Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 (Fully-funded)

Deadline: November 19, 2026

Applications are open for the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027. With generous grant support from the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, this initiative continues its mission to empower outstanding young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa with the skills, resources, and funding needed to drive sustainable development in their communities.

With 70% of its population under 30, Africa holds immense potential to address pressing global challenges while unlocking vast opportunities. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of investing in young African leaders to accelerate meaningful change. The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program embodies this vision, providing an innovative platform to support 10 young African leaders, aged 18-35, with capacity building, seed funding and resources to further impact initiatives that promote sustainable development in their local communities.

These selected participants will be formally recognized as the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders, joining a growing community of impactful leaders committed to transforming their local communities and shaping Africa’s future.

Benefits

This is a 12-month fully funded scholarship that covers the costs of participating in all program elements. Travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly will be covered for the participants in this program.

Eligibility

Applicants should be 18-35 years old;

Have demonstrable leadership qualities or proven track record of leadership experience;

Have potential for personal and professional growth;

Must be from a Sub-Saharan African country;

Must have an unexpired passport;

Leading a social impact project related to the sustainable development goals (preferred);

Be able to attend the Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland in person, August 2027;

Proficient in English (Intermediate Level);

Demonstrable interest in global affairs, sustainable development, and youth issues.

Application

Click here to apply

For more information, visit Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program.

Applicants should be 18-35 years old; Have demonstrable leadership qualities or proven track record of leadership experience; Have potential for personal and professional growth; Must be from a Sub-Saharan African country; Must have an unexpired passport; Leading a social impact project related to the sustainable development goals (preferred); Be able to attend the Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland in person, August 2027; Proficient in English (Intermediate Level); Demonstrable interest in global affairs, sustainable development, and youth issues.

This is a 12-month fully funded scholarship that covers the costs of participating in all program elements. Travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly will be covered for the participants in this program.

Click here to apply

For more information, visit Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program.