ChangemakerXchange is inviting applications from young changemakers and social entrepreneurs for its Changemakers for Equality Programme 2027, an initiative supporting community-led solutions that tackle inequality and promote equal opportunities. The programme targets young leaders who are addressing the structural causes of inequality and creating lasting, positive change in their communities across East Africa and the Gulf region.

The initiative recognises that inequality extends beyond differences in income and wealth. It also affects access to quality education, decent employment, healthcare, safety, social networks, and opportunities to participate in decision-making. Through this programme, ChangemakerXchange seeks to support practical, locally driven solutions that remove barriers, strengthen collaboration, and create pathways to social mobility and shared prosperity.

Selected participants will join a global community of changemakers working to address inequality through innovative and inclusive approaches. They will receive tailored capacity-building support, participate in immersive experiences and an in-person summit, and connect with mentors, funders, experts, and potential collaborators. Participants will also have opportunities to develop cross-regional partnerships and access collaboration funding to strengthen their initiatives and advance collective action.

The programme will bring together 15 young changemakers aged 18 to 35 who demonstrate a commitment to tackling inequality through tangible, community-centred solutions. Successful applicants will benefit from peer learning, customised support, networking opportunities, and lifelong participation in the global ChangemakerXchange community.

Eligible initiatives may address inequalities in education, livelihoods, employment, health and wellbeing, gender equality, disability inclusion, climate resilience, safety, access to essential services, and civic participation. Examples include improving educational opportunities for underserved children, supporting marginalised communities to access decent work, strengthening healthcare access, preventing gender-based violence, promoting disability inclusion, expanding access to social protection, and influencing policies or systems that perpetuate inequality.

The programme particularly welcomes initiatives that are locally led, address systemic barriers, recognise the interconnected nature of inequality, and bridge gaps in power and access. Applicants should demonstrate how their work creates meaningful opportunities for disadvantaged groups and contributes to sustainable, equitable outcomes.

Initiatives primarily benefiting already privileged communities, pursuing private gain without demonstrable public value, covering routine operational costs without a clear strategy for reducing inequality, or consisting of one-off activities without a pathway to lasting impact are generally not eligible for support.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be young changemakers or social entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 who are actively working to address inequality through practical, community-centred initiatives. Their work should demonstrate a clear commitment to inclusion, locally driven solutions, and addressing the structural causes of inequality.

Applicants must be based in an eligible country within the programme’s East Africa and Gulf region. The complete list of eligible countries should be confirmed through the official programme FAQs before applying.

Programme Benefits

Selected participants will gain access to tailored capacity building, immersive retreats and programme experiences, a global peer network, mentorship, connections with funders and experts, and opportunities to collaborate with changemakers across regions. They will also participate in a five-day summit, receive customised support based on their needs, and have the opportunity to access collaboration funding for eligible joint projects. Following the programme, participants will be invited to remain lifelong members of the ChangemakerXchange global network.

Application Timeline

Applications open on 13 October 2026, and the deadline to apply is 9 November 2026. Online interviews will take place between 20 November and 19 December 2026, with final selection outcomes communicated on 13 January 2027.

The programme will begin with a virtual kick-off call during the first week of February 2027. A needs assessment and customised participant support are planned for late February, followed by a public announcement of participants in late March. The programme also includes check-in calls, an in-person summit scheduled for mid-March 2027, and optional collaboration projects from March 2027 onwards. The exact dates and location of the summit will be confirmed by the organisers.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible applicants should review the programme requirements and FAQs, confirm that their country is eligible, and prepare an application explaining their initiative, the inequality it addresses, the communities it serves, and the impact they aim to achieve.

Application deadline: 9 November 2026.

Scroll down for more information and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity