Ashoka Young Changemakers Programme 2026/2027 Opens for Young Nigerians
Applications are now open for the Ashoka Young Changemakers Programme 2026/2027.
This is an international youth leadership and social innovation initiative seeking young Nigerians who are developing innovative solutions to societal and environmental challenges.
Organised by Ashoka, through its Anglophone West Africa office, the programme aims to identify, recognise and support young people who are already creating meaningful change in their communities.
The initiative provides an opportunity for young social innovators to join a global network of changemakers, receive mentorship, strengthen their leadership abilities and collaborate with influential individuals across different sectors.
The programme is built around Ashoka’s global Everyone a Changemaker movement, which encourages individuals to develop the confidence and ability to address problems and inspire positive change in society.
Unlike conventional youth leadership programmes, Ashoka seeks applicants who have already developed and implemented original ideas to solve real-world problems and are actively involving others in their initiatives.
Areas of Focus
The programme welcomes young Nigerians working on social impact initiatives across different sectors, including:
Climate action and environmental sustainability.
Healthcare and public health.
Education and learning.
Gender equality and inclusion.
Diversity, equity and inclusion.
Minority rights.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Agriculture and food security.
Economic sustainability.
Social entrepreneurship and community development.
Young people whose initiatives address other pressing societal challenges may also be considered, provided their work demonstrates meaningful social impact.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Ashoka Young Changemakers Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Age: Must be under 21 years old. Candidates must not be above 20 by December of the year of nomination.
Nationality: Must be a Nigerian citizen.
Residency: Must currently reside in Nigeria.
Demonstrated Initiative: Must have developed and launched an original idea addressing a social or environmental problem.
Team Leadership: Must have built a team around the initiative and demonstrated the ability to inspire others to participate in creating change.
Community Impact: Must have contributed to improving people’s lives or the environment through their initiative.
Commitment: Must be willing to contribute to Ashoka’s global Everyone a Changemaker movement.
Applicants should have evidence of an existing initiative rather than simply presenting an idea they intend to implement in the future.
Benefits of the Programme
Selected young changemakers will gain access to several opportunities designed to strengthen their leadership and social impact activities.
Key benefits include:
1. Global Networking: Membership in a select international network of young changemakers and social entrepreneurs from different countries.
2. Mentorship and Guidance: Access to mentorship and support from experienced social entrepreneurs and other influential leaders.
3. Leadership Development: Invitations to community events, leadership development activities and peer-learning sessions.
4. Media Exposure: Opportunities to have their initiatives and personal stories featured in recognised media outlets and other public platforms.
5. Collaboration Opportunities: Opportunities to connect and collaborate with influential individuals across government, business, education, media and philanthropy.
6. Social Impact Support: Access to resources, networks and strategic relationships that can help participants strengthen their initiatives and encourage more young people to become changemakers.
How the Selection Process Works
The Ashoka Young Changemakers Programme has a four-stage selection process:
– Stage 1 – Online Nomination and Screening: Interested candidates can nominate themselves or be nominated by another person through the online nomination form.
– Stage 2 – National Review: Shortlisted candidates interact with the Ashoka team in Nigeria to discuss their initiatives, leadership experiences and potential contributions to the programme.
– Stage 3 – International Review: Candidates engage with senior Ashoka representatives and young changemakers from its global network.
– Stage 4 – Selection Panel: Final candidates participate in an in-person or virtual selection panel involving social entrepreneurs, journalists and other influential leaders.
Successful candidates will be selected to join the Ashoka Young Changemakers community.
Is the Programme Fully Funded?
Although some opportunity listings describe the initiative as fully funded, Ashoka’s official programme information does not advertise a cash award, monthly stipend or general-purpose grant.
However, participation and application are free, and reimbursements are available to candidates for selection-panel-related expenses, including domestic transportation, accommodation and meals. Candidates may also bring a parent or adult ally during the panel visit.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible young Nigerians can nominate themselves or another young person through Ashoka’s official online nomination portal.
Applicants should provide relevant information about their social impact initiatives, the problems they are addressing, the teams they have built and the positive changes their work has achieved.
Nominations are accepted throughout the year. There is currently no fixed application deadline published for the Nigerian programme. Submitting a nomination expresses interest in being considered for upcoming selection panels; it does not automatically guarantee selection.
Application Deadline: Rolling nominations – no fixed deadline announced.
Nominate Yourself or Another Young Changemaker: Apply through Ashoka’s Official Nomination Portal.
Official Programme Details: Visit Ashoka Young Changemakers Programme.
