UNDP African Youth Co Creators Council 2026: Apply to Shape Youth Centered Solutions Across Africa

<p data-start="999" data-end="1280">The <strong data-start="1003" data-end="1050">United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)</strong> has officially opened applications for the <strong data-start="1094" data-end="1136">African Youth Co Creators Council 2026</strong>, a unique continental leadership opportunity designed to place young Africans at the center of policy, innovation, and sustainable development.</p> <p data-start="1282" data-end="1522">The initiative seeks to recruit <strong data-start="1314" data-end="1346">11 exceptional young leaders</strong> from Africa&#8217;s five geographical regions and the African diaspora to serve on a two-year advisory council that will directly influence UNDP&#8217;s youth agenda across the continent.</p> <p data-start="1524" data-end="1745">This is an outstanding opportunity for young innovators, community leaders, entrepreneurs, climate advocates, governance experts, peacebuilders, and changemakers who are passionate about creating lasting impact in Africa.</p> <p data-start="1747" data-end="1792">Applications are open until <strong data-start="1775" data-end="1791">31 July 2026</strong>.</p> <h1 data-section-id="taysv4" data-start="1799" data-end="1849">About the UNDP African Youth Co Creators Council</h1> <p data-start="1851" data-end="2059">Africa is the world&#8217;s youngest continent, with more than <strong data-start="1908" data-end="1960">60 percent of its population under the age of 25</strong>. Across the continent, millions of young people are already leading transformative initiatives by:</p> <ul data-start="2061" data-end="2272"> <li data-section-id="13jty84" data-start="2061" data-end="2094">Building successful enterprises</li> <li data-section-id="1ctdein" data-start="2095" data-end="2124">Driving community campaigns</li> <li data-section-id="36d1h2" data-start="2125" data-end="2161">Developing innovative technologies</li> <li data-section-id="1u7s1zj" data-start="2162" data-end="2215">Advocating for accountability and better governance</li> <li data-section-id="2mkogd" data-start="2216" data-end="2272">Creating solutions to local and continental challenges</li> </ul> <p data-start="2274" data-end="2530">Recognizing the importance of youth leadership, the <strong data-start="2326" data-end="2376">UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA)</strong> is establishing the <strong data-start="2397" data-end="2434">African Youth Co Creators Council</strong> to ensure young people actively shape the design and implementation of development initiatives.</p> <p data-start="2532" data-end="2636">The Council will consist of <strong data-start="2560" data-end="2574">11 members</strong>, representing Africa&#8217;s five regions and the African diaspora.</p> <p data-start="2638" data-end="2698">Members will collaborate closely with UNDP teams located in:</p> <ul data-start="2700" data-end="2742"> <li data-section-id="1f1xkdu" data-start="2700" data-end="2713">Addis Ababa</li> <li data-section-id="16wrm45" data-start="2714" data-end="2721">Dakar</li> <li data-section-id="gvf6u0" data-start="2722" data-end="2731">Nairobi</li> <li data-section-id="1oe3v72" data-start="2732" data-end="2742">Pretoria</li> </ul> <p data-start="2744" data-end="2834">They will also engage with UNDP Country Offices operating across <strong data-start="2809" data-end="2833">46 African countries</strong>.</p> <h1 data-section-id="94f6ft" data-start="2841" data-end="2865">Purpose of the Council</h1> <p data-start="2867" data-end="3092">The Council will contribute directly to the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the <strong data-start="2969" data-end="3000">UNDP Africa Youth Portfolio</strong> and broader youth-focused initiatives undertaken by the Regional Service Centre for Africa.</p> <p data-start="3094" data-end="3268">Rather than being symbolic representatives, Council members will actively co-create solutions and provide strategic advice that influences UNDP programming throughout Africa.</p> <h1 data-section-id="97l0zv" data-start="3275" data-end="3305">What Council Members Will Do</h1> <p data-start="3307" data-end="3377">The Council will operate under a <strong data-start="3340" data-end="3361">Triple A Strategy</strong>, consisting of:</p> <h2 data-section-id="12bwr12" data-start="3379" data-end="3391">1. Advise</h2> <p data-start="3393" data-end="3406">Members will:</p> <ul data-start="3408" data-end="3623"> <li data-section-id="1kjp99o" data-start="3408" data-end="3452">Guide the design of UNDP regional projects</li> <li data-section-id="kbn9uu" data-start="3453" data-end="3495">Contribute to flagship youth initiatives</li> <li data-section-id="1951gkp" data-start="3496" data-end="3531">Provide strategic recommendations</li> <li