1. INTRODUCTION
The African Union Commission (AUC), Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), through the African Governance Architecture – African Peace and Security Architecture (AGA-APSA) Secretariat, is planning to convene the African Union Continental Capacity Building Training Programme for Citizens on Democratic Governance, Elections, and Pan-African Leadership.
The training programme is organized in line with Agenda 2063, Aspiration 6, which underscores that Africa’s development must be people-driven and anchored in the potential of its youth.
It also responds to the direction from H.E. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for PAPS, on identifying Youth Inclusion and Mainstreaming as the 2026 PAPS thematic priority. Further guided by the AGA-APSA Citizens’ Engagement Strategy (CES), this direction seeks to ensure systematic mainstreaming of youth in democratic governance processes.
The programme seeks to enhance meaningful youth participation in political and electoral processes while equipping participants with advanced leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement skills. Particular emphasis will be placed on African Union Shared Values instruments, notably the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) among others, as the central normative framework for promoting democratic governance in Africa.
The training is tentatively scheduled to take place in April 2026 (subject to change*) at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Interested and eligible youth are invited to submit applications via this application form.
2. ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION CRITERIA
In its commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and geographical balance, the African Union will select youth participants from AU Member States who have demonstrated leadership in the areas of democratic governance, elections, youth participation, peace, and security.
Applicants will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Youth affiliated with youth-led or youth-focused organizations implementing initiatives related to youth participation, democratic governance, leadership, peace and security, or electoral processes, including prominent youth activists and leaders;
- Youth representatives from national institutions, agencies, or civil society organizations working on democracy, governance, human rights, youth participation, leadership, or related fields;
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age at the time of application;
- Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to participate fully in the entire duration of the training programme;
- Applicants must commit to replicating or cascading the training within their communities or organizations upon completion;
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
3. SELECTION PROCESS
Participants will be selected based on:
- The quality and clarity of their motivation;
- Demonstrated experience or contribution to youth participation and democratic governance;
- The potential impact and feasibility of replicating the training at the community, national, or regional levels.
The African Union Commission will ensure gender balance, regional representation, age diversity, and inclusivity in the final selection of participants.
4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Travel, visa, accommodation, and participation costs for selected participants will be fully covered by the African Union Commission.
- No application or participation fee is required.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- All applications must be made via the form provided above. If you are encountering any issues, kindly send an email to AGA-APSA@africanunion.org
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SATURDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2026, AT 11:55 PM ADDIS ABABA TIME (GMT+3)
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