Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027: Fully Funded

Application Deadline: November 19, 2026

Applications are open for the third edition of the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program, run by the AFS Youth Assembly with grant support from the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation. The deadline is November 19, 2026 at 23:59 UTC, only 11 days away.

The program supports 10 young leaders aged 18 to 35 from Sub-Saharan Africa who are working to drive sustainable development in their communities. It is a 12-month, fully funded scholarship that covers every program element, including travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027. Selected leaders also receive seed funding for a community project.

Applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis, so don’t wait until the last week.

About the Program

The program started in 2025. The first edition selected 10 leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, South Africa and Ghana. The second chose 10 leaders from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, South Africa and Namibia, and it received almost 6,000 applications.

The idea is simple. About 70% of Africa’s population is under 30, and the program invests in young leaders who are already acting on their communities’ problems. Selected participants are recognised as Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders and join a growing community of alumni.

What the 12 Months Include

AFS Global Competence Certificate: Online learning on intercultural skills, before the Assembly.
Preparation workshops: Sessions to help you get the most from the event.
AFS Youth Assembly, Geneva, August 2027: A global gathering of 700 to 900 participants from over 100 countries. Leaders receive special recognition at the closing ceremony.
“Effect+ in the Community” workshop, Geneva: An intensive session on changemaking skills and a training framework you can scale.
Impact project: After you return, you use seed funding to start or strengthen a project, with six months of mentorship from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network.

Benefits

Fully funded 12-month scholarship covering all program elements
Travel and accommodation for the Youth Assembly in Geneva
Seed funding for your community project (the page doesn’t state the amount)
Mentorship from the Impact Network
Leadership and project skills through workshops and the certificate program
A global network of young leaders and changemakers
Public recognition as a Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leader

Eligibility Requirements

You must:

Be 18 to 35 years old
Be from a Sub-Saharan African country
Have an unexpired passport
Show leadership qualities or a proven leadership record
Show potential for personal and professional growth
Have intermediate English
Show interest in global affairs, sustainable development and youth issues
Be able to attend the Youth Assembly in Geneva in person in August 2027

You are preferred if you already lead a social impact project linked to the Sustainable Development Goals.

What Fellows Give Back

After the Assembly, you will:

Launch or strengthen your project using the seed funding
Work on it for six months with mentorship
Run the Effect+ workshop for at least 100 young people in your community

How to Apply and Key Dates

Key dates:

October 16, 2026: Call announced
November 19, 2026, 23:59 UTC: Application deadline
August 2027: AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva

AFS notes that visa processing can take several months. It also says using AI to write your narrative answers is highly discouraged, so write in your own voice.

Tips for a Strong Application

Apply early. Review is first come, first served.
Use real examples. Describe projects you led, who you helped and what changed.
Include numbers. Mention people reached and activities delivered.
Name your SDGs. Say which goals your work supports and why.
Explain your seed funding plan. Show how you’d use it and keep the project going afterwards.
Show community involvement. Explain how young people and local groups take part.
Write your own answers. Specific, honest stories beat generic statements.
Check your passport and visa timeline. The visa step can be slow.

Final Thoughts

Ten places is a small number, but the program rewards people who are already doing the work. If you’re a young African changemaker with a project and a story, apply now.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE