Apply Now: AGFUND Opens Applications for 2026 Development Programme to Empower Diana Award Recipients Across Africa
ONYINYECHI NWAIGBA 
Young people across Africa are increasingly leading efforts to tackle some of the continent’s most pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges. From improving access to education and healthcare to advancing climate action, gender equality, and youth employment, a new generation of changemakers is demonstrating that sustainable development often begins at the community level.
To strengthen these efforts, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), in partnership with The Diana Award, has opened applications for the 2026 AGFUND Development Programme, a six-month leadership and capacity-building initiative designed exclusively for Diana Award recipients across Africa.
The programme aims to equip young social innovators with the knowledge, leadership skills, mentorship, and networks required to strengthen their organisations, expand their community impact, and build sustainable solutions to local development challenges.
As organisations, governments, and development partners continue to recognise the importance of youth participation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), initiatives such as the AGFUND Development Programme are becoming increasingly significant in supporting the next generation of social impact leaders.
Strengthening Youth-Led Social Impact
Across Africa, thousands of young people are leading projects that address issues such as education, environmental sustainability, healthcare, food security, gender equality, digital inclusion, and economic empowerment.
While many of these initiatives begin with innovative ideas and strong community engagement, they often struggle to scale due to limited access to funding, leadership development, mentorship, strategic planning, and professional networks.
The AGFUND Development Programme seeks to address these challenges by providing structured support that enables young leaders to move beyond passion and transform their ideas into sustainable, long-term impact.
Rather than focusing solely on financial support, the programme emphasises leadership development, organisational growth, collaboration, and practical skills that help participants strengthen the effectiveness and sustainability of their initiatives.
What Participants Will Gain
Selected participants will join a six-month virtual learning journey designed to build both personal leadership capacity and organisational effectiveness.
The programme includes:
- Leadership development sessions led by experienced facilitators.
- Personalised mentorship from professionals and development experts.
- Practical workshops focused on strengthening social impact initiatives.
- Opportunities for peer learning and collaboration with fellow changemakers across Africa.
- Access to a network of Diana Award recipients working on diverse community development projects.
- Guidance on building sustainable organisations capable of creating long-term impact.
By combining leadership training with mentorship and networking opportunities, the programme aims to help participants improve decision-making, strengthen project implementation, and expand the reach of their community initiatives.
The organisers believe that empowering young leaders with the right skills and support can significantly improve the long-term success of youth-led development projects across the continent.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open exclusively to young people who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be recipients of The Diana Award.
- They must be living in an African country.
- Applicants should be between 16 and 25 years old at the start of the programme.
- They must currently be leading or actively involved in a social action project, campaign, or community initiative.
- Applicants must be able to commit to participating in the full six-month virtual programme.
Because the programme is specifically designed for Diana Award recipients, it seeks participants who have already demonstrated exceptional commitment to creating positive social change in their communities.
Application Timeline
Applications for the 2026 cohort opened on 2 July 2026 and will remain open until 31 July 2026 at 11:59 p.m. GMT.
Following the application process, successful candidates are expected to participate in onboarding activities in September before the programme officially begins in October 2026.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
About AGFUND
The Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) is an international development organisation that supports projects aimed at reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations.
Over the years, AGFUND has collaborated with governments, civil society organisations, development institutions, and international partners to implement programmes focused on education, health, financial inclusion, food security, women’s empowerment, and community development.
Its partnership with The Diana Award reflects a shared commitment to investing in young leaders whose work contributes to sustainable development across Africa.
About The Diana Award
Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, The Diana Award recognises young people who demonstrate outstanding commitment to social action and humanitarian service.
Recipients of the award are recognised for leading initiatives that create meaningful change within their schools, communities, and countries.
Beyond recognising young changemakers, the organisation continues to provide opportunities that help award recipients strengthen their leadership skills, expand their impact, and connect with a global network of young leaders committed to positive social change.
The AGFUND Development Programme is one of several initiatives that support Diana Award recipients as they continue their leadership journeys.
Why Leadership Development Matters
Across the development sector, there is growing recognition that solving complex social and environmental challenges requires more than innovative ideas alone.
Community projects often struggle because young leaders have limited access to training in organisational management, strategic planning, fundraising, financial sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and impact measurement.
Leadership development programmes help bridge these gaps by equipping young changemakers with practical skills that enable them to manage projects more effectively, attract partnerships, and build resilient organisations capable of delivering measurable impact.
This approach aligns with global efforts to strengthen local leadership and ensure that communities are not merely beneficiaries of development programmes but active drivers of sustainable solutions.
Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals
The AGFUND Development Programme also contributes to the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
By strengthening youth leadership and community initiatives, the programme supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) through leadership learning, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting youth entrepreneurship and skills development, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by empowering underrepresented voices, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by encouraging collaboration between young leaders, development organisations, and international partners.
Depending on the focus of participants’ projects, the programme also has the potential to contribute to goals relating to climate action, gender equality, good health and well-being, clean water, and sustainable communities.
Investing in Africa’s Future Leaders
Africa has one of the world’s youngest populations, making investments in youth leadership increasingly important for the continent’s long-term development.
As governments, businesses, and civil society organisations seek innovative solutions to persistent development challenges, programmes that strengthen the capacity of young leaders are becoming an essential part of sustainable development strategies.
By providing mentorship, leadership training, and access to a wider community of changemakers, the AGFUND Development Programme seeks to ensure that promising youth-led initiatives are not only sustained but also positioned to create greater social impact.
For Diana Award recipients already working to improve lives within their communities, the programme presents an opportunity to deepen their leadership skills, strengthen their organisations, and expand the reach of their work across Africa.
Application Process
Interested Candidate should APPLY HERE
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