The East African Community (EAC) Youth Fellowship is now accepting applications for its fourth cohort, offering young people from across East Africa an opportunity to strengthen their leadership capabilities, expand their regional networks and gain the knowledge and confidence needed to contribute to positive change in their communities and the wider East African region.

The fellowship is designed to engage and empower young East Africans who are passionate about leadership, regional integration, community development and creating meaningful impact. Through mentorship, capacity development, peer learning and networking, participants will have the opportunity to connect with other emerging leaders from across the EAC and develop a stronger understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping the region.

The programme is particularly relevant for young people interested in regional cooperation, governance, leadership, entrepreneurship, development and youth participation. Previous cohorts have explored areas such as youth leadership and politics, business and enterprise, climate justice, gender equality, digital transformation and the green transition. Fellows have also gained exposure to regional institutions and the processes through which policies and cooperation are advanced within the East African Community.

The fourth cohort is open to young people aged 18 to 35 who are citizens of any of the eight EAC Partner States: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. (portal.youlead.africa)

Successful applicants will join a regional community of young leaders and have the opportunity to strengthen their leadership and professional skills, develop meaningful connections with peers across East Africa, deepen their understanding of regional integration and build their capacity to initiate or contribute to positive change.

The fellowship is delivered through the YouLead Africa programme and involves partners including the MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation (MS TCDC) