Young Changemakers Initiative 2026 African Futures Conference invites young Africans to share innovative ideas that can shape the continent’s future. Organised by the African Futures & Innovation programme at the Institute for Security Studies, the initiative highlights emerging leaders, innovators, researchers, creatives, and storytellers. Selected participants gain recognition at the African Futures Conference 2026, while five finalists receive the Young Changemakers Award and travel support to Pretoria. Applications close on July 26, 2026.
Programme Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Initiative / Leadership Recognition Program |
| Organising Body | African Futures & Innovation (AFI), Institute for Security Studies (ISS) |
| Mode | Hybrid |
| Duration | Refer to official website |
| Location or Platform | Pretoria, South Africa (Day 1) and Virtual (Day 2) |
| Last Date to Apply | July 26, 2026 |
About the Programme
The African Futures & Innovation programme focuses on exploring long-term development pathways, governance choices, technological transformation, and sustainable growth across Africa. Through the Young Changemakers Initiative 2026, the programme seeks to identify emerging voices capable of influencing conversations about the continent’s future.
Furthermore, the initiative forms part of the African Futures Conference 2026, scheduled for October 13–14, 2026. The conference will bring together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and development stakeholders to examine critical decisions shaping Africa’s future trajectory.
Notably, participants are encouraged to present future-oriented ideas related to governance, education, technology, climate action, peace and security, economic transformation, and social development. The programme therefore serves as a platform for young Africans to contribute meaningfully to continental dialogue and policy discussions.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Open to young Africans aged 18–35 years.
- Students from across Africa may apply.
- Researchers and young professionals are eligible.
- Entrepreneurs, innovators, activists, creatives, and storytellers may participate.
Experience & Other Conditions
- Community leaders are eligible.
- No previous experience in foresight is required.
- Applicants must submit an original contribution in an approved format.
Benefits & Funding
Selected participants receive visibility and engagement opportunities through the African Futures Conference 2026.
| Component | Amount or Detail |
|---|---|
| Top 20 Recognition | Selection as Young Changemakers 2026 |
| Award Opportunity | Five finalists receive the Young Changemakers Award |
| Travel Support | Travel assistance to attend the conference in Pretoria |
| Conference Engagement | Direct interaction with policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and participants |
| Presentation Opportunity | Top five finalists present their ideas during the conference |
Topics / Themes Covered
- Governance
- Education
- Technology
- Climate Action
- Economic Transformation
- Peace and Security
- Social Development
- Africa’s Future and Long-Term Development Choices
Selection Process
- Evaluation of submitted entries by a panel of experts.
- Assessment of originality and creativity.
- Review of relevance to Africa’s future.
- Evaluation of long-term and futures-oriented thinking.
- Assessment of leadership potential and commitment to positive change.
- Review of storytelling quality and presentation.
- Selection of the Top 20 Young Changemakers.
- Final selection of five award recipients.
How to Apply
- Prepare your submission in one of the approved formats:
- Written submission (maximum 1,500 words)
- Video submission (3–5 minutes)
- Audio/Podcast submission (3–5 minutes)
- Create a title for your submission.
- Prepare a short abstract of up to 250 words.
- Write a short biography and supporting information.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit all required materials before July 26, 2026.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | June 17, 2026 |
| Application Start Date | Open |
| Last Date to Apply | July 26, 2026 |
| African Futures Conference 2026 | October 13–14, 2026 |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Official application form |
FAQs
Who can apply for the Young Changemakers Initiative 2026 African Futures Conference?
Young Africans aged 18–35, including students, researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, activists, creatives, storytellers, and community leaders, are eligible to apply.
What benefits do selected participants receive?
The Top 20 participants receive recognition, while five finalists receive the Young Changemakers Award and travel support to attend the conference in Pretoria.
How will applications be evaluated?
Experts assess originality, creativity, leadership potential, future-oriented thinking, impact potential, and storytelling quality.
What submission formats are accepted?
Applicants may submit a written entry, video, or audio/podcast submission within the specified limits.
What is the application deadline for the Young Changemakers Initiative 2026 African Futures Conference?
The final date for submitting applications is July 26, 2026.