Young people across the African continent are at the forefront of tackling urgent social, economic, and environmental challenges. To arm these rising visionaries with actionable skills, the Africa-Europe Youth Academy (AEYA) has officially launched the inaugural edition of the New Leaders Lab 2026. Funded by the European Union and brought to life through a partnership led by Expertise France alongside the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), this fully funded program is entirely free for selected participants. Over the course of three to four months, the lab bridges the gap between raw talent and structured execution, helping young innovators transform community-focused ideas into sustainable, long-term initiatives.
What the Program Offers
The New Leaders Lab features a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary curriculum designed to holistically develop young leaders. Selected participants will undergo a rich learning journey covering six core pillars:
- Strategic Leadership Development: Master crucial skills in strategic thinking, decisive problem-solving, and team management tailored for community impact.
- Social Entrepreneurship Training: Build the foundational business acumen necessary to launch social enterprises, manage finite resources, and design scalable initiatives.
- Civic Engagement & Advocacy: Learn to mobilize local communities, champion active citizenship, and forge powerful cross-sector partnerships.
- Hands-on Practical Workshops: Participate in interactive sessions focused on refining your project blueprints, perfecting implementation strategies, and upgrading project management skills.
- Dedicated One-on-One Mentorship: Receive personalized guidance from seasoned professional mentors who will help clarify your goals, build your confidence, and elevate your project.
- Pan-African Peer Learning: Connect with a vibrant network of young leaders from across the continent, sparking invaluable cross-cultural exchange and collaborative synergy.
Eligibility Criteria & Core Themes
AEYA firmly believes that leadership potential matters far more than formal credentials. As such, no specific educational degree or qualification is required to apply.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to students, young professionals, grassroots community leaders, civil society actors, entrepreneurs, informal business owners, and youth advocates who meet the following requirements:
- Age: Between 18 and 30 years old.
- Language: Basic proficiency in English, French, or Portuguese.
- Ideation: Must submit a clear project or business idea aligned with the program themes.
- Residence: Must permanently reside in one of the 19 eligible African nations.
Eligible Countries
Young changemakers from the following countries are encouraged to apply: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.
Eligible Project Themes
Your proposed project or enterprise should focus on one or more of these core sectors:
- Climate Action: Resilience, environmental sustainability, and climate adaptation.
- Urban & Rural Development: Innovative strategies supporting sustainable cities or rural livelihoods.
- Social Inclusion & Gender Equality: Advancing opportunities for women, marginalized communities, and promoting equal access.
- Local Entrepreneurship: Business ideas that actively contribute to regional development and social well-being.
The AEYA New Leaders Lab is deeply dedicated to inclusive leadership. Applications are highly encouraged from young women, individuals with disabilities, and applicants from unconventional or diverse life backgrounds.
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Application Process
Apply Here:
https://ee-eu.kobotoolbox.org/x/iDhzani1
For more Information visit here: https://www.aics.gov.it/news/aeya-aperte-le-candidature-per-la-prima-edizione-del-new-leaders-lab/?lang=en
Disclaimer:
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
