Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027: Fully Funded 12-Month Fellowship for Young African Changemakers

Overview

The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program is a 12-month fellowship created for emerging leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa who are implementing sustainable development initiatives in their communities. This initiative provides participants with leadership training, project seed funding, cross-cultural education, and international exposure. The programme connects fellows to a broader community of over 700 mentors, young leaders, and global influencers to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Who can apply

Applicants must originate from a country located in Sub-Saharan Africa and be between 18 and 35 years of age. Candidates are required to possess leadership experience or demonstrated leadership potential, along with intermediate proficiency in the English language. Eligible individuals must currently lead a social impact project connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, participants must hold a valid, unexpired passport and maintain the availability to travel to Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027.

What you get

Selected fellows receive direct grant seed funding intended to help launch or scale a local community impact project. The fellowship covers travel and accommodation expenses for attendance at the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, during August 2027. Participants also gain access to intensive leadership workshops and enrollment in the AFS Global Competence Certificate programme to build cross-cultural competencies. Additionally, fellows join an extensive international network of peers and mentors.

Key dates

Applications must be submitted by 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC. The fellowship itself spans twelve months, culminating in an international youth gathering scheduled for August 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland.