About the opportunity
The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program, supported by the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, offers an innovative 12-month platform for 10 exceptional young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa aged 18 to 35. The program provides leadership development, intercultural competence training, international networking, and seed funding to drive sustainable development in local communities. Selected leaders participate in virtual training, attend the AFS Youth Assembly and the Effect+ in the Community intensive workshop in Geneva, Switzerland in August 2027, and subsequently implement local impact projects and workshops over a six-month period with mentorship and support.
Funding and benefits
- Fully funded 12-month scholarship covering all program elements, including travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland
- Enrollment in the virtual AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC) Program
- Participation in pre-Youth Assembly preparation workshops
- Attendance at the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland in August 2027
- Participation in the Effect+ in the Community intensive workshop in Switzerland in August 2027
- Seed funding to initiate personal impact projects upon returning home
- Six months of mentorship and support from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network
Who can apply?
- Aged 18-35 years old
- Demonstrable leadership qualities or proven track record of leadership experience
- Potential for personal and professional growth
- Must be a national or resident from a Sub-Saharan African country
- Must hold an unexpired passport
- Leading a social impact project related to the Sustainable Development Goals (preferred)
- Able to attend the Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland in person in August 2027
- Proficient in English at an intermediate level
- Demonstrable interest in global affairs, sustainable development, and youth issues
Required documents
- Unexpired passport
When to apply
- Applications opened on October 16, 2026
- Application deadline is November 19, 2026, at 23:59 UTC
- Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and early application is encouraged due to visa processing times
How to apply
- Prepare application materials without using AI to write narratives
- Submit the online application via the official application form link before the deadline
Additional information
- The use of AI to write narrative sections is highly discouraged by the organizers.
- Selected leaders must replicate the Effect+ in the Community workshop for at least 100 young people in their local communities upon returning home.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- You are a young changemaker between 18 and 35 from Sub-Saharan Africa actively leading a sustainable development or social impact project.
- You want comprehensive international exposure, intercultural training, and seed funding to scale your community impact.
- You are available to travel to Switzerland in August 2027 and commit to a 12-month program involving virtual learning and local project implementation.
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must possess or be able to secure an unexpired passport and timely visa to travel to Switzerland.
- The program requires a significant post-assembly commitment, including replicating local workshops for at least 100 people and executing an impact project over six months.
- High application volume means competition is intense, and early application is recommended.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This program offers an exceptional platform for emerging African leaders seeking structured mentorship, global networking, and practical resources to elevate their community initiatives. It suits leaders looking to bridge grassroots action with international leadership training.
Our take
Eligible young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa with a demonstrated track record of leadership and a clear commitment to sustainable development should apply early before the November 2026 deadline. Those unable to travel internationally or commit to the post-assembly local project requirements will find the program less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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