The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has officially opened applications for the African Youth Co Creators Council 2026, a unique continental leadership opportunity designed to place young Africans at the center of policy, innovation, and sustainable development.

The initiative seeks to recruit 11 exceptional young leaders from Africa’s five geographical regions and the African diaspora to serve on a two-year advisory council that will directly influence UNDP’s youth agenda across the continent.

This is an outstanding opportunity for young innovators, community leaders, entrepreneurs, climate advocates, governance experts, peacebuilders, and changemakers who are passionate about creating lasting impact in Africa.

Applications are open until 31 July 2026.

About the UNDP African Youth Co Creators Council

Africa is the world’s youngest continent, with more than 60 percent of its population under the age of 25. Across the continent, millions of young people are already leading transformative initiatives by:

• Building successful enterprises
• Driving community campaigns
• Developing innovative technologies
• Advocating for accountability and better governance
• Creating solutions to local and continental challenges

Recognizing the importance of youth leadership, the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA) is establishing the African Youth Co Creators Council to ensure young people actively shape the design and implementation of development initiatives.

The Council will consist of 11 members, representing Africa’s five regions and the African diaspora.

Members will collaborate closely with UNDP teams located in:

• Addis Ababa
• Dakar
• Nairobi
• Pretoria

They will also engage with UNDP Country Offices operating across 46 African countries.

Purpose of the Council

The Council will contribute directly to the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the UNDP Africa Youth Portfolio and broader youth-focused initiatives undertaken by the Regional Service Centre for Africa.

Rather than being symbolic representatives, Council members will actively co-create solutions and provide strategic advice that influences UNDP programming throughout Africa.

What Council Members Will Do

The Council will operate under a Triple A Strategy, consisting of:

1. Advise

Members will:

• Guide the design of UNDP regional projects
• Contribute to flagship youth initiatives
• Provide strategic recommendations
• Support monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes
• Improve programme implementation

2. Anticipate

Council members will:

• Identify emerging opportunities for young Africans
• Analyze future trends
• Highlight risks affecting youth
• Recommend policy and programme responses
• Inform evidence-based decision making

3. Amplify

Members will:

• Strengthen their leadership capacity
• Participate in dedicated learning opportunities
• Share newly acquired skills within their communities
• Inspire and mentor other young people

Key Responsibilities

Selected members will participate in numerous activities throughout their two-year mandate, including:

• Participating in consultations and policy discussions
• Identifying youth-led innovations that deserve scaling
• Documenting successful community solutions
• Working with UNDP Country Offices
• Collaborating with UN youth structures
• Participating in regional dialogues
• Engaging with development partners
• Working alongside the African Union Commission
• Collaborating with Regional Economic Communities
• Producing a final report highlighting youth priorities and emerging trends across Africa

The final report will serve as an important resource for UNDP and development partners when designing future youth programmes.

Meeting Format

The Council will operate using a hybrid model.

Most activities will take place virtually, while several important engagements will be conducted in person, including:

• Council onboarding
• Mid-term review
• Closing ceremony

Members are expected to participate in at least 75 percent of Council activities.

Benefits of Joining the Council

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:

• Influence UNDP youth programming across Africa
• Work directly with UNDP regional teams
• Collaborate with leading development experts
• Participate in continental policy discussions
• Expand their leadership capacity
• Build professional networks across Africa
• Connect with UNDP Country Offices in 46 countries
• Engage with the African Union Commission
• Collaborate with Regional Economic Communities
• Help shape the UNDP Africa Youth Portfolio
• Gain exposure to regional development initiatives
• Strengthen advocacy and policy engagement skills

Participation in the Council is voluntary.

However, UNDP will reasonably cover:

• Travel expenses
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Digital communication costs related to Council activities

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

• Be an African national
• Be between 18 and 34 years old at the time of selection
• Be living in Africa or the African diaspora
• Demonstrate leadership, innovation, or community engagement experience
• Be committed to inclusive development and youth empowerment
• Not have previously served on a UN Youth Advisory Council, Youth Sounding Board, or similar advisory mechanism established by another development partner
• Be available for regular virtual meetings and periodic in-person engagements
• Possess strong written and spoken English
• Serve in a personal and apolitical capacity

Applications may be submitted by individuals or by members of youth organizations.

However, successful applicants will serve in their personal capacity and will not officially represent their organizations.

Areas of Experience Sought

UNDP welcomes applicants with experience in one or more of the following fields:

• Systems thinking
• Communication
• Governance
• Political transitions
• Peacebuilding
• Climate action
• Mental health
• Gender
• Green economy
• Blue economy
• Orange economy
• Poverty reduction
• Digital innovation

Diversity and Inclusion

UNDP is committed to creating a diverse Council.

Selection will prioritize:

• Gender balance
• Regional representation
• Persons with disabilities
• Young people from rural and remote communities
• Linguistic diversity

Selection Process

Applications will undergo several stages.

Stage 1

UNDP Country Offices across Africa will compile a longlist of eligible candidates.

Stage 2

The Regional Service Centre for Africa will prepare a shortlist that reflects regional diversity and inclusion.

Stage 3

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by a panel consisting of representatives from:

• Regional Service Centre for Africa
• UNDP Country Offices
• Development partners

Candidates will be assessed using a scoring matrix.

Stage 4

Top-ranked candidates will receive formal notification of selection.

Application Deadline

31 July 2026

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the official online application form before 31 July 2026.

APPLY HERE

Applications may be submitted in either:

• English
• French

For additional information or clarification, applicants may contact:

Ana Dju

Email: ana.dju@undp.org

Final Thoughts

The UNDP African Youth Co Creators Council offers an exceptional opportunity for young African leaders to influence regional development policies, contribute to innovative youth-centered solutions, and collaborate with one of the world’s leading development organizations.

By joining the Council, members will not only strengthen their own leadership journey but also help shape the future of youth engagement and sustainable development across Africa.

If you are passionate about creating lasting impact, advancing youth empowerment, and contributing to Africa’s development agenda, this is an opportunity worth pursuing.

For more information about this opportunity, visit here.

Discover more Global Youth Opportunities on OFY here.