Fully Funded Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 | 12-Month Fellowship for Young Africans
Fully Funded Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 | 12-Month Fellowship for Young Africans. The AFS Youth Assembly is accepting applications for the 2027 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program, a fully funded 12-month leadership development fellowship supporting young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Organised with grant support from the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, the programme will select 10 young African leaders aged 18–35 who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to advancing sustainable development in their communities.
Selected participants will receive leadership training, international exposure, mentorship, seed funding for community impact projects and fully funded participation in the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027.
The programme is designed for young people who want to strengthen their leadership skills, connect with an international network and create meaningful community impact.
Key details
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 |
| Organiser | AFS Youth Assembly |
| Funding partner | Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation |
| Opportunity type | Fully funded leadership fellowship |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Number of participants | 10 young African leaders |
| Eligible region | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Eligible age | 18–35 years |
| Main international event | AFS Youth Assembly |
| Event location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Event date | August 2027 |
| Funding | Programme participation, travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly, seed funding and mentorship |
| Leadership training | Virtual and in-person |
| Community impact requirement | Conduct an Effect+ workshop for at least 100 young people |
| Project support | Six months of mentorship and support |
| Application deadline | November 19, 2026, at 23:59 UTC |
| Application method | Online application |
About the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program
Fully Funded Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 | 12-Month Fellowship for Young Africans
The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program is a leadership development initiative designed to support young African changemakers who are committed to advancing sustainable development.
The programme is organised by the AFS Youth Assembly with grant support from the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation.
It provides selected participants with opportunities to develop leadership and intercultural competencies, connect with international peers, participate in global discussions and strengthen their ability to implement community-based initiatives.
The 2027 edition is the programme’s third edition.
The initiative aims to support young leaders who have the potential to create positive change in their communities and contribute to sustainable development across Africa.
The programme combines virtual learning, international participation, community training, project implementation and mentorship.
What the programme offers
The fellowship provides a combination of leadership development, international exposure and practical support for community impact.
1. Fully funded 12-month leadership fellowship
Selected participants will take part in a 12-month programme covering the listed fellowship activities.
The programme provides leadership development and practical learning opportunities intended to strengthen participants’ capacity to advance sustainable development in their communities.
2. AFS Global Competence Certificate
Participants will enrol in the AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC) Programme.
The virtual programme takes place before the Youth Assembly and is designed to build intercultural competencies essential for community impact.
Participants will develop skills relevant to working with people from different cultural backgrounds and engaging in international collaboration.
3. Pre-Youth Assembly preparation workshops
Selected leaders will participate in preparation workshops before attending the AFS Youth Assembly.
These workshops are intended to help participants prepare for the international experience and make the most of the programme’s activities.
4. Fully funded participation in the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva
Participants will attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027.
The programme covers travel and accommodation for participation in the Youth Assembly.
The Assembly brings together young leaders, changemakers and other participants from around the world to engage in exchange, education, action and impact.
The event provides opportunities to connect with peers, learn from different perspectives and develop international networks.
Selected Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders will also receive special recognition at the Youth Assembly’s Closing Ceremony.
5. Effect+ in the Community intensive workshop
Participants will take part in the Effect+ in the Community intensive workshop in Switzerland in August 2027.
The workshop focuses on building changemaking skills and a scalable framework for community training.
After returning home, selected leaders will be expected to replicate the Effect+ workshop for at least 100 young people in their local communities.
This commitment is designed to extend the programme’s benefits beyond the selected participants and support broader community engagement.
6. Seed funding for community impact projects
Fully Funded Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 | 12-Month Fellowship for Young Africans
Following the Youth Assembly, participants will initiate their own community impact projects using seed funding provided through the programme.
The projects should contribute to sustainable development and create meaningful impact in participants’ communities.
The official announcement does not specify the individual seed funding amount.
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming a particular financial award before receiving confirmation from the programme organisers.
7. Six months of mentorship and project support
Participants will work on their impact projects for six months after returning home.
During this period, they will receive mentorship and support from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network.
The mentorship is intended to help participants develop and implement their projects and strengthen their community impact.
8. Recognition as a Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leader
Selected participants will be formally recognised as Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders.
They will join a growing community of young leaders committed to sustainable development and positive change across their communities.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to young changemakers from Sub-Saharan African countries who demonstrate leadership qualities, potential for growth and an interest in sustainable development.
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements.
Age requirement
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
African country requirement
Applicants must come from a Sub-Saharan African country.
The programme is intended to support young leaders from the region who are committed to creating positive change in their communities.