data-section-id="16wl5pb" data-start="3532" data-end="3588">Support monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes</li> <li data-section-id="1cvs670" data-start="3589" data-end="3623">Improve programme implementation</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="dxedvl" data-start="3630" data-end="3646">2. Anticipate</h2> <p data-start="3648" data-end="3669">Council members will:</p> <ul data-start="3671" data-end="3864"> <li data-section-id="x7y7bt" data-start="3671" data-end="3723">Identify emerging opportunities for young Africans</li> <li data-section-id="1o7z8xf" data-start="3724" data-end="3747">Analyze future trends</li> <li data-section-id="9vblb8" data-start="3748" data-end="3781">Highlight risks affecting youth</li> <li data-section-id="1vre6ij" data-start="3782" data-end="3824">Recommend policy and programme responses</li> <li data-section-id="1on9cdd" data-start="3825" data-end="3864">Inform evidence-based decision making</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="t7sxum" data-start="3871" data-end="3884">3. Amplify</h2> <p data-start="3886" data-end="3899">Members will:</p> <ul data-start="3901" data-end="4084"> <li data-section-id="1f5xkuh" data-start="3901" data-end="3939">Strengthen their leadership capacity</li> <li data-section-id="13uxdd7" data-start="3940" data-end="3989">Participate in dedicated learning opportunities</li> <li data-section-id="ns2l9c" data-start="3990" data-end="4044">Share newly acquired skills within their communities</li> <li data-section-id="6928hn" data-start="4045" data-end="4084">Inspire and mentor other young people</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="ls18e3" data-start="4091" data-end="4113">Key Responsibilities</h1> <p data-start="4115" data-end="4217">Selected members will participate in numerous activities throughout their two-year mandate, including:</p> <ul data-start="4219" data-end="4719"> <li data-section-id="1s7dmlw" data-start="4219" data-end="4274">Participating in consultations and policy discussions</li> <li data-section-id="1mfhjqn" data-start="4275" data-end="4331">Identifying youth-led innovations that deserve scaling</li> <li data-section-id="1dib0zm" data-start="4332" data-end="4376">Documenting successful community solutions</li> <li data-section-id="p55alb" data-start="4377" data-end="4412">Working with UNDP Country Offices</li> <li data-section-id="7ojg1b" data-start="4413" data-end="4453">Collaborating with UN youth structures</li> <li data-section-id="1vctxcw" data-start="4454" data-end="4491">Participating in regional dialogues</li> <li data-section-id="idcu26" data-start="4492" data-end="4528">Engaging with development partners</li> <li data-section-id="6jn23y" data-start="4529" data-end="4577">Working alongside the African Union Commission</li> <li data-section-id="kxt142" data-start="4578" data-end="4628">Collaborating with Regional Economic Communities</li> <li data-section-id="f0arvr" data-start="4629" data-end="4719">Producing a final report highlighting youth priorities and emerging trends across Africa</li> </ul> <p data-start="4721" data-end="4847">The final report will serve as an important resource for UNDP and development partners when designing future youth programmes.</p> <h1 data-section-id="12kqrz0" data-start="4854" data-end="4870">Meeting Format</h1> <p data-start="4872" data-end="4918">The Council will operate using a hybrid model.</p> <p data-start="4920" data-end="5038">Most activities will take place virtually, while several important engagements will be conducted in person, including:</p> <ul data-start="5040" data-end="5097"> <li data-section-id="ihl482" data-start="5040" data-end="5060">Council onboarding</li> <li data-section-id="17ut4b5" data-start="5061" data-end="5078">Mid-term review</li> <li data-section-id="1dkgyjj" data-start="5079" data-end="5097">Closing ceremony</li> </ul> <p data-start="5099" data-end="5184">Members are expected to participate in <strong data-start="5138" data-end="5161">at least 75 percent</strong> of Council activities.</p> <h1 data-section-id="1p61i75" data-start="5191" data-end="5224">Benefits of Joining the Council</h1> <p data-start="5226" data-end="5277">Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:</p> <ul data-start="5279" data-end="5834"> <li data-section-id="19ujv9" data-start="5279" data-end="5327">Influence UNDP youth programming across Africa</li> <li data-section-id="1gtzrgn" data-start="5328" data-end="5368">Work directly with UNDP regional teams</li> <li data-section-id="oli9e2" data-start="5369" data-end="5415">Collaborate with leading development experts</li> <li data-section-id="17yaa0b" data-start="5416" data-end="5463">Participate in continental policy discussions</li> <li data-section-id="4x1qn5" data-start="5464" data-end="5498">Expand their leadership capacity</li> <li