Deadline: 26-Jul-2026
The African Futures & Innovation Programme of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is inviting applications for Young Changemakers 2026, giving young Africans aged 18–35 an opportunity to share innovative ideas about Africa’s future. Selected participants will contribute original perspectives on governance, education, technology, climate action, peace, and economic transformation at the African Futures Conference 2026, held in a hybrid format on 13–14 October 2026.
African Futures Young Changemakers 2026
What is African Futures Young Changemakers 2026?
The Young Changemakers 2026 initiative, organized by the African Futures & Innovation Programme of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), provides a platform for young Africans to influence conversations about the continent’s future.
The programme encourages participants to explore how today’s decisions will shape Africa’s development by 2050, while showcasing emerging leaders, innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, creatives, and community changemakers who are committed to building a more prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable continent.
Selected participants will have the opportunity to contribute to discussions during the African Futures Conference 2026.
Programme Theme
The Choices That Will Shape Africa’s Future
The 2026 theme encourages participants to examine the decisions and actions that will influence Africa’s long-term development.
Applicants are invited to present original ideas on how current choices can shape a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable Africa by 2050.
Priority Areas
Submissions may focus on one or more of the following themes:
Governance
- Democratic governance
- Public institutions
- Leadership
- Accountability
- Citizen participation
Education
- Skills development
- Future learning
- Innovation in education
- Youth empowerment
- Human capital development
Technology
- Digital transformation
- Artificial intelligence
- Innovation
- Emerging technologies
- Digital inclusion
Climate Action
- Climate resilience
- Environmental sustainability
- Renewable energy
- Natural resource management
- Climate adaptation
Economic Transformation
- Entrepreneurship
- Inclusive economic growth
- Job creation
- Industrial development
- Innovation-driven economies
Peace and Security
Social Development
- Gender equality
- Health
- Community development
- Social inclusion
- Youth participation
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be 18–35 years old.
- Be an African.
- Submit original work.
- Demonstrate interest in Africa’s future and long-term development.
The programme welcomes applications from:
- Students.
- Professionals.
- Entrepreneurs.
- Activists.
- Researchers.
- Creatives.
- Community leaders.
No prior experience in foresight or future studies is required.
Submission Formats
Applicants may submit their ideas in any of the following formats:
Written Submission
Essays, articles, opinion pieces, research summaries, or other written formats.
Video Submission
Original videos presenting ideas or storytelling related to Africa’s future.
Audio Submission
Podcasts, spoken-word presentations, interviews, or other audio recordings.
The initiative encourages creative and innovative communication.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Originality.
- Creativity.
- Long-term thinking.
- Relevance to Africa’s future.
- Potential impact.
- Leadership potential.
- Ability to inspire meaningful dialogue.
- Commitment to positive change.
Conference Overview
Selected Young Changemakers will participate in the African Futures Conference 2026.
Conference Details
- Dates: 13–14 October 2026
- Format: Hybrid
- In-person venue: CSIR, Pretoria
- Virtual participation: Available across Africa
The conference will bring together emerging leaders, experts, innovators, policymakers, and young changemakers to discuss Africa’s future.
Why This Programme Matters
Africa’s future will be shaped by decisions made today.
This initiative helps:
- Amplify youth voices.
- Promote innovative thinking.
- Encourage long-term planning.
- Strengthen leadership.
- Foster collaboration across Africa.
- Inspire future-focused solutions.
- Build networks among emerging changemakers.
- Support sustainable development across the continent.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you:
- Are between 18 and 35 years old.
- Are eligible to participate as a young African.
Step 2: Choose Your Topic
Select a topic related to one or more of the programme’s priority areas.
Step 3: Prepare Your Submission
Develop an original contribution in one of the accepted formats:
- Written.
- Video.
- Audio.
Step 4: Demonstrate Long-Term Thinking
Explain how today’s choices could influence Africa’s future by 2050.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Complete the application process and submit your work before the deadline.
Tips for a Strong Submission
Applicants should:
- Present original ideas.
- Focus on practical solutions.
- Demonstrate creativity.
- Support arguments with evidence where appropriate.
- Show leadership potential.
- Think beyond current challenges.
- Explain the long-term impact of proposed ideas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Submitting copied or previously published work.
- Focusing only on short-term issues.
- Providing unsupported opinions.
- Ignoring the programme theme.
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Choosing topics without clear relevance to Africa’s future.
- Missing submission deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Young Changemakers 2026?
It is an initiative of the African Futures & Innovation Programme that invites young Africans to share original ideas about the choices that will shape Africa’s future and contribute to discussions at the African Futures Conference 2026.
2. Who can apply?
Young Africans aged 18–35, including students, professionals, entrepreneurs, activists, researchers, creatives, and community leaders, are eligible to apply.
3. Is previous experience in foresight required?
No. Applicants are not required to have prior experience in foresight or future studies.
4. What topics can I address?
Submissions may focus on governance, education, technology, climate action, economic transformation, peace and security, social development, or other ideas aligned with the programme theme.
5. What submission formats are accepted?
Applicants may submit their ideas in written, video, or audio formats.
6. When and where is the conference?
The African Futures Conference 2026 will take place on 13–14 October 2026 in a hybrid format, with an in-person event at CSIR, Pretoria, and virtual participation available across Africa.
7. Why is this initiative important?
The programme empowers young Africans to influence conversations about the continent’s long-term development, encourages innovative thinking, promotes future-focused leadership, and creates opportunities for youth to contribute meaningful ideas that can help shape Africa’s path toward 2050.
Conclusion
The African Futures Young Changemakers 2026 initiative offers young Africans a unique opportunity to influence the continent’s future by sharing innovative ideas and participating in high-level discussions at the African Futures Conference 2026. By welcoming diverse voices and creative perspectives across governance, technology, climate action, education, peace, and economic development, the programme promotes long-term thinking and youth leadership. Young Africans with a vision for a stronger, more sustainable future are encouraged to submit original work and become part of the conversation shaping Africa’s journey toward 2050.
For more information, visit AFI.