Applications have opened for the 2026 African Union Continental Capacity Building Training Programme for Youth. The African Union Commission (AUC), through the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) and the African Governance Architecture – African Peace and Security Architecture (AGA-APSA) Secretariat, plans to host a continental training programme focused on democratic governance, electoral processes, and Pan-African leadership for citizens.

This initiative aligns with Agenda 2063, particularly Aspiration 6, which emphasizes that Africa’s progress should be led by its people and powered by the energy and potential of young Africans. It also reflects guidance from H.E. Bankole Adeoye, the Commissioner for PAPS, who identified Youth Inclusion and Mainstreaming as the thematic priority for PAPS in 2026. In addition, the programme is informed by the AGA-APSA Citizens’ Engagement Strategy (CES), which promotes consistent and structured integration of young people into democratic governance systems.

The programme is designed to strengthen meaningful youth engagement in political and electoral spaces while building advanced skills in leadership, advocacy, civic participation, and public influence. A major focus will be placed on African Union Shared Values frameworks, especially the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), along with other key instruments that guide democratic development across the continent.

The training is expected to take place in April 2026, although the dates may change, and it is planned to be held at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

To promote fairness, diversity, inclusion, and regional balance, the African Union will select young participants from AU Member States who have shown leadership and active involvement in democratic governance, elections, youth participation, peacebuilding, and security-related work. Applicants will be considered based on their connection to youth-led or youth-serving organizations implementing programmes linked to youth engagement, governance, leadership, peace and security, or electoral participation, including recognized youth activists and emerging leaders.

They will also consider youth representatives working within national institutions, agencies, or civil society organizations involved in democracy, governance, human rights, leadership development, youth participation, and related areas. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of applying, and they must show a strong willingness to attend and participate fully throughout the entire training period.

Participants will be expected to commit to sharing and transferring the knowledge gained by organizing follow-up sessions or similar activities within their communities or institutions after completing the programme. Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply to support gender balance and inclusive participation.

For those selected, the African Union Commission will cover all major costs, including travel, visa expenses, accommodation, and participation-related costs. There is no application fee and no cost required to take part in the programme.

Selection will be based on the strength and clarity of the applicant’s motivation, their experience and contribution to youth participation and democratic governance, and the likelihood that they can successfully replicate the training in a practical and impactful way at community, national, or regional levels.

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