African Union Opens Applications for Continental Youth Training Programme 2026 (Fully Funded – Addis Ababa)

The African Union Commission (AUC) has officially opened applications for the African Union Continental Capacity Building Training Programme for Youth on Democratic Governance, Elections, and Pan-African Leadership. The training will take place in April 2026 at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Eligible youth from AU Member States are invited to apply before the deadline of 21 February 2026 at 11:55 PM (GMT+3).

This fully funded continental programme is led by the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) through the African Governance Architecture – African Peace and Security Architecture (AGA–APSA) Secretariat.

About the AU Youth Capacity Building Programme

The initiative is aligned with Agenda 2063, particularly Aspiration 6, which promotes a people-driven Africa powered by its women and youth. It also reflects the 2026 thematic priority of Youth Inclusion and Mainstreaming under PAPS.

The programme aims to strengthen meaningful youth participation in democratic governance, electoral processes, and leadership spaces across Africa.

Participants will receive advanced training in:

• Democratic governance and elections

• Civic engagement and advocacy

• Pan-African leadership

• African Union Shared Values frameworks

• The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG)

The training is designed to equip young leaders with practical tools to influence governance processes at community, national, and regional levels.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to youth from African Union Member States who meet the following criteria:

• Aged between 18 and 35 years at the time of application

• Affiliated with youth-led or youth-focused organizations

• Actively engaged in governance, elections, youth participation, peace and security, or related fields

• Representatives of civil society, national institutions, or agencies working on democracy and governance

• Able to commit to attending the full duration of the training

• Willing to replicate or cascade the training within their communities

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Selection Criteria

The African Union Commission will select participants based on:

• Quality and clarity of motivation

• Demonstrated experience in democratic governance or youth participation

• Feasibility and potential impact of replicating the training

• Regional representation and gender balance

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Funding Coverage

The programme is fully funded by the African Union Commission.

Selected participants will receive:

• International travel support

• Visa assistance

• Accommodation

• Full participation coverage

There is no application fee.

Application Deadline

Deadline: Saturday, 21 February 2026
Time: 11:55 PM (Addis Ababa Time, GMT+3)

Applicants must complete the official application form and send their CV to:
[email protected]

Official Notification

Why This Opportunity Matters

Youth inclusion is no longer a side conversation in Africa’s governance agenda. Through this continental training, the African Union is building a structured pathway for young leaders to engage directly with democratic systems and policy processes.

For young Africans working in governance, elections, civic engagement, or peacebuilding, this programme offers high-level exposure at the heart of continental decision-making.

April 2026 in Addis Ababa could be a defining moment for the next generation of African leaders.

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