Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity for Young Africans in Public Health

Application Deadline: September 23, 2026

Applications are now open for the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026, a pan-African opportunity bringing young people together to influence the future of public health across the continent.

Held ahead of the 5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2026), the Youth Pre-Conference will connect emerging health professionals, researchers, students, innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates and community leaders with peers and public health leaders from across Africa.

For young Africans working to improve health systems, develop innovative solutions or strengthen community health, this is more than a conference. It is an opportunity to contribute ideas to conversations shaping Africa’s health priorities.

Selected delegates will receive sponsorship covering international or regional flight tickets, accommodation, meals and CPHIA registration, making the opportunity particularly valuable for young professionals who may otherwise face financial barriers to attending major international health events.

About the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference

The Youth Pre-Conference is designed as a working platform where young Africans can exchange knowledge, showcase their work and develop recommendations that can contribute to the wider CPHIA 2026 discussions.

The 2026 edition focuses on Africa’s health security and sovereignty, with an emphasis on building stronger, more resilient and locally driven health systems.

Participants will explore five key tracks:

• Digital Health, Research and Innovation
• Building Africa’s Public Health Workforce
• One Health, Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Local Manufacturing and Health Sovereignty
• Youth Leadership on Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV

The Youth Pre-Conference will take place on 21–22 November 2026, followed by CPHIA 2026 from 23–27 November 2026.

Benefits of the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference

Selected participants can expect to:

• Receive fully funded sponsorship, including flights, accommodation, meals and CPHIA registration.
• Connect with young professionals from African Union Member States.
• Engage with policymakers, researchers, health practitioners and innovators.
• Showcase research, projects, ideas or community initiatives.
• Contribute to youth priorities and recommendations for CPHIA 2026.
• Participate in workshops, dialogues and interactive sessions.
• Expand their professional network across Africa.
• Gain valuable exposure to continental public health discussions.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is open to young Africans who meet the following requirements:

• Be 18–35 years old at the time of application.
• Be a citizen of an African Union Member State.
• Be enrolled in at least an undergraduate programme or have relevant educational, professional or community experience.
• Have an interest or experience in public health or related areas such as medicine, nursing, research, technology, health policy, development, communications, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, social sciences or community health.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to improving health through research, advocacy, innovation, community engagement or professional work.
• Be available to participate fully in both the Youth Pre-Conference and CPHIA 2026.
• Be willing to contribute to peer learning and cultural exchange.

How to Apply and Important Dates

Applicants must complete the online application form and submit the required supporting documents. Applications can be submitted in English or French.

Required documents include:

• Completed online application form
• CV of no more than two pages
• Passport biodata page
• Any additional information requested in the application form

Application deadline: 13 September 2026 at 17:00 EAT

Key dates

• Applications open: 31 August 2026
• Deadline: 13 September 2026, 17:00 EAT
• Selected applicants contacted: 2 October 2026
• Attendance confirmation: 9 October 2026
• Youth Pre-Conference: 21–22 November 2026
• CPHIA 2026: 23–27 November 2026

How to Strengthen Your Application

A strong application should demonstrate evidence, not just interest. Clearly explain what you have done, who benefited and what you learned.

If you have conducted research, led a youth initiative, supported a community health project, developed a digital health solution or participated in advocacy, highlight your specific contribution and results.

Also, connect your experience to one of the five conference tracks. Your application will be more compelling when you show how your background and ideas can contribute to Africa’s health security and sovereignty.

Keep your CV focused and within the two-page limit. Before submitting, check that your documents are complete, your responses directly address the questions and your passport details are clearly readable.

Internal link suggestion: Explore similar opportunities on OpportunityPool.org.

Conclusion

The Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026 offers young Africans a rare opportunity to learn, build continental connections and contribute to conversations shaping Africa’s public health future—with selected participants receiving full sponsorship.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, do not wait until the final day. Prepare your CV and supporting documents, develop thoughtful application responses and submit before the 13 September 2026 deadline.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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