2027 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program: Fully Funded Fellowship for Young African Changemakers

Application Deadline: 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC

Are you a young African leader working to solve community challenges, promote sustainable development, or create meaningful social change? Do you lead a community initiative that addresses issues such as education, poverty, gender equality, environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, or other development priorities? The 2027 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program offers an exciting opportunity for young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen their leadership skills, access project seed funding, participate in international leadership development activities, and connect with a global community of changemakers.

Applications are now open for the third edition of the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program, a fully funded, 12-month fellowship supported by the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation and implemented through the AFS Youth Assembly. The programme is designed to support emerging African leaders who are committed to advancing sustainable development in their local communities.

The fellowship combines leadership training, intercultural learning, international networking, mentorship, and financial support for community impact projects. Selected participants will have the opportunity to attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027, participate in intensive leadership workshops, and receive seed funding to develop or expand their local initiatives.

Importantly, the programme focuses not only on individual leadership development but also on the impact participants can create after returning to their communities. Selected leaders are expected to use their training, experience, and resources to support practical community development and share what they learn with other young people.

For young leaders who already have a vision for addressing a community challenge and want to strengthen their ability to turn that vision into measurable action, this fellowship may be an opportunity worth exploring.

Overview of the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027

The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program is a leadership development initiative that supports young people from Sub-Saharan Africa who demonstrate leadership experience or potential and an interest in sustainable development.

The programme is supported by the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation and implemented through the AFS Youth Assembly. It aims to equip selected young leaders with the knowledge, skills, resources, and funding needed to strengthen social impact initiatives in their communities.

The 2027 edition is the third round of the programme. It continues an initiative that recognises the importance of investing in young people who are taking action to address local challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

According to the programme announcement, the fellowship will support 10 young African leaders aged 18 to 35. The selected participants will receive capacity-building opportunities, seed funding for impact projects, and resources to help advance initiatives that promote sustainable development in their communities.

Key Fellowship Details

• Programme name: Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027
• Programme edition: Third edition
• Implementing organisation: AFS Youth Assembly
• Supporting foundation: Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation
• Opportunity type: Fully funded leadership fellowship
• Duration: 12 months
• Number of selected leaders: 10, according to the programme announcement
• Eligible region: Sub-Saharan Africa
• Age requirement: 18–35 years
• Main focus: Leadership development, community impact, and sustainable development
• International event: AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland
• International event period: August 2027
• Funding support: Programme participation, travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly, and seed funding for community impact projects
• Training opportunities: AFS Global Competence Certificate, preparation workshops, and intensive leadership development activities
• Mentorship: Support through the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network for the implementation of impact projects
• Application deadline: 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC
• Application review: First-come, first-served, according to the announcement

Applicants should read the official programme announcement carefully to understand the complete requirements, funding arrangements, participation expectations, and application procedure.

About the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program

The programme is built around the idea that young people can play a significant role in addressing development challenges when they have access to relevant skills, practical resources, funding, mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate with others.

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, young people are involved in initiatives that respond to challenges affecting their communities. These may include improving access to education, supporting vulnerable populations, advancing gender equality, strengthening environmental protection, promoting public health, encouraging entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities for young people to participate in community development.

However, having a good idea or a strong commitment to social change does not automatically provide a young leader with the resources needed to expand an initiative. Community projects may require funding, stronger planning skills, access to mentors, professional networks, and opportunities to learn from people working on similar challenges.

The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program seeks to address some of these needs by bringing together leadership development, intercultural learning, international engagement, and community-based project implementation.

Rather than focusing exclusively on classroom learning, the programme connects leadership development to practical action. Selected leaders participate in training and international activities, then apply their learning to impact projects in their home communities.

This approach recognises that effective leadership involves more than personal ambition. It also requires the ability to understand community needs, work with others, develop practical solutions, and sustain progress beyond an individual training experience.

A Programme Focused on Sustainable Development

An important feature of the fellowship is its connection to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Sustainable Development Goals, commonly known as the SDGs, provide a shared framework for addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. They include priorities such as ending poverty, improving health and education, advancing gender equality, expanding access to clean water, promoting decent work, reducing inequalities, and strengthening climate action.

The programme encourages young leaders to advance initiatives connected to sustainable development in their local communities.

This means applicants should think carefully about the problem their project addresses, the people who benefit from it, and how their work contributes to a broader development objective.

For example, a community initiative that helps vulnerable learners remain in school may contribute to quality education and reduced inequalities. A project supporting women’s economic participation may relate to gender equality and decent work. An initiative promoting environmental conservation may contribute to climate action or responsible resource management.

These are illustrative examples rather than an official list of preferred projects. Applicants should explain the actual purpose and expected outcomes of their own initiatives and identify the SDGs that genuinely relate to their work.

The strongest application will need to communicate a clear connection between the applicant’s leadership experience, the community problem being addressed, and the potential impact of the proposed initiative.

What Does the Fully Funded Fellowship Offer?

The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program combines several forms of support intended to help selected leaders strengthen their skills and advance their community projects.

The programme announcement highlights funding for participation in programme activities, travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, seed funding for community impact projects, leadership development, and opportunities to connect with a global network.

The following sections explain the principal benefits.

1. Fully Funded Participation in the 12-Month Programme

The fellowship is presented as a fully funded, 12-month programme.

This is significant for young leaders who want to participate in international leadership development but may face financial barriers to accessing training, networking, and project support.

The programme combines virtual learning, preparation activities, an international gathering, an intensive workshop, and follow-up work on community impact projects.

The announcement states that the programme covers the costs of participating in its listed programme elements. It specifically identifies travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly as covered.

However, applicants should not assume that every personal expense is automatically covered. The announcement does not itemise every possible cost, such as visa fees, personal spending, or travel arrangements outside those specified. Applicants should consult the official programme information or organisers for clarification about the precise coverage.

2. Travel and Accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland

One of the fellowship’s major benefits is the opportunity to attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027.

The programme announcement states that travel and accommodation for participation in the Youth Assembly will be covered for selected fellows.

International events can expose young leaders to different perspectives, experiences, and approaches to development. They also provide opportunities to learn from people who are addressing challenges in different countries and professional settings.

For participants whose work is primarily based in their local communities, attending an international gathering can provide a broader understanding of how local challenges connect to global development priorities.

The AFS Youth Assembly brings together young leaders and changemakers from different countries. Its emphasis on exchange, education, action, and impact creates an environment in which participants can share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore approaches to sustainable development.

For a young leader from Sub-Saharan Africa, participating in this event could help broaden professional networks, strengthen confidence in international settings, and provide new perspectives that can inform work at home.

Important: The announced fellowship opportunity is for the August 2027 event. Applicants must be able to attend in person in Geneva, Switzerland, as required by the programme.

3. Seed Funding to Launch or Expand a Community Impact Project

Another major benefit is access to seed funding for a community impact project.

For many young changemakers, financial resources are necessary to turn a promising idea into a practical initiative. Funding may be required to obtain materials, organise community activities, engage beneficiaries, develop educational resources, coordinate local participation, or test a new approach to solving a problem.

The programme provides seed funding to help selected leaders initiate their own impact projects after returning from the AFS Youth Assembly.

This support is intended to help participants translate their leadership development into practical community action.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to explain the initiative they are leading, the challenge it addresses, the intended beneficiaries, and how additional resources could strengthen its implementation.

A convincing community impact project should demonstrate more than a general desire to help people. It should identify a real problem and outline a realistic approach to addressing it.

For example, an applicant might lead a project that improves educational access for vulnerable children, strengthens youth participation in environmental conservation, promotes community health awareness, supports economic opportunities for women, or develops practical solutions to local inequality.

These examples illustrate possible areas of community impact; they are not a guarantee that the programme will prioritise or fund any particular type of project.

The exact amount of seed funding is not specified in the announcement. Applicants should consult the official programme information for details about funding limits, eligible costs, disbursement arrangements, reporting obligations, and other conditions.

4. Enrolment in the AFS Global Competence Certificate Programme

Selected leaders will be enrolled in the AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC) programme.

The Global Competence Certificate is intended to develop intercultural competencies that can support participants in working with people from different backgrounds and responding to complex global challenges.

