ONYINYECHI NWAIGBA 
Young Africans with a passion for shaping policies, driving innovation, and influencing sustainable development across the continent have been invited to apply for the 2026 African Youth Co Creators Council, a new initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The council is designed to place young people at the centre of development conversations by creating a platform where they can contribute ideas, influence programmes, and work alongside UNDP in designing solutions that respond to Africa’s evolving social, economic, and environmental challenges. Applications are open until 31 July 2026.
The initiative reflects UNDP’s growing commitment to ensuring that Africa’s young population is not only consulted but actively involved in shaping development policies and programmes. With more than 60 percent of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the continent’s future will largely depend on how effectively young people are empowered to participate in decision making and innovation.
Giving Young Africans a Seat at the Table
Rather than treating young people as beneficiaries of development programmes, the African Youth Co Creators Council seeks to position them as partners in designing solutions.
Members of the council will work with UNDP’s Regional Service Centre for Africa, contributing fresh perspectives that can strengthen programmes focused on sustainable development, innovation, governance, climate action, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment.
The council will also serve as a platform for dialogue between young leaders and development practitioners, helping ensure that policies and programmes better reflect the realities and aspirations of African youth. Explore more
Who Can Apply?
According to UNDP, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 34 years old.
- Be a national of an African country and currently reside on the continent or in the diaspora.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable development and community impact.
- Have experience in youth leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, innovation, climate action, governance, digital technology, social development, or other relevant fields.
- Be willing to actively participate in council activities and collaborate with other young leaders across Africa.
UNDP is encouraging applications from individuals representing diverse backgrounds, regions, and experiences to ensure that the council reflects the richness and diversity of Africa’s youth population. Gender balance, inclusion of persons with disabilities, and representation from marginalised communities are also expected to be considered during the selection process.
What Council Members Will Do
Successful applicants will serve as strategic youth advisers, helping UNDP strengthen its engagement with young people across Africa.
Their responsibilities will include:
- Providing strategic advice on youth focused policies and programmes.
- Sharing insights on emerging development challenges affecting young Africans.
- Promoting innovation and youth participation in sustainable development initiatives.
- Engaging with UNDP and development partners through consultations and collaborative activities.
- Amplifying youth voices in regional and continental conversations on development.
By creating direct engagement between young leaders and development institutions, the council aims to ensure that youth perspectives are reflected in programme design and implementation.
Selection Process
Applications will remain open until 31 July 2026.
Following the deadline, UNDP Country Offices across Africa will support the preparation of a longlist of qualified candidates. The Regional Service Centre for Africa will then develop a shortlist that reflects regional diversity, gender balance, and inclusion.
Shortlisted candidates will participate in interviews conducted by a panel comprising representatives from the Regional Service Centre, UNDP Country Offices, and development partners.
Successful applicants will be formally notified after the selection process.
Why the Council Matters
Across Africa, young people continue to drive innovation in sectors ranging from agriculture and financial technology to climate resilience, healthcare, education, and civic engagement.
However, despite their growing contributions, many young Africans remain underrepresented in policy discussions and institutional decision making.
The African Youth Co Creators Council represents an effort to bridge this gap by creating structured opportunities for youth participation within one of the world’s leading development organisations.
The initiative also recognises that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires meaningful partnerships with the generation that will inherit the outcomes of today’s development decisions.
Supporting Sustainable Development Across Africa
The council aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
By integrating youth perspectives into programme development, UNDP hopes to design more inclusive, responsive, and innovative solutions that address the continent’s evolving needs.
As Africa continues to experience rapid demographic growth, initiatives that strengthen youth leadership and civic participation are increasingly viewed as essential to achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
Interested applicants are encouraged to complete their applications before the 31 July 2026 deadline. APPLY HERE
[give_form id="20698"]
