Apply for the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference 2026 (YPC 2026) - a fully funded pan-African youth platform in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, shaping Africa's public health future ahead of CPHIA 2026. Selected young delegates receive full sponsorship (flights, accommodation, meals, and CPHIA registration) to attend YPC on 21 - 22 November 2026 and continue into the 5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (23 - 27 November 2026). Applications close 13 September 2026 at 17:00 EAT.
YPC 2026 is anchored in Africa CDC's Health Security and Sovereignty agenda, connecting young health professionals, students, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates, and community leaders with Africa's public health leadership.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official Africa CDC announcement. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Africa CDC YPC 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference (YPC 2026) |
| Organiser | Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) |
| Location | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| YPC dates | 21 - 22 November 2026 |
| CPHIA 2026 | 23 - 27 November 2026 (selected delegates continue) |
| Sponsorship | Fully funded - flights, accommodation, meals, CPHIA registration |
| Opens | 31 August 2026 |
| Deadline | 13 September 2026, 17:00 EAT |
| Selection notified | 2 October 2026 |
| Who | Young Africans aged 18 - 35 from AU Member States |
| Official page | africacdc.org - YPC 2026 call |
| Apply | Official Google Form application |
What Is YPC 2026?
The Youth Pre-Conference is Africa CDC's official youth platform held annually ahead of CPHIA. YPC 2026 brings young Africans together to exchange ideas, showcase solutions, build relationships, and develop youth priorities that feed into CPHIA 2026.
The 2026 edition focuses on turning health sovereignty from ambition into action - who will lead, what Africa will build, and how young people can strengthen resilient, self-reliant health systems across the continent.
Five Tracks - YPC 2026
- 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
Benefits for Selected Delegates
- Full sponsorship - return flights, accommodation, and meals
- CPHIA 2026 registration fee covered for selected delegates
- Participate in YPC 2026 (21 - 22 November) and continue into CPHIA 2026 (23 - 27 November)
- Engage African public health leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators
- Showcase your work, research, ideas, or community experience
- Build relationships with peers from across African Union Member States
- Influence youth priorities and recommendations feeding into CPHIA 2026
- Join a pan-African community shaping the next chapter of public health on the continent
Who Can Apply
- Aged 18 - 35 years at time of application
- Citizen of an African Union Member State
- Enrolled in at least an undergraduate programme, or have relevant educational, professional, or community experience in public health or related fields
- Relevant fields include public health, medicine, nursing, community/environmental health, research, digital health, health policy, communications, journalism, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, social sciences, and related disciplines
- Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to improving health through research, advocacy, innovation, community engagement, or professional practice
- Available to participate fully in YPC 2026 and CPHIA 2026
- Willing to contribute to peer exchange and the cultural life of the Youth Pre-Conference
Applications may be submitted in English or French.
How to Apply
- Read the official announcement on Africa CDC and the detailed call for applications (prospectus).
- Prepare a CV (maximum two pages) and scan of your passport biodata page.
- Complete the official online application form before 13 September 2026, 17:00 East Africa Time (EAT).
- If selected, confirm attendance by 9 October 2026.
Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum vitae (CV), maximum two pages
- Passport biodata page
- Any additional information requested in the application form
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 31 August 2026 |
| Application deadline | 13 September 2026, 17:00 EAT |
| Selected applicants contacted | 2 October 2026 |
| Attendance confirmation deadline | 9 October 2026 |
| YPC 2026 (Addis Ababa) | 21 - 22 November 2026 |
| CPHIA 2026 | 23 - 27 November 2026 |
Official Links
Official announcement - Africa CDC
Detailed call for applications (prospectus)
Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference programme page
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- WHO Global Youth Competition 2026
- GMHAC Scholarship 2027 Kenya
- Ashinaga Africa Initiative 2027
- University of Michigan UMAPS 2027 - 2028
- Browse all conferences
FAQs - Africa CDC YPC 2026
Is it fully funded?
Yes. Selected participants receive full sponsorship covering flights, accommodation, meals, and CPHIA 2026 registration.
When is the deadline?
13 September 2026 at 17:00 East Africa Time (EAT) - equivalent to 14:00 UTC.
Who can apply?
Young Africans aged 18 - 35 who are citizens of African Union Member States with relevant health or related experience.
Where is the event?
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - YPC runs 21 - 22 November 2026, followed by CPHIA 2026.
Can I apply in French?
Yes. Applications may be submitted in English or French.
When will I hear back?
Selected applicants will be contacted on 2 October 2026.