data-section-id="1xo7eqh" data-start="5499" data-end="5542">Build professional networks across Africa</li> <li data-section-id="678rkb" data-start="5543" data-end="5594">Connect with UNDP Country Offices in 46 countries</li> <li data-section-id="x65gy" data-start="5595" data-end="5637">Engage with the African Union Commission</li> <li data-section-id="15b4ldz" data-start="5638" data-end="5686">Collaborate with Regional Economic Communities</li> <li data-section-id="1eg8m0r" data-start="5687" data-end="5731">Help shape the UNDP Africa Youth Portfolio</li> <li data-section-id="fhzlwo" data-start="5732" data-end="5783">Gain exposure to regional development initiatives</li> <li data-section-id="di4gba" data-start="5784" data-end="5834">Strengthen advocacy and policy engagement skills</li> </ul> <p data-start="5836" data-end="5882">Participation in the Council is <strong data-start="5868" data-end="5881">voluntary</strong>.</p> <p data-start="5884" data-end="5920">However, UNDP will reasonably cover:</p> <ul data-start="5922" data-end="6023"> <li data-section-id="1nyuprn" data-start="5922" data-end="5939">Travel expenses</li> <li data-section-id="d7gf1s" data-start="5940" data-end="5955">Accommodation</li> <li data-section-id="16vq42m" data-start="5956" data-end="5963">Meals</li> <li data-section-id="f8ud9g" data-start="5964" data-end="6023">Digital communication costs related to Council activities</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="1jwi5nr" data-start="6030" data-end="6056">Eligibility Requirements</h1> <p data-start="6058" data-end="6116">Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:</p> <ul data-start="6118" data-end="6710"> <li data-section-id="1nfnk32" data-start="6118" data-end="6142">Be an African national</li> <li data-section-id="rfu8kr" data-start="6143" data-end="6204">Be between <strong data-start="6156" data-end="6179">18 and 34 years old</strong> at the time of selection</li> <li data-section-id="1c6rdoi" data-start="6205" data-end="6250">Be living in Africa or the African diaspora</li> <li data-section-id="9va2hl" data-start="6251" data-end="6323">Demonstrate leadership, innovation, or community engagement experience</li> <li data-section-id="sm2012" data-start="6324" data-end="6385">Be committed to inclusive development and youth empowerment</li> <li data-section-id="1jpdcvr" data-start="6386" data-end="6541">Not have previously served on a UN Youth Advisory Council, Youth Sounding Board, or similar advisory mechanism established by another development partner</li> <li data-section-id="278esp" data-start="6542" data-end="6620">Be available for regular virtual meetings and periodic in-person engagements</li> <li data-section-id="wvnemr" data-start="6621" data-end="6664">Possess strong written and spoken English</li> <li data-section-id="1k6s1xy" data-start="6665" data-end="6710">Serve in a personal and apolitical capacity</li> </ul> <p data-start="6712" data-end="6794">Applications may be submitted by individuals or by members of youth organizations.</p> <p data-start="6796" data-end="6919">However, successful applicants will serve in their personal capacity and will not officially represent their organizations.</p> <h1 data-section-id="hmb0vb" data-start="6926" data-end="6954">Areas of Experience Sought</h1> <p data-start="6956" data-end="7036">UNDP welcomes applicants with experience in one or more of the following fields:</p> <ul data-start="7038" data-end="7256"> <li data-section-id="48ozny" data-start="7038" data-end="7056">Systems thinking</li> <li data-section-id="tg03oo" data-start="7057" data-end="7072">Communication</li> <li data-section-id="12sqtie" data-start="7073" data-end="7085">Governance</li> <li data-section-id="ex43r1" data-start="7086" data-end="7109">Political transitions</li> <li data-section-id="sli80c" data-start="7110" data-end="7125">Peacebuilding</li> <li data-section-id="j3ef65" data-start="7126" data-end="7142">Climate action</li> <li data-section-id="1njdwr" data-start="7143" data-end="7158">Mental health</li> <li data-section-id="1xgaxg7" data-start="7159" data-end="7167">Gender</li> <li data-section-id="2yyojz" data-start="7168" data-end="7183">Green economy</li> <li data-section-id="88fsoa" data-start="7184" data-end="7198">Blue economy</li> <li data-section-id="il8eqs" data-start="7199" data-end="7215">Orange economy</li> <li data-section-id="hsrxky" data-start="7216" data-end="7235">Poverty reduction</li> <li data-section-id="18jxsxr" data-start="7236" data-end="7256">Digital innovation</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="18vder4" data-start="7263" data-end="7288">Diversity and Inclusion</h1> <p data-start="7290" data-end="7338">UNDP is committed to creating a diverse Council.</p> <p data-start="7340" data-end="7366">Selection will prioritize:</p> <ul data-start="7368" data-end="7510"> <li data-section-id="1gqe5ip" data-start="7368" data-end="7384">Gender balance</li> <li data-section-id="15k9h5o" data-start="7385" data-end="7410">Regional representation</li> <li data-section-id="1f9s1p2" data-start="7411" data-end="7438">Persons with disabilities</li> <li data-section-id="zabno5" data-start="7439" data-end="7487">Young people from rural and remote communities</li> <li data-section-id="1ac3hqm" data-start="7488" data-end="7510">Linguistic diversity</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="1b6qlrh" data-start="7517" data-end="7536">Selection Process</h1> <p data-start="7538" data-end="7579">Applications will undergo several stages.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1fhcx2o" data-start="7581" data-end="7591">Stage 1</h2> <p data-start="7593" data-end="7675">UNDP Country Offices across Africa will compile a longlist of eligible candidates.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1fhcx2r" data-start="7677" data-end="7687">Stage 2</h2> <p data-start="7689" data-end="7800">The Regional Service Centre for Africa will prepare a shortlist that reflects regional diversity and inclusion.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1fhcx2q" data-start="7802" data-end="7812">Stage 3</h2> <p data-start="7814" data-end="7903">Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by a panel consisting of representatives from:</p> <ul data-start="7905" data-end="7987"> <li data-section-id="1rerf4e" data-start="7905" data-end="7941">Regional Service Centre for Africa</li> <li data-section-id="1e2y9z0" data-start="7942" data-end="7964">UNDP Country Offices</li> <li data-section-id="1ten52" data-start="7965" data-end="7987">Development partners</li> </ul> <p data-start="7989" data-end="8040">Candidates will be assessed using a scoring matrix.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1fhcx2t" data-start="8042" data-end="8052">Stage 4</h2> <p data-start="8054" data-end="8122">Top-ranked candidates will receive formal notification of selection.</p> <h1 data-section-id="1xqj6xi" data-start="8129" data-end="8151">Application Deadline</h1> <p data-start="8153" data-end="8169"><strong data-start="8153" data-end="8169">31 July 2026</strong></p> <p data-start="8171" data-end="8242">Interested applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.</p> <h1 data-section-id="plflsp" data-start="8249" data-end="8263">How to Apply</h1> <p data-start="8265" data-end="8353">Applicants should complete the official online application form before <strong data-start="8336" data-end="8352">31 July 2026</strong>.</p> <p><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhmycv27ozHxGuXuXYemooqqf64PuKhgjCSBCessh3bF9nnw/viewform" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>APPLY HERE</strong></a></p> <p data-start="8400" data-end="8440">Applications may be submitted in either:</p> <ul data-start="8442" data-end="8460"> <li data-section-id="1l7hnru" data-start="8442" data-end="8451">English</li> <li data-section-id="1ygyn4s" data-start="8452" data-end="8460">French</li> </ul> <p data-start="8462" data-end="8530">For additional information or clarification, applicants may contact:</p> <p data-start="8532" data-end="8539"><strong>Ana Dju</strong></p> <p data-start="8541" data-end="8564">Email: <strong><a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="8548" data-end="8564">ana.dju@undp.org</a></strong></p> <h1 data-section-id="1329ug4" data-start="8571" data-end="8587">Final Thoughts</h1> <p data-start="8589" data-end="8861">The UNDP African Youth Co Creators Council offers an exceptional opportunity for young African leaders to influence regional development policies, contribute to innovative youth-centered solutions, and collaborate with one of the world&#8217;s leading development organizations.</p> <p data-start="8863" data-end="9042">By joining the Council, members will not only strengthen their own leadership journey but also help shape the future of youth engagement and sustainable development across Africa.</p> <p data-start="9044" data-end="9213">If you are passionate about creating lasting impact, advancing youth empowerment, and contributing to Africa&#8217;s development agenda, this is an opportunity worth pursuing.</p> <p dir="ltr">For more information about this opportunity, visit <a href="https://www.undp.org/africa/blog/call-applications-african-youth-co-creators-council" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Discover more Global Youth Opportunities on OFY <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=youth" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/07/09/undp-african-youth-co-creators-council-2026-apply-to-shape-youth-centered-solutions-across-africa/">UNDP African Youth Co Creators Council 2026: Apply to Shape Youth Centered Solutions Across Africa</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>