Applications Open for the Catalyst Academy 2026: A Six-Week Opportunity for Young Social Innovators in Africa

Overview

The Catalyst Academy is a six-week learning programme structured as a journey for emerging social innovators. It is designed to assist young individuals in transforming early-stage concepts into practical solutions, focusing on community challenges and sustainable development. The programme serves participants who are currently exploring a community challenge, developing an initial concept, or beginning to consider a possible response to a social issue.

Who can apply

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and currently live in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon or South Africa. Candidates are required to demonstrate an interest in exploring or addressing a community challenge and developing an early-stage idea. A tested solution, registered organisation, previous experience in a formal programme, or a fully developed project is not required.

What you get

Participants receive a six-week learning journey that provides an opportunity to build knowledge, develop their thinking, strengthen their understanding of social innovation, and explore how to contribute to addressing community challenges.