Apply for the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 - a fully funded 12-month leadership fellowship for 10 young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa (ages 18 - 35), run by the AFS Youth Assembly with support from the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation.
Selected leaders receive virtual training, travel to the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland (August 2027), the Effect+ in the Community intensive workshop, seed funding for a local impact project, and six months of mentorship.
Applications close on 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Applications are reviewed first come, first served - apply early because Swiss visas can take months. This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official AFS Youth Assembly call. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organiser | AFS Youth Assembly (supported by Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation) |
| Host Landmark | Jet d’Eau & Lake Geneva, Switzerland 🇨🇭 |
| Places | 10 young African leaders |
| Duration | 12 months, fully funded |
| In-person event | AFS Youth Assembly, Geneva - August 2027 |
| Who | Ages 18 - 35 from Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Deadline | 19 November 2026, 23:59 UTC |
| Official Gateway | Official application form · AFS Youth Assembly call |
Program Benefits
- Fully funded 12-month scholarship covering all listed programme elements
- Travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva (August 2027)
- Enrollment in the virtual AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC)
- Pre - Youth Assembly preparation workshops
- Participation in the Effect+ in the Community intensive workshop in Switzerland
- Seed funding to launch a personal impact project after returning home
- Six months of mentorship and support from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network
- Formal recognition as a Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leader at the Assembly closing ceremony
What You Commit To
- Attend the Youth Assembly in Geneva in person in August 2027
- After returning home, replicate the Effect+ in the Community workshop for at least 100 young people in your community
- Carry out a six-month impact project using the seed funding, with mentorship support
Eligibility
- Aged 18 - 35
- National or resident of a Sub-Saharan African country
- Demonstrable leadership qualities or a proven leadership track record
- Potential for personal and professional growth
- Hold an unexpired passport
- Leading a social impact project related to the SDGs (preferred)
- Able to attend the Youth Assembly in Geneva in person in August 2027
- Intermediate English proficiency
- Demonstrable interest in global affairs, sustainable development, and youth issues
How to Apply
- Read the full call on the official AFS Youth Assembly page.
- Confirm your passport is valid well beyond August 2027.
- Prepare a clear description of your leadership / SDG-linked impact work (in your own words - AI-written narratives are strongly discouraged).
- Submit via the official application form as early as possible, and before 19 November 2026, 23:59 UTC.
Early application is strongly encouraged: review is first come, first served, and Swiss visa processing can take several months. The previous edition received almost 6,000 applications for 10 places.
Official Links
AFS Youth Assembly - 2027 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2027 (Fully Funded)
- CODESRIA Research Grants on University Ecosystems 2027
- United Nations DPoA MTR Journalism Fellowship 2027 (Fully-funded)
- Global Leadership Dialogue 2027
- Browse all Fellowships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the application deadline?
19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Apply early - applications are reviewed first come, first served.
Is the programme fully funded?
Yes. It covers programme elements including travel and accommodation for the Geneva Youth Assembly, plus seed funding and mentorship for your follow-on project.
Who can apply?
Young leaders aged 18 - 35 from Sub-Saharan Africa with leadership experience (or clear potential), intermediate English, a valid passport, and availability for Geneva in August 2027.
Where does the in-person part take place?
At the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027 (typically 700 - 900 participants from 100+ countries).
Where do I apply?
Through the form linked from the official call: forms.gle/VEYy2UHv22nHGDbBA.