Intercultural competence is relevant to community leadership because local development work often involves people with different experiences, values, needs, and perspectives. Leaders need to communicate effectively, listen to others, recognise differences, and work collaboratively to achieve shared objectives.

Developing these skills can help young leaders approach community problems with greater awareness of how social and cultural contexts influence people’s experiences.

The programme announcement states that the Global Competence Certificate component takes place virtually before the Youth Assembly.

This gives selected participants an opportunity to undertake preparatory learning before attending the international event.

For applicants, this benefit is particularly relevant if their leadership work involves collaboration across communities, engagement with diverse groups, or the development of solutions to complex social challenges.

5. Intensive Leadership Workshops and Preparation Activities

The fellowship includes preparation workshops before the AFS Youth Assembly and participation in an intensive workshop called Effect+ in the Community in Switzerland in August 2027.

The preparation activities are intended to support participants in getting ready for their Youth Assembly experience.

Preparation is important because international leadership events involve more than attending sessions. Participants benefit from having a clear understanding of the event’s purpose, opportunities for engagement, and the ways they can apply their learning afterwards.

The Effect+ in the Community workshop is designed to build changemaking skills and provide a framework that participants can replicate in their own communities.

According to the programme announcement, the workshop gives leaders access to resources, tools, and experiences intended to help them turn ideas into actionable change.

For young leaders, this component connects leadership development to practical community engagement.

Instead of keeping the lessons learned during the fellowship to themselves, participants are expected to share knowledge and encourage other young people to participate in development activities.

6. Access to a Global Network of Young Leaders and Influencers

The fellowship provides an opportunity to join a wider community of young leaders, mentors, and people involved in global development.

The programme announcement describes the AFS Youth Assembly as an international gathering that attracts hundreds of participants from more than 100 countries. The wider event creates opportunities for participants to interact with people who bring different experiences, professional interests, and perspectives to global challenges.

Networking can be an important part of leadership development because community initiatives rarely operate in isolation.

A leader may have a strong understanding of a local problem but still benefit from learning how other organisations approach similar issues. Conversations with fellow participants can introduce different ways of thinking, planning, communicating, and measuring impact.

International networking may also help young leaders identify potential collaborators, mentors, or professional contacts whose expertise can inform their future work.

The value of a network depends on how participants engage with it. Applicants should approach the fellowship with a willingness to learn from others, share their experiences, and build professional relationships based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development.

7. Mentorship and Support During Project Implementation

The programme announcement states that selected leaders will work on their impact projects for six months with mentorship and support from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network after returning from the Youth Assembly.

This follow-up support is important because implementing a community initiative can present challenges that are not always apparent during the planning stage.

A project may encounter difficulties involving resource availability, community participation, coordination, timelines, partnerships, or the measurement of results. Mentorship can provide an opportunity for leaders to discuss such challenges and receive guidance as they work towards their objectives.

The programme’s six-month impact-project period creates a bridge between international learning and local implementation.

Rather than treating the Youth Assembly as the end of the fellowship experience, participants are expected to apply their learning and work towards practical outcomes in their communities.

Applicants should therefore consider whether they have the time, commitment, and local relationships needed to implement their initiatives after the international activities.

The Community Impact Requirement: What Selected Leaders Are Expected to Do

The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program places considerable emphasis on sharing knowledge and extending the benefits of leadership development beyond the selected fellows.

According to the programme announcement, after returning home, selected leaders are expected to replicate the Effect+ in the Community workshop for at least 100 young people in their local communities. They are also expected to initiate their own impact projects using the seed funding provided.

This requirement means that successful applicants should be prepared to act as community multipliers.

A community multiplier is someone who uses the knowledge, skills, and resources gained through a programme to support learning and action among other people.

For example, a fellow may participate in leadership development activities, return home with new tools and ideas, and organise a workshop to help other young people understand how they can contribute to sustainable development.

The exact workshop delivery arrangements should be confirmed through the official programme information. Nevertheless, the announcement makes clear that the fellowship involves a commitment to local engagement beyond the selected participant’s own development.

Why This Requirement Matters

The community workshop requirement reflects a broader principle of sustainable leadership: the benefits of a development opportunity should extend beyond the individual who receives it.

When young leaders share what they learn, they can help build the knowledge and confidence of others in their communities.

This may encourage more young people to identify local challenges, participate in development activities, and explore ways to contribute to solutions.

The requirement also gives applicants an important consideration before applying. They should think about whether they can organise a workshop for at least 100 young people and what local partnerships, venues, communication channels, or other resources may be needed.

Applicants should be realistic about their capacity to fulfil this expectation. A strong leadership profile includes not only a vision for change but also the willingness to follow through on commitments.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027?

The programme is intended for young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa who demonstrate leadership qualities or a record of leadership experience and who are interested in advancing sustainable development.

Applicants should review every requirement carefully before submitting an application.

1. Applicants Must Be Between 18 and 35 Years Old

The programme is open to applicants aged 18 to 35.

People within this age range who are involved in community leadership, social impact initiatives, youth development, or other relevant activities may wish to explore the opportunity.

Applicants should ensure that they meet the age requirement under the programme’s official rules.

2. Applicants Must Be From Sub-Saharan Africa

The fellowship targets young leaders from Sub-Saharan African countries.

Applicants should verify that their country of nationality or residence meets the programme’s official geographical eligibility rules. The announcement identifies the region but does not provide a complete country-by-country list.

Young people from eligible Sub-Saharan African countries who are working to address local development challenges are encouraged to examine the full eligibility information.

3. Applicants Must Demonstrate Leadership Experience or Potential

The programme seeks candidates with demonstrable leadership qualities or a proven track record of leadership experience.

Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a senior position in a large organisation. It can also involve taking responsibility for an initiative, organising people around a shared objective, identifying a community problem, coordinating a response, or encouraging others to participate in positive change.

Applicants should be prepared to explain their leadership journey with specific examples.

Relevant evidence may include:

• A community project they founded, coordinate, or lead.
• An initiative they helped develop or implement.
• Experience mobilising volunteers or community members.
• Activities that support children, young people, women, or other groups.
• Work related to education, health, environmental protection, economic empowerment, or other development priorities.
• Evidence that they can organise activities and work towards clearly defined objectives.
• Examples of challenges they have addressed and lessons they have learned.

These are illustrative examples of leadership evidence rather than a prescribed list of documents. Applicants should follow the official application instructions regarding what information or supporting materials are required.

4. Applicants Should Be Leading a Social Impact Project Linked to the SDGs

The supplied announcement identifies leadership of a social impact project related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as an eligibility criterion.

The official programme page describes leading an SDG-related social impact project as preferred. Applicants should therefore review the exact wording and requirements in the official application form rather than assume that every criterion is an absolute eligibility condition.

In practical terms, applicants should be ready to describe the community initiative they lead and explain how it contributes to sustainable development.

A useful project description should answer questions such as:

• What community challenge does the project address?
• Who experiences the problem?
• What activities does the project carry out?
• Who benefits from those activities?
• What progress has been made so far?
• What challenges limit the project’s growth?
• How would the fellowship help strengthen the initiative?
• Which Sustainable Development Goals are relevant to the work?
• What results does the applicant hope to achieve?

Applicants should be honest about the project’s current stage. An initiative may be established, growing, or still developing. What matters is that the application accurately explains the work, the leadership involved, and the potential for meaningful impact.

5. Applicants Must Have Intermediate English Proficiency

The programme requires intermediate English proficiency.

Participants will need to engage with programme learning activities, communicate with fellow leaders, and participate in international activities.

Applicants should therefore consider whether they can understand and communicate in English at the level needed to participate meaningfully.

The announcement does not specify a formal English-language test or minimum examination score. Applicants should check the application form for any additional language requirements or assessment procedures.

6. Applicants Must Have a Valid, Unexpired Passport

A valid, unexpired passport is required.

This is a particularly important requirement because selected participants are expected to travel to Geneva, Switzerland, for the AFS Youth Assembly in August 2027.

Applicants should check their passport’s expiry date and ensure that their travel document will meet the relevant requirements for international travel.

The organisers encourage early applications because visa processing can take several months. Applicants should also review the applicable travel and visa requirements for their circumstances and seek clarification from the programme organisers about any programme-specific documentation requirements.

7. Applicants Must Be Able to Attend the AFS Youth Assembly in August 2027

The fellowship includes an in-person international component in Geneva, Switzerland.

