Africa CDC Opens Fully Funded Youth Pre-Conference 2026
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has opened applications for the 2026 Youth Pre-Conference (YPC 2026).
Young Africans are being invited to play a direct role in shaping the continent’s public health and health security agenda.
The two-day youth gathering will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 21–22, 2026, immediately ahead of the 5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2026), scheduled for November 23–27.
Under the theme “Africa Ready for the Future of Health,” the programme will bring together young health professionals, students, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates, communicators and community leaders from across Africa.
What the Programme Is About
YPC 2026 is designed as more than a networking event. It will provide a platform for young Africans to exchange ideas, showcase their research and innovations, engage public health leaders and develop recommendations that can contribute to the discussions at CPHIA 2026.
The initiative is anchored on Africa CDC’s Health Security and Sovereignty agenda, with a focus on helping Africa move towards stronger, more resilient and locally driven health systems.
Participants will also contribute to the implementation of the YES!Health Strategy, Africa CDC’s framework for meaningful youth engagement and participation in global health.
Key Focus Areas
The 2026 Youth Pre-Conference will explore five major tracks:
- Digital Health, Research and Innovation
- Building Africa’s Public Health Workforce
- One Health, Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Local Manufacturing and Health Sovereignty
- Youth Leadership on Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV
The programme aims to connect emerging leaders with policymakers, researchers, public health institutions, innovators and other stakeholders who can help turn promising ideas into practical solutions.
What Selected Participants Will Gain
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:
- Join a pan-African network of young public health leaders.
- Engage directly with African public health policymakers, researchers and practitioners.
- Present or showcase their research, projects, innovations and community initiatives.
- Contribute to youth priorities and recommendations for CPHIA 2026.
- Participate in workshops, dialogues and interactive learning sessions.
- Build professional relationships with peers and institutions across African Union Member States.
- Attend both the Youth Pre-Conference and CPHIA 2026.
Fully Funded Sponsorship
A major attraction of the opportunity is the full sponsorship available to selected young delegates.
The sponsorship covers:
- Flight tickets
- Accommodation
- Meals
- CPHIA registration fee
This makes the programme particularly valuable for young African professionals and emerging leaders who may otherwise face financial barriers to participating in a major continental public health conference.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to young Africans who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be 18–35 years old at the time of application.
- Be a citizen of an African Union Member State.
- Be enrolled in at least an undergraduate programme or have relevant educational, professional or community experience in public health or related fields.
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to improving health through research, advocacy, innovation, community engagement, youth-led initiatives or professional practice.
- Be available to participate fully in YPC 2026 and CPHIA 2026.
- Be willing to contribute to peer learning and cultural exchange.
Relevant backgrounds include public health, medicine, nursing, environmental health, research, digital health, technology, health policy, communications and journalism, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, social sciences and other fields contributing to Africa’s health security and sovereignty.
Required Application Documents
Applicants will need to submit:
- A completed online application form.
- A CV of no more than two pages.
- A copy of their passport biodata page.
- Any additional information requested through the application form.
Applications may be submitted in English or French.
Application Deadline
Deadline: September 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EAT.
According to Africa CDC’s published timeline, selected applicants are expected to be contacted on October 2, 2026, while attendance confirmation will be due by October 9, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible young Africans should complete the official online application form and upload the required supporting documents before the deadline.
Apply for Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the official call and prospectus before submitting their applications to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and provide all required information.
The Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference has evolved into an important platform for youth participation in Africa’s health agenda. The 2026 edition offers emerging leaders an opportunity not only to gain exposure and build networks, but also to contribute directly to conversations around health security, innovation, workforce development, local manufacturing and health sovereignty.
With full sponsorship available for selected delegates and applications closing on September 13, 2026, eligible young Africans are encouraged to prepare and submit their applications early.
