The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has opened applications for the inaugural African Youth Co-Creators Council 2026, inviting young leaders from across Africa and the African diaspora to help shape youth-centered development initiatives across the continent. The program seeks to recruit 11 exceptional young Africans who will serve on a two-year advisory council, working directly with UNDP teams to influence policies, programs and solutions that address the needs and aspirations of Africa's youth. Applications close on 31 July 2026.
The council has been established by the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA) in recognition of the vital role young people play in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, governance and sustainable development. With more than 60 percent of Africa's population under the age of 25, the initiative aims to ensure that young Africans are not only beneficiaries of development programs but active partners in designing and implementing them.
According to UNDP, council members will collaborate with teams based in Addis Ababa, Dakar, Nairobi and Pretoria, while also engaging with UNDP Country Offices across 46 African countries. Their work will contribute to the organization's new Africa Youth Portfolio, helping shape projects from the design stage through implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
"Africa is the youngest continent in the world. More than 60 percent of its population is under 25, and its 226 million young people are already leading building enterprises, running campaigns, developing technology and holding institutions to account," UNDP said while announcing the program.
The council will operate under what UNDP describes as a "Triple-A Strategy" Advise, Anticipate and Amplify. Members will advise on the design and delivery of youth-focused programs, anticipate emerging trends and challenges affecting young Africans, and amplify youth voices by promoting innovative ideas and strengthening leadership within their communities. The initiative is expected to provide a platform for meaningful youth participation in regional development discussions.
Council members will participate in virtual consultations, policy dialogues and collaborative workshops with development partners, including the African Union Commission and Regional Economic Communities. They will also identify successful youth-led initiatives that could be expanded across the continent and contribute to a final report highlighting emerging youth priorities and opportunities for Africa's development agenda.
Participation in the council is voluntary, but UNDP will cover reasonable costs associated with official council activities, including travel, accommodation, meals and digital communication expenses for required meetings. Most engagements will be held virtually, with selected in-person events such as onboarding sessions, mid-term reviews and the closing ceremony. Members are expected to participate in at least 75 percent of council activities throughout the two-year term.
Eligible applicants must be African nationals aged between 18 and 34, residing either on the continent or in the diaspora. UNDP is looking for individuals who have demonstrated leadership, innovation or community engagement in areas such as governance, climate action, peacebuilding, gender equality, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, mental health, systems thinking, poverty reduction or the green, blue and orange economies. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to inclusive development and youth empowerment.
Applicants who have previously served on a UN Youth Advisory Council or similar advisory body established by another development partner are not eligible, as the initiative aims to introduce fresh perspectives into UNDP's work. Candidates must also possess strong written and spoken English and be willing to serve in a personal, non-political capacity. Selection will prioritize gender balance, regional representation and inclusion of young people with disabilities, those from rural communities and diverse linguistic backgrounds.
"The Council will help shape youth-centered solutions, champion young voices and transform Africa's future,"
UNDP said, encouraging young innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers to submit their applications before the deadline.
The selection process will involve a longlisting exercise supported by UNDP Country Offices, followed by shortlisting and interviews conducted by a panel comprising representatives from the Regional Service Centre for Africa, Country Offices and development partners. Successful applicants will be formally notified after the evaluation process is completed.
The launch of the African Youth Co-Creators Council reflects a growing emphasis on youth participation in decision-making as African countries continue to address challenges related to employment, innovation, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth. By bringing together emerging leaders from across the continent and the diaspora, UNDP aims to ensure that young Africans play a central role in shaping development solutions that respond to the realities of their generation. Applications remain open until 31 July 2026.