and the Effect+ workshop in Geneva |
| After August 2027 | Run your workshop for at least 100 young people at home |
| Following six months | Deliver your seed-funded impact project with mentoring |
Is it right for you?
This programme suits someone already doing community work who wants training, a global network and a small amount of funding to grow it. It is not a degree or a job, and it asks for real time over a full year. If you cannot commit to running a workshop and a six-month project after the trip, a short conference or a scholarship may suit you better.
How to stand out
With only 10 places, focus on proof:
- Name your project. Say what it does, where, and how many people it has reached.
- Show a plan for your 100-person workshop. A school, a community group or a church youth fellowship you already work with makes your plan believable.
- Link it to one SDG. Pick the goal your work fits best and explain the link in a sentence or two.
Interested in other funded programmes for young Africans? See the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowships and the CMU-Africa Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
Frequently asked questions
Can Nigerians apply?
Yes. The programme is open to citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries, and Nigerians have taken part in past cohorts.
Is it fully funded?
Yes. The organisers say it covers all programme elements, including travel and accommodation for the Youth Assembly.
What is the age limit?
You must be between 18 and 35.
How are applications reviewed?
On a first-come, first-served basis, so an early, complete application has an advantage.
Do I need to travel?
Yes. You must attend the Youth Assembly in Geneva in person in August 2027, so you need a valid passport and a Swiss visa.
When is the deadline?
19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
Last checked against the AFS Youth Assembly's official call on 28 October 2026.
