Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) 2026 by WUSC: Apply to Shape Opportunities for Young Women in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, and Ethiopia

Application Deadline: May 12, 2026

Young women across Africa continue to lead innovation, create businesses, and build stronger communities despite many barriers. Now, a new opportunity is giving young women the chance to influence a major international development program focused on entrepreneurship, inclusion, and economic empowerment.

Applications are now open for the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) under the Pathways to Scale (P2S) Project, a five-year initiative supported by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) in partnership with Seedstars.

This opportunity is especially important for young women in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, and Ethiopia who want to ensure that programs designed for youth actually reflect real needs on the ground. Instead of being passive beneficiaries, selected participants will become active decision-makers and advisors.

If you are passionate about women’s entrepreneurship, rural development, leadership, and inclusive growth, this could be a powerful platform to make your voice heard.

About the Pathways to Scale (P2S) Project

The Pathways to Scale (P2S) project is a women-focused initiative designed to strengthen women-owned and women-led businesses in four African countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Rwanda.

Its goal is ambitious and impactful: to unlock 93,000 work opportunities for young women, with special attention to those living in rural communities.

Across Africa, many young women entrepreneurs face limited access to finance, business training, mentorship, networks, and markets. Programs like P2S help bridge those gaps by providing:

• Gender-responsive business support
• Entrepreneurial training
• Access to finance opportunities
• Capacity building for growth-stage enterprises
• Support systems that help women scale their businesses

This matters because when women succeed economically, communities benefit through improved household income, education outcomes, job creation, and local economic resilience.

What Is the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)?

The Youth Advisory Committee is being established to ensure that the experiences, priorities, and voices of young women directly shape how the P2S project is implemented.

Too often, development programs are created without enough input from the people they are meant to serve. This committee changes that by bringing young women into the room where decisions are made.

Selected members will provide strategic guidance, feedback, and lived experiences to help the project remain relevant, inclusive, and effective.

This is not just a volunteer title—it is a leadership opportunity with real influence.

What Selected Participants Will Receive

Although the role is voluntary, selected YAC members will receive meaningful benefits, including:

• Modest honorarium for participation
• Data stipend for virtual meetings
• Opportunity to shape a major multi-country program
• Access to regional and international development networks
• Professional development opportunities (where available)
• Leadership and advocacy experience
• Exposure to entrepreneurship ecosystems across Africa
• Travel and accommodation covered for approved in-person meetings

For many young professionals, advisory committee experience can also strengthen future fellowship, scholarship, and leadership applications.

Key Responsibilities of YAC Members

Selected participants will contribute in several practical ways, including:

• Provide feedback on program design and implementation
• Recommend solutions to barriers affecting rural women entrepreneurs
• Ensure youth and gender perspectives remain central
• Review communication materials for accessibility and relevance
• Participate in youth events and engagement sessions
• Share information within communities and networks
• Support learning, evaluation, and inclusive outreach efforts

This makes the role ideal for applicants who care about policy influence, community impact, and practical development work.

Who Should Apply?

WUSC is seeking 7 to 9 young women leaders aged 18 to 35 from:

• Nigeria
• Ghana
• Rwanda
• Ethiopia

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Be a young woman aged 18–35
• Have experience running a business individually or within a group
• Be an owner, co-owner, or key decision-maker in an enterprise
• Preferably have business experience in a rural setting
• Demonstrate commitment to women’s economic empowerment
• Have interest in entrepreneurship and youth development
• Be able to represent peers effectively
• Have strong communication and collaboration skills

Strongly Encouraged to Apply

Priority will be given to diversity and inclusion. Applications are especially encouraged from:

• Young rural women
• Women with disabilities
• Refugees
• Internally displaced young women
• Women from underserved socio-economic backgrounds

This inclusive approach is one reason the opportunity stands out.

Time Commitment and Duration

Before applying, it helps to understand the commitment required.

• Duration: 2 years (renewable based on need)
• Monthly Time Commitment: 3–4 hours
• Meetings: At least 4 virtual meetings annually
• Additional events or review sessions may occur
• 1–2 in-person meetings may be organized where feasible

This makes the role manageable for students, entrepreneurs, and young professionals.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the official application form and submit their application before May 12, 2026.

Applicants should prepare to clearly explain:

• Their entrepreneurial experience
• Why women’s empowerment matters to them
• Their leadership background
• How they can represent young women in their communities
• Ideas for improving opportunities for rural women entrepreneurs

For updates on similar opportunities, check out more leadership and youth programs on OpportunityPool.org.

Why You Should Apply (Editorial Insight)

Many young people wait for opportunities to arrive in the form of grants or jobs. But some of the most powerful opportunities come through influence, visibility, and leadership.

Serving on an advisory committee can help you:

• Build credibility
• Expand your professional network
• Learn how international programs operate
• Gain governance experience
• Position yourself for fellowships and future leadership roles

If you are based in Nigeria or another eligible country, this could become a stepping stone into larger regional and global opportunities.

Even if you are not selected, the application process itself can help clarify your leadership story and mission.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances:

1. Be Specific

Don’t simply say you support women’s empowerment. Explain how you’ve supported women or youth in real life.

2. Show Community Connection

Demonstrate that you understand local challenges, especially in rural communities.

3. Highlight Leadership

Mention times you solved problems, led projects, mentored others, or organized initiatives.

4. Be Honest and Practical

Use authentic examples rather than exaggerated claims.

5. Apply Early

Avoid last-minute submissions

Conclusion

The Youth Advisory Committee 2026 is more than a volunteer role—it is a chance for young African women to help shape a major entrepreneurship and empowerment initiative.

If you are passionate about business, leadership, inclusion, and creating opportunities for others, this is the kind of platform that can open doors while creating real impact.

Apply before the deadline and take your seat at the table.

For more information and to apply,  CLICK HERE

Be one of the first to see new opportunities, Follow Us on social media: Facebook, Whatsapp Channel, LinkedIn