Applicants must be able to travel and attend the AFS Youth Assembly in August 2027.

This means that interested candidates should consider their availability during the event period, their ability to complete the required travel documentation, and their willingness to participate in the international activities.

Applicants should not assume that the international component can be completed remotely. The announcement specifically identifies in-person participation as a requirement.

8. Applicants Should Demonstrate an Interest in Global Affairs and Youth Issues

The official programme announcement also identifies an interest in global affairs, sustainable development, and youth issues among the qualities expected of applicants.

This interest may be reflected in the candidate’s community work, professional activities, volunteer experience, or understanding of the challenges affecting young people and society.

Applicants should explain why these issues matter to them and how their leadership experience relates to the programme’s goals.

What Types of Community Projects Could Be Relevant?

The programme focuses on community impact and initiatives related to sustainable development. It does not provide an exhaustive list of project themes in the supplied announcement.

However, young leaders can use the Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for explaining how their work addresses a specific challenge.

Potential examples include the following.

Education and Learning Support

A leader may coordinate an initiative that supports vulnerable learners, improves access to learning materials, encourages school retention, or strengthens educational opportunities for underserved communities.

Such a project could relate to SDG 4, Quality Education, particularly where its activities contribute to inclusive and equitable learning opportunities.

Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

A community initiative may support women’s participation in decision-making, promote equal opportunities, strengthen access to information, or help address barriers that prevent women and girls from reaching their potential.

Depending on its purpose and activities, such work may contribute to SDG 5, Gender Equality.

Youth Empowerment and Leadership

Projects that develop young people’s leadership skills, encourage civic participation, or help youth contribute to community development may align with sustainable development priorities.

Applicants should explain how their activities translate into practical opportunities for young people and what outcomes they hope to achieve.

Poverty Reduction and Economic Opportunities

A leader may be involved in a project that supports livelihoods, develops practical skills, promotes entrepreneurship, or helps underserved groups access economic opportunities.

Depending on the design of the initiative, this work may relate to SDG 1, No Poverty, or SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Health and Community Well-Being

A community project may promote health awareness, improve access to reliable information, encourage prevention, or support vulnerable groups in navigating community health challenges.

Applicants should describe the scope of their work clearly and avoid making health claims that cannot be supported by evidence.

Environmental Protection and Climate Action

Young leaders may be involved in waste reduction, environmental conservation, community clean-up activities, climate awareness, or other initiatives addressing environmental challenges.

Depending on its focus, such work may relate to SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13, Climate Action, or other environmental goals.

These examples are provided to help applicants think about how community initiatives can connect to the SDGs. They are not a list of guaranteed funding priorities. The relevance of a project will depend on the programme’s criteria and the quality of the applicant’s own proposal.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Because the programme is intended for young leaders who are already contributing to sustainable development, applicants should take time to explain their experiences and project objectives clearly.

The organisers state that applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and encourage early submissions. This makes it important to begin the application process promptly rather than wait until the final days.

The following steps can help applicants prepare.

Step 1: Review the Official Programme Information

Begin by reading the official programme announcement and application instructions.

Confirm the eligibility requirements, deadline, programme commitments, funding arrangements, and information requested from applicants.

Official programme information: https://www.youthassembly.org/2026/10/16/young-african-leaders-scholarships/

Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility

Check that you meet the age and regional eligibility requirements, have the necessary passport, possess the required level of English proficiency, and can attend the AFS Youth Assembly in person in August 2027.

Also review the programme’s expectations regarding leadership experience, community impact, and the implementation of a project related to sustainable development.

If any requirement is unclear, seek clarification from the organisers before submitting your application.

Step 3: Define Your Leadership Experience

Prepare to explain your leadership journey in a way that is clear, specific, and truthful.

Rather than simply stating that you are passionate about community development, describe what you have done, what responsibilities you have taken on, and what you have learned.

Where possible, explain the scale of your work using accurate information. This might include the number of people reached, the activities completed, the partnerships established, or the progress made towards the initiative’s objectives.

Only include figures and achievements that you can substantiate.

Step 4: Explain the Community Problem You Are Addressing

A strong social impact project begins with a clear understanding of the problem.

