The African Union Commission (AUC), through
its Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), has announced
an open call for applications for the 2026 African Union Continental Capacity
Building Training Programme for Youth.
The initiative will be delivered under the
African Governance Architecture – African Peace and Security Architecture
(AGA-APSA) Secretariat and reflects the Union’s continued commitment to
strengthening democratic governance across the continent.
Scheduled tentatively for April 2026 at the
AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the programme is designed to empower
young Africans with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to participate
meaningfully in governance, electoral processes, peacebuilding, and Pan-African
leadership.
Advancing Agenda 2063 Through Youth
Leadership: African Union Continental Capacity Building Training Programme for
Youth.
The training programme aligns with Agenda
2063, Aspiration 6, which envisions an Africa whose development is
people-driven and reliant on the potential of its youth.
By placing young leaders at the center of
democratic transformation, the African Union reinforces its belief that
sustainable peace and governance depend on inclusive civic participation.
The initiative also follows strategic
guidance from Commissioner Bankole Adeoye, who identified Youth Inclusion and
Mainstreaming as a thematic priority for PAPS in 2026.
This direction is further anchored in the
AGA-APSA Citizens’ Engagement Strategy (CES), which promotes structured and
systematic youth engagement in governance processes across AU Member States.
Strengthening Democratic Governance and
Shared Values
A central feature of the programme is its
focus on African Union Shared Values instruments, particularly the African
Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG). The Charter serves as a
key normative framework for advancing democracy, constitutionalism, credible
elections, and accountable leadership across Africa.
Through expert-led sessions, peer learning,
and practical engagement, participants will:
- Deepen their understanding of democratic governance frameworks
- Strengthen leadership and advocacy skills
- Enhance civic engagement strategies
- Build capacity to support peaceful and credible electoral
processes
- Promote youth inclusion in political and decision-making spaces
The programme seeks not only to educate but
also to inspire participants to become champions of democratic governance
within their respective communities.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Should Apply?
In line with its commitment to inclusivity,
diversity, and regional balance, the African Union will select participants
from across AU Member States who demonstrate leadership and impact in
governance-related fields.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of
application
- Be affiliated with youth-led or youth-focused organizations
working on democratic governance, elections, peace and security,
leadership, or civic participation
- Represent national institutions, agencies, or civil society
organizations active in democracy, governance, human rights, or related
sectors
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to attend the full duration of
the programme
- Commit to replicating or cascading the training within their
communities or organizations after completion
Female candidates are strongly encouraged
to apply, as the AU continues to prioritize gender balance and women’s
leadership in governance processes.
Selection Process and Evaluation
Criteria
Participants will be selected through a
competitive process based on:
- The clarity and quality of their motivation
- Demonstrated experience in youth participation and democratic
governance
- The feasibility and potential impact of their plans to
replicate the training at community, national, or regional levels
The African Union Commission will ensure
gender equity, geographical representation, age diversity, and inclusivity in
the final cohort.
Fully Funded Opportunity for Young
African Leaders
The 2026 Continental Capacity Building
Training Programme is fully funded by the African Union Commission. Selected
participants will have their:
- International travel covered
- Visa costs supported
- Accommodation provided
- Participation expenses fully financed
There is no application or
participation fee. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The application deadline is Saturday,
27 February 2026 at 11:55 PM Addis Ababa Time (GMT+3). All applications
must be submitted through the official online application form provided by the
African Union.
Building the Next Generation of
Democratic Leaders
By investing in young leaders, the African
Union is reinforcing its long-term commitment to democratic consolidation,
peacebuilding, and inclusive governance across the continent. The Continental
Capacity Building Training Programme represents more than a training
opportunity—it is a platform for shaping a new generation of Pan-African
changemakers equipped to advance shared values and strengthen democratic
institutions.
Young Africans committed to governance
reform, civic leadership, and electoral integrity are encouraged to seize this
opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s democratic future.
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