Apply For The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Fellowship 2027 (Fully Funded)
Applications are now open for the 2027 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Fellowship.
This is a 12-month fully funded leadership development programme designed to empower outstanding young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Supported by the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation and implemented through the AFS Youth Assembly, the fellowship seeks to equip emerging African leaders with the skills, resources, international exposure and funding needed to drive sustainable development and create meaningful impact in their communities.
The programme will select 10 young African leaders for an intensive development experience combining virtual training, international networking, leadership workshops and community-based impact projects.
Selected fellows will participate in the AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC) programme, attend preparatory workshops and travel to Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027, for the AFS Youth Assembly and the intensive “Effect+ in the Community” workshop.
Beyond the international experience, participants will receive seed funding and mentorship to develop or strengthen social impact projects in their home countries.
What the Fellowship Offers
Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Fully funded international participation: Travel and accommodation support to attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027.
- Global Competence Certificate: Enrolment in the virtual AFS Global Competence Certificate programme to develop intercultural communication, leadership and collaboration skills.
- Leadership preparation workshops: Participation in preparatory sessions ahead of the international gathering.
- AFS Youth Assembly 2027: An opportunity to engage with young leaders and changemakers from different countries and exchange ideas on global challenges.
- Effect+ in the Community workshop: Intensive training designed to help participants develop practical community engagement and changemaking skills.
- Seed funding and mentorship: Financial support, guidance and mentorship to implement a social impact project in their communities.
- International recognition and networking: Recognition as a Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leader and access to a wider network of emerging leaders.
Following the international programme, fellows will be expected to organise the Effect+ in the Community workshop for at least 100 young people in their respective communities. They will also implement their impact projects with mentorship and support over a six-month period.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Requirements)
The fellowship is open to young leaders from Sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria, who demonstrate a commitment to community development, leadership and sustainable change.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be a citizen or resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Demonstrate strong leadership qualities or a proven record of leadership experience.
- Show potential for personal and professional growth.
- Possess a valid, unexpired international passport.
- Demonstrate an interest in global affairs, sustainable development and youth-related issues.
- Have intermediate-level English proficiency.
- Be available to attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in person in August 2027.
Applicants who are already leading social impact projects connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be given preference.
How to Apply for the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Fellowship 2027
Interested and qualified applicants can follow these steps:
- Visit the official fellowship page: Access the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Fellowship announcement through the AFS Youth Assembly website.
- Review the eligibility requirements: Carefully read the programme guidelines to understand the selection criteria, expectations and fellowship benefits.
- Complete the application form: Provide the required personal information, leadership experience, community involvement and details of your social impact activities.
- Describe your impact: Explain the problem you are addressing in your community, the work you have undertaken and how the fellowship will help you expand your impact.
- Submit your application: Review your responses and submit the completed application through the official fellowship application form before the deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to present authentic examples of their leadership experience and community contributions. The organisers strongly discourage the use of AI to write the narrative sections of the application.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2027 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Fellowship is November 19, 2026, at 23:59 UTC.
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, making early submission advisable.
Programme Duration: 12 months.
Number of Fellows: 10 young African leaders.
Programme Location: Virtual and Geneva, Switzerland.
International Programme: August 2027.
Funding: Fully funded, including travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly.
Official Application Page: https://www.afs.org/youth-assembly/sir-cyril-taylor-young-african-leaders-program/