Explain what challenge exists in your community, why it matters, who is affected, and why the issue requires attention.

For example, if your project supports vulnerable learners, explain the barriers they face and how your activities respond to those barriers.

If your initiative promotes environmental conservation, describe the environmental challenge and the practical actions your project takes to address it.

The purpose is to help reviewers understand the connection between the problem, your leadership, and the proposed impact.

Step 5: Connect Your Project to the Sustainable Development Goals

Identify the SDGs that genuinely relate to your work.

Do not select goals simply because they sound impressive. Explain how the project’s activities contribute to the relevant development priorities.

For example, a project supporting school attendance may relate to quality education, while an initiative expanding women’s economic participation may relate to gender equality and decent work.

A clear explanation of the connection between your work and the SDGs can help communicate the development purpose of your initiative.

Step 6: Explain How the Fellowship Could Strengthen Your Work

Consider what you hope to gain from the programme and how those benefits could support your community project.

You may want to strengthen your leadership skills, improve your understanding of intercultural collaboration, learn from other changemakers, or access seed funding to implement a practical activity.

Be specific about the connection between your development goals and the work you intend to carry out.

The application should demonstrate that you understand the programme as both a leadership development opportunity and a commitment to community impact.

Step 7: Prepare to Explain Your Expected Impact

Think about the results you hope to achieve through your initiative.

Depending on the project, these may include reaching additional beneficiaries, improving access to a service, strengthening local capacity, developing new partnerships, or expanding a successful activity.

Distinguish between activities and outcomes. For example, organising a workshop is an activity; improvements in participants’ knowledge or their ability to apply what they learned may be an outcome.

Applicants should avoid promising results that cannot realistically be achieved with the time and resources available.

Step 8: Prepare Your Application in Your Own Words

The official programme announcement strongly discourages the use of artificial intelligence to write application narratives.

Applicants should therefore pay particular attention to this instruction.

Write your application narratives yourself and ensure that they accurately reflect your experiences, motivations, leadership journey, and understanding of your community’s needs.

You can prepare by making personal notes about your work, identifying important experiences, and reflecting on the lessons you have learned. These notes can help you organise your thoughts before completing the application.

Do not submit invented achievements, exaggerated project results, or narratives that do not reflect your own experience. Authenticity is especially important for a leadership fellowship focused on personal commitment and community impact.

Follow the programme’s instructions concerning AI use, originality, and application content.

Step 9: Submit Early

The deadline is 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC, and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Submitting early may be particularly important because the organisers also encourage candidates to account for visa processing times.

Do not wait until the final hours to begin registration or prepare your application. Give yourself time to check the information, correct errors, and complete all required steps.

Step 10: Keep a Record of Your Submission

After submitting your application, retain any confirmation message or reference information provided by the application platform.

Check your email regularly for communications from the organisers, including requests for clarification or updates about the selection process.

The announcement does not specify the selection notification date, so applicants should rely on official communications for updates.

Important Dates and Application Deadline

The most important date for prospective applicants is the application deadline.

Application deadline: 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC.

The deadline is stated in Coordinated Universal Time. Applicants should take care to convert the closing time to their local time zone and submit before the application portal closes.

For applicants in Kenya, which observes East Africa Time (UTC+3), the equivalent time is 2:59 a.m. on 20 November 2026. Nevertheless, applicants should aim to submit before the stated UTC deadline rather than rely on a last-minute conversion or technical access.

Other important programme details include:

• Programme duration: 12 months.
• AFS Youth Assembly: August 2027.
• Location of the international event: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Project implementation period: Six months, with mentorship and support from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network, according to the programme announcement.
• Application review: First-come, first-served.
• Visa preparation: Early application is encouraged because processing may take several months.

Applicants should confirm any additional dates or milestones directly with the programme organisers.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027

1. What is the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program?

It is a 12-month leadership fellowship supported by the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation and implemented through the AFS Youth Assembly. It supports young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa who are committed to advancing sustainable development in their communities.

2. Is the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program fully funded?

Yes, the programme is described as fully funded. The announcement identifies programme participation costs, travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly, and seed funding for community impact projects.

Applicants should review the official programme information to understand the exact scope of coverage and any expenses that may not be included.

3. Who can apply for the 2027 fellowship?

The programme targets applicants aged 18–35 from Sub-Saharan Africa who demonstrate leadership experience or potential and an interest in sustainable development. Applicants must have an unexpired passport, intermediate English proficiency, and the ability to attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva in August 2027.

The official announcement also identifies leading an SDG-related social impact project as preferred. Applicants should check the official application requirements for the precise eligibility conditions.

4. How many young leaders will be selected?

The programme announcement states that 10 young African leaders will be supported in this edition.

5. What is the duration of the fellowship?

The programme lasts 12 months and combines leadership development, virtual learning, international activities, and community project implementation.

6. Will participants travel to Switzerland?

Yes. Selected leaders are expected to attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in person in August 2027. The announcement states that travel and accommodation for the Youth Assembly will be covered.

7. What is the AFS Global Competence Certificate?

The AFS Global Competence Certificate is a learning programme included in the fellowship. It is intended to develop intercultural competencies that can help participants work effectively across different backgrounds and engage with global challenges.

8. What is the Effect+ in the Community workshop?

It is an intensive workshop included in the programme in Switzerland in August 2027. The workshop is intended to build changemaking skills and give participants a framework they can use to support community action.

Selected leaders are expected to replicate the workshop for at least 100 young people in their local communities after returning home.

9. How much seed funding will participants receive?

The announcement confirms that seed funding will be provided for community impact projects but does not specify the amount. Applicants should consult the official programme information or contact the organisers for details.

10. Do I need to have an existing community project?

The announcement identifies leading an SDG-related social impact project as preferred, while the official programme page should be consulted for the exact eligibility wording. Applicants should explain any initiative they lead, their role in it, and its relevance to sustainable development.

11. Is a passport required?

Yes. Applicants are required to have a valid, unexpired passport and must be able to travel to Geneva, Switzerland, for the Youth Assembly in August 2027.

12. What is the deadline for applications?

Applications close on 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC.

13. Are applications reviewed on a rolling or first-come, first-served basis?

The announcement states that applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. The organisers encourage early submission.

14. Is there a restriction on using AI to write the application?

Yes. The programme announcement strongly discourages the use of AI to write narrative sections. Applicants should prepare their narratives in their own words and follow all official instructions regarding originality and acceptable assistance.

15. Where can I apply?

Use the application link provided in the announcement:

Apply here

You can also review the programme announcement on the AFS Youth Assembly website before applying.

How to Apply for the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027

Young changemakers who meet the programme requirements and are ready to commit to its leadership development and community impact activities should review the official information and complete the application process.

Before applying, ensure that you:

1. Meet the programme’s age and regional eligibility requirements.
2. Have a valid, unexpired passport.
3. Have intermediate English proficiency.
4. Can attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027.
5. Can explain your leadership experience and your commitment to sustainable development.
6. Understand the expectation to implement a community impact project and replicate the Effect+ in the Community workshop for at least 100 young people.
7. Have reviewed the official instructions regarding the use of AI in application narratives.
8. Can submit your application before the deadline.

Application deadline: 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC.

Applicants are encouraged to submit early because applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and visa processing may take several months.

Conclusion

The 2027 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program offers a valuable opportunity for emerging leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa who are committed to creating positive change in their communities.

Through its fully funded, 12-month fellowship, the programme combines leadership development, intercultural learning, international networking, seed funding, and mentorship. Selected participants will have the opportunity to attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027, complete the AFS Global Competence Certificate programme, participate in the Effect+ in the Community workshop, and develop community impact projects.

The fellowship also places a strong emphasis on sharing knowledge and extending its benefits to other young people. Participants are expected to implement their own impact initiatives and replicate the Effect+ in the Community workshop for at least 100 young people in their communities.

For young African changemakers who already demonstrate leadership potential and want to strengthen their ability to contribute to sustainable development, this programme may provide an important platform for learning, collaboration, and practical action.

Interested applicants should carefully review the official requirements, prepare an authentic account of their leadership journey, and explain how their community work connects to sustainable development.

The application deadline is 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, so early submission is encouraged.

Apply now: https://www.youthassembly.org/2026/10/16/young-african-leaders-scholarships/