Leadership experience
Applicants must demonstrate leadership qualities or a proven track record of leadership experience.
Leadership experience may include community initiatives, youth development activities, social impact projects or other relevant activities demonstrating the ability to take initiative and work toward meaningful change.
Potential for personal and professional growth
Applicants should demonstrate potential for personal and professional development.
The programme seeks young leaders who are willing to learn, strengthen their skills and apply their knowledge to community development.
Valid passport
Applicants must have an unexpired passport.
Because the programme includes international travel to Switzerland in August 2027, applicants should ensure that their travel documents are valid and allow sufficient time for visa processing.
Sustainable development project
Applicants who are leading a social impact project related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are particularly encouraged to apply.
Having an SDG-related project is listed as a preferred qualification rather than a mandatory requirement.
English proficiency
Applicants must be proficient in English at an intermediate level.
English proficiency is important for participation in the programme’s learning activities, workshops and international engagement.
Interest in global affairs and youth issues
Applicants should demonstrate an interest in:
- Global affairs
- Sustainable development
- Youth issues
- Community development
- Social impact
- International collaboration
What kind of leaders should apply?
The programme is particularly relevant to young people who are actively involved in community development or who have demonstrated the potential to become effective leaders.
Potential applicants may include:
- Youth leaders
- Community organisers
- Social entrepreneurs
- Sustainable development advocates
- Young professionals
- Youth development practitioners
- Community project coordinators
- Emerging leaders working on social impact initiatives
Applicants with existing community projects related to sustainable development may be especially well positioned to explain their leadership experience and the impact they want to achieve.
However, applicants should review the official eligibility criteria carefully and ensure that they meet the age, regional, passport, English-language and participation requirements.
Programme commitments
The fellowship includes several activities that participants must be prepared to complete.
Participate in the 12-month programme
Fully Funded Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 | 12-Month Fellowship for Young Africans
Selected leaders are expected to participate in the programme’s virtual learning, preparation workshops, international activities and community impact components.
Attend the AFS Youth Assembly in person
Participants must be able to attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027.
This is an important requirement because the programme includes in-person international participation.
Train at least 100 young people
After returning home, participants are expected to replicate the Effect+ in the Community workshop for at least 100 young people in their local communities.
Applicants should consider whether they have the capacity and community connections to fulfil this commitment.
Implement a six-month impact project
Participants will initiate and work on a community impact project using the seed funding provided.
The project will be supported through six months of mentorship from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network.
Applicants should be prepared to develop an idea that is realistic, relevant to their community and aligned with sustainable development.
How to prepare a strong application
The programme seeks applicants who demonstrate genuine leadership experience, potential for growth and commitment to sustainable development.
The following preparation steps may help applicants organise their applications.
1. Identify your leadership experience
Prepare a clear description of your leadership activities.
Consider:
- What community or social challenge have you worked on?
- What initiative did you lead or support?
- Who benefited from your work?
- What responsibilities did you personally undertake?
- What did you learn from the experience?
Focus on your actual contribution rather than simply describing the organisation or project.
2. Explain your community impact
Applicants should be prepared to explain how their leadership activities have contributed to positive change.
Where possible, describe concrete outcomes, such as people reached, activities implemented or improvements achieved.
Avoid making claims that cannot be supported by your experience.
3. Identify an SDG-related project
If you are already leading a social impact project, explain how it relates to sustainable development.
If you are developing a new initiative, consider a project that responds to a genuine community need and can be implemented realistically.
The programme does not publish a specific seed funding amount in its announcement, so applicants should develop project plans without assuming a particular budget.
4. Prepare for the community workshop commitment
The requirement to replicate the Effect+ workshop for at least 100 young people is an important part of the programme.
Applicants should consider:
- The community they would work with
- How they could reach young people
- Potential community partners
- A realistic approach to delivering the workshop
- How they would organise the activity after returning from Geneva
5. Check your passport and travel readiness
Applicants must have an unexpired passport and be available to attend the Youth Assembly in Switzerland in August 2027.
The organisers encourage early applications because visa processing can take several months.
Applicants should review the relevant travel and visa requirements and allow sufficient time for the process.
6. Write your application narrative independently
The official programme announcement strongly discourages the use of artificial intelligence to write application narratives.
Applicants should prepare their own responses in their own words, reflecting their genuine experiences, motivations and community work.
The application should accurately represent the applicant’s leadership experience and personal goals.
How to apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official online application form.
Step 1: Read the official programme announcement
Review the eligibility requirements, programme benefits, activities and commitments.
Step 2: Confirm your eligibility
Check that you:
- Are aged 18–35
- Come from a Sub-Saharan African country
- Demonstrate leadership qualities or leadership experience
- Hold an unexpired passport
- Have intermediate English proficiency
- Can attend the Youth Assembly in Geneva in August 2027
- Demonstrate an interest in global affairs, sustainable development and youth issues
Step 3: Prepare your leadership and impact information
Prepare a description of your leadership experience and any relevant community impact projects.
If you are leading an SDG-related initiative, explain the project, its objectives, your role and the community it serves.
Use your own words and ensure that your information is accurate.
Step 4: Submit the online application
Complete the official application form.
Applicants should review their responses carefully before submitting.
Step 5: Apply early
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The organisers encourage early applications because visa processing can take several months.
Application deadline
The application deadline is:
November 19, 2026, at 23:59 UTC
Applicants are encouraged to submit early rather than wait until the final day.
The programme will select 10 young African leaders for the 2027 cohort.
Important application notes
- The programme is for young leaders aged 18–35 from Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Applicants must have an unexpired passport.
- Applicants must be able to attend the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva in August 2027.
- Leading an SDG-related social impact project is preferred.
- Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Early applications are encouraged because visa processing can take several months.
- The organisers strongly discourage the use of AI to write application narratives.
- The programme includes a commitment to train at least 100 young people after returning home.
- Participants are expected to implement a six-month impact project with mentorship support.
Frequently asked questions
Fully Funded Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 | 12-Month Fellowship for Young Africans
Is the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 fully funded?
Yes. The programme is described as fully funded and covers the listed programme elements. Travel and accommodation for participation in the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva are covered.
The programme also includes virtual learning, preparation workshops, the Effect+ workshop, seed funding and mentorship for community impact projects.
The official announcement does not specify the individual seed funding amount.
How long is the fellowship?
The programme lasts 12 months.
Who can apply?
Young people aged 18–35 from Sub-Saharan African countries who demonstrate leadership qualities or experience, potential for growth, intermediate English proficiency and an interest in global affairs, sustainable development and youth issues.
Do I need to already lead a community project?
Leading a social impact project related to the Sustainable Development Goals is preferred, but it is not listed as a mandatory requirement.
Applicants should still demonstrate leadership qualities or relevant leadership experience.
Where will the international programme take place?
The AFS Youth Assembly will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027.
Does the programme cover travel and accommodation?
Yes. The official announcement states that travel and accommodation for participation in the AFS Youth Assembly will be covered.
Is there seed funding?
Yes. Participants will receive seed funding to initiate their own impact projects after returning home.
The programme announcement does not specify the amount.
What must participants do after returning home?
Participants are expected to replicate the Effect+ in the Community workshop for at least 100 young people and implement their own impact projects for six months with mentorship support.
What is the application deadline?
November 19, 2026, at 23:59 UTC.
Can I use AI to write my application?
The organisers strongly discourage using AI to write application narratives.
Applicants should prepare their narratives independently and ensure that they reflect their genuine experiences, leadership activities and motivations.
Final thoughts
Fully Funded Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 | 12-Month Fellowship for Young Africans
Fully Funded Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 | 12-Month Fellowship for Young Africans. The 2027 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program offers a fully funded 12-month leadership development opportunity for young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa.
The programme combines virtual learning, international exposure, leadership training, seed funding, mentorship and community impact activities.
For young African leaders interested in sustainable development, youth issues and community transformation, the fellowship offers an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and connect with an international network.
Applicants should carefully review the official requirements, confirm their availability for the August 2027 Youth Assembly in Geneva and submit their applications early.
Application deadline: November 19, 2026, at 23:59 UTC.
📲 Stay connected with Vacancy Bridge
Join the Vacancy Bridge WhatsApp Channel for more fully funded fellowships, scholarships, international jobs and youth development opportunities:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vakee9aHFxOyCIBPJA0o
APPLY NOW ON THIS OFFICIAL PAGE
SEO Keywords
Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027, Young African Leaders Program 2027, fully funded African leadership fellowship, fully funded fellowship for Africans, AFS Youth Assembly 2027, Sir Cyril Taylor fellowship, African youth leadership programme, leadership scholarships for Africans, fully funded youth programme 2027, sustainable development fellowship, young changemakers Africa, youth leadership opportunities Africa, community impact funding, African leadership development, Geneva Youth Assembly 2027, youth fellowship 2027, leadership training for young Africans, AFS Global Competence Certificate, Vacancy Bridge
