Young leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa have a new chance to join an international fellowship. The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 is a 12-month fellowship for 10 young changemakers. The organisers call it fully funded. It includes a trip to the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva in August 2027 and seed funding for a community project.
The deadline is 19 November 2026. Applications are reviewed on a first-come first-served basis. So do not wait for the last day.
The programme is very competitive. The last round received almost 6000 applications for 10 places. This guide shows what you need and how to prepare.
Last Information Checked: 27 October 2026
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 (third edition) |
| Organiser | AFS Youth Assembly |
| Grant support | Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation |
| Length | 12 months |
| Places | 10 |
| Who can apply | Young people aged 18 to 35 from Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Seed funding amount | Not stated |
| English level | Intermediate |
| Deadline | 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC |
About the Programme
The AFS Youth Assembly runs this programme. The Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation gives grant support. The goal is to give young African changemakers skills and resources for sustainable development in their communities.
The organisers note that 70% of Africa’s population is under 30. They say investing in young leaders can speed up change. Selected fellows are formally recognised as Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders.
How the Fellowship Works
- Complete the AFS Global Competence Certificate online before the Youth Assembly. It builds skills for working across cultures.
- Join preparation workshops before the Youth Assembly.
- Travel to Switzerland in August 2027 for the AFS Youth Assembly. The official page names Geneva. It gives no exact dates.
- Join the Effect+ in the Community intensive workshop in Switzerland.
- Return home and run the same workshop for at least 100 young people.
- Start your own impact project with seed funding. Work on it for 6 months with mentorship from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network.
Fellowship Benefits
- A 12-month fully funded scholarship that covers the programme elements listed here
- Travel and accommodation
- Seed funding for your impact project
- Enrolment in the AFS Global Competence Certificate programme
- Preparation workshops before the Youth Assembly
- A place at the AFS Youth Assembly with 700 to 900 participants from over 100 countries
- The Effect+ in the Community intensive workshop
- Six months of mentorship from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network
- Special recognition at the Closing Ceremony of the Youth Assembly
- The title of Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leader and a place in a growing community of leaders
Who Can Apply
You must meet these points:
- You are 18 to 35 years old
- You are from a Sub-Saharan African country.
- You show leadership qualities or a proven record of leadership
- You show potential for personal and professional growth
- You hold an unexpired passport
- You can attend the Youth Assembly in Geneva in person in August 2027
- You have intermediate English
- You show interest in global affairs sustainable development and youth issues
- Leading a social impact project linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals is preferred
How to Apply
- Check that you meet the age and country rules. Check that your passport is valid.
- Read the official AFS Youth Assembly announcement.
- Click APPLY NOW on that page. It opens the online application form.
- Fill in the form with your leadership story and your project details. Write in your own words.
- Submit the form before 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Apply early because reviews are first-come first-served.
The official page does not list the form questions. Read the whole form before you start.
Key Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Official announcement published | 16 October 2026 |
| Applications close | 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC |
| AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva | August 2027 (exact dates not stated) |
| Results date | Not stated |
