Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027

AFS Youth Assembly invites young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to apply for the third edition of the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program. The Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation funds it. The program supports 10 leaders with training, seed funding, and a trip to Switzerland. Applications close on 19 November 2026.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: AFS Youth Assembly, with the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation
• Funding: Fully funded, including travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly, plus seed funding
• Duration: 12 months
• Location: Virtual training, then Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027
• Positions: 10 young leaders
• Deadline: 19 November 2026, 23:59 UTC

Focus Areas

• Sustainable development in local communities
• Youth leadership and global competence
• Intercultural skills
• Community-based impact projects

About the Fellowship

The program launched in 2025 to empower young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa. The first edition honored 10 leaders from six countries. The second edition also selected 10 leaders, from seven countries, and received almost 6,000 applications. Selected participants become Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders. They join a growing community committed to transforming local communities.

The program has several stages:

• Virtual training: Fellows join the AFS Global Competence Certificate Program and preparation workshops.
• Youth Assembly (August 2027): Fellows attend the Assembly and an intensive “Effect+ in the Community” workshop in Switzerland.
• Community workshop: Back home, fellows run the workshop for at least 100 young people.
• Impact project: Fellows then launch their own project with seed funding. They get six months of mentorship.

What Fellows Receive

• Enrollment in the AFS Global Competence Certificate Program
• Preparation workshops before the Youth Assembly
• Travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly
• Participation in the Effect+ workshop in Switzerland
• Seed funding for an impact project
• Six months of mentorship from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network
• Recognition at the Youth Assembly closing ceremony

Who Can Apply

Applicants must meet these requirements:

• Be 18 to 35 years old
• Come from a Sub-Saharan African country
• Hold an unexpired passport
• Show leadership qualities or a leadership track record
• Have potential for personal and professional growth
• Be able to attend the Youth Assembly in Geneva in person in August 2027
• Speak English at an intermediate level
• Show interest in global affairs, sustainable development, and youth issues
• Leading a social impact project linked to the Sustainable Development Goals is preferred.

Required Materials

Check the official page for the full application details.

How to Apply

Submit your application online before the deadline. Apply early, because visa processing can take several months. The organizers review applications on a first-come, first-served basis. They strongly discourage using AI to write your narrative answers.

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Conclusion

This fully funded program gives young African leaders training, a global stage, and seed funding. Eligible applicants should apply early and submit before 19 November 2026.

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