2027 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program – Fully Funded Fellowship for Young Africans

# 2027 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program Applications are now open for the **2027 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program**, a fully funded 12-month fellowship supporting young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa. Organised by the **AFS Youth Assembly**, with grant support from the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, the programme will select **10 outstanding young African leaders aged 18-35** who are committed to advancing sustainable development in their communities. Selected participants will receive leadership training, seed funding for community impact projects, mentorship and fully funded participation in the **AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027**. ## Fellowship Summary - **Programme:** Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 - **Organiser:** AFS Youth Assembly - **Funding Partner:** Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation - **Eligible Countries:** Sub-Saharan African countries - **Eligible Age:** 18-35 years - **Number of Participants:** 10 - **Programme Duration:** 12 months - **Funding:** Fully Funded - **Travel and Accommodation:** Covered for the AFS Youth Assembly - **Location:** Virtual activities, Geneva (Switzerland) and local community projects - **Youth Assembly Dates:** August 2027 - **English Requirement:** Intermediate proficiency - **Application Deadline:** 19 November 2026 - **Closing Time:** 23:59 UTC ## About the Programme AFS Youth Assembly is proud to open applications for the third edition of the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program. With generous grant support from the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, this initiative continues its mission to empower outstanding young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa with the skills, resources, and funding needed to drive sustainable development in their communities. With 70% of its population under 30, Africa holds immense potential to address pressing global challenges while unlocking vast opportunities. The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program provides 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. Selected participants will be formally recognised as **Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders**, joining a growing community of leaders committed to transforming their communities and shaping Africa’s future. ### Previous Editions The programme started in 2025. The first edition celebrated 10 leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, South Africa and Ghana. The second edition selected 10 leaders from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, South Africa and Namibia. It received almost 6,000 applications. The third edition invites a new cohort to carry forward this legacy of impact. ## Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet the following criteria: - 18-35 years old. - Have demonstrable leadership qualities or proven track record of leadership experience. - Have potential for personal and professional growth. - Must be from a Sub-Saharan African country. - Must have an unexpired passport. - 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 2027. - Proficient in English (Intermediate Level). - Demonstrable interest in global affairs, sustainable development, and youth issues. **Important:** Leading an SDG-related social impact project is preferred, rather than stated as a mandatory eligibility requirement. ## Programme Benefits **This is a 12-month fully funded scholarship that covers the costs of participating in all programme elements listed below. Travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly will be covered for participants.** ### 1. AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC) Programme 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. ### 2. Pre-Youth Assembly Preparation Workshops Participation in pre-Youth Assembly Preparation Workshops to help support participants’ Youth Assembly experience before attending the conference. ### 3. Fully Funded Participation in the AFS Youth Assembly - Switzerland Selected participants will attend the **AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027**. The AFS Youth Assembly is a global platform that cultivates an international network of young leaders and changemakers through exchange, education, action and impact. The Assembly annually attracts 700-900 participants from more than 100 countries, including approximately 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. Selected Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders will receive special recognition at the Youth Assembly Closing Ceremony. ### 4. Effect+ in the Community Workshop Participants will attend the **Effect+ in the Community intensive workshop in Switzerland in August 2027**. The workshop focuses on building changemaking skills and a scalable training framework. Upon returning home, the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders will replicate the workshop for **at least 100 young people in their local communities**. These activities are expected to expand the impact of programme beneficiaries and foster a ripple effect of sustainable development. ### 5. Seed Funding for Community Impact Projects After returning from the AFS Youth Assembly, selected leaders will initiate their own impact projects using seed funding provided through the programme. Participants will work on their projects for **six months**, receiving mentorship and support from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network. The programme announcement does not specify the individual seed funding amount. ## Who Should Apply? The programme is intended for young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa who demonstrate leadership experience or potential and a commitment to sustainable development. Applicants with existing community initiatives related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are particularly encouraged to apply. Candidates must also be available to travel to Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027. ## How to Apply Interested and eligible applicants should complete the official online application form. - **Apply Online: APPLY HERE** - **Official Programme Announcement: VIEW FULL CALL** - Application Deadline: **19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC** Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. ### Important Application Notes The organisers encourage early applications because visa processing times can take several months. **The use of AI to write application narratives is highly discouraged.** Applicants should therefore prepare their application narratives independently, reflecting their genuine leadership experiences, community impact and personal motivations.