2026 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program

✓ 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.
✓ Building on the success of the inaugural edition, which celebrated 10 inspiring leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, South Africa, and Ghana, the second edition invites a new cohort to carry forward this legacy of impact.

✓ 18-35 years old
✓ Have demonstrable leadership qualities or proven track record of leadership experience
✓ Have potential for personal and professional growth
✓ 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 12-14, 2026
✓ Proficient in English (Intermediate Level)
✓ Interest in global affairs, sustainable development, and youth issues

✓ Be ready to Learn

✓ Enrollment in the AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC) Program
To build intercultural competencies essential for community impact. This will take place virtually before the Youth Assembly.

✓ Participation in pre-Youth Assembly preparation workshops
To help support their Youth Assembly experience before attending the conference.

✓ Participation in the AFS Youth Assembly in Switzerland, August 12-14, 2026
The AFS Youth Assembly is a global platform that cultivates an international network of young leaders and changemakers through exchange, education, action and impact. Annually attracting 700-900 participants from over 100 countries, including 40% from Sub-Saharan Africa, it empowers young leaders to connect with like-minded peers, trailblazers, and influencers while developing critical skills and global competence. Leaders receive special recognition at the Closing Ceremony of the Youth Assembly.

✓ Participation in the “Effect+ in the Community”intensive workshop in Switzerland, August 2026
To build changemaking skills and a scalable training framework. Access to resources, tools, and experiences designed to visions into actionable change. Local Community Impact: Upon returning home, the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders will replicate the “Effect+ in the Community” workshop for at least 100 young people in their local communities. The expectation is that these workshops will scale the impact of program beneficiaries and foster a ripple effect of sustainable development.

✓ Impact Projects
After returning from the AFS Youth Assembly, leaders will initiate their own impact projects utilizing seed funding provided. They will work on their projects for a period of 6 months with mentorship and support from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network.

✓ NOTE: We encourage early applications, as visa processing times can take several months. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first served basis.