Call for Applications: Catalyst Academy 2026 Youth Social Innovation Programme
The Catalyst Academy is inviting applications from young people across five African countries for its 2026 Youth Social Innovation Learning Programme.
This is an initiative designed to equip aspiring changemakers with the practical skills, mentorship and networks needed to develop solutions to pressing community challenges.
The programme targets young people interested in social entrepreneurship, community development and innovative approaches to social problems. It emphasises hands-on learning, collaboration and project development, enabling participants to move beyond ideas and work towards testing practical solutions that can create meaningful change.
According to available programme information, eligible applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and be citizens or residents of Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon or South Africa.
Benefits of the Programme
Selected participants will have opportunities to learn from experienced social innovators, collaborate with peers and develop projects that respond to real needs in their communities.
Key benefits include:
- Mentorship: Access to guidance from experienced social innovators in Africa and beyond.
- Peer learning: Participation in collaborative learning sessions designed to strengthen problem-solving, leadership and innovation skills.
- Practical project development: Opportunities to design and test pilot solutions to identified community challenges.
- Digital learning resources: Access to technology-enabled learning platforms and relevant educational materials.
- Cross-border collaboration: Opportunities to exchange ideas and work with young changemakers from other participating African countries.
- Networking: Connections with the wider social innovation community and Catalyst Now network.
The programme is particularly relevant to young aspiring social entrepreneurs, community leaders seeking to expand their impact, young women facing barriers to entrepreneurship, persons with disabilities, and refugees or displaced young people pursuing opportunities to improve their communities.
Who Can Apply?
To be considered for the programme, applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be a citizen or resident of Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon or South Africa.
- Demonstrate an interest in social innovation, social entrepreneurship or community development.
- Be willing to participate in collaborative learning and practical project activities.
- Be prepared to commit approximately six to eight hours per week to programme activities.
Applicants should be ready to explain the community challenges they hope to address, their motivation for joining the programme and any relevant experience they have gained through volunteering, leadership, entrepreneurship or community initiatives.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is October 30, 2026.
Interested applicants are encouraged to begin the process early and provide clear, authentic responses that reflect their personal experiences, interests and proposed solutions.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can visit the Catalyst Academy application portal to review the requirements and complete the online application form.
Applicants should ensure that all required information is provided before submitting their applications.
Apply here: Catalyst Academy Youth Social Innovation Learning Programme 2026
Young people passionate about creating positive social change are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their skills, connect with fellow innovators and develop practical solutions to challenges affecting their communities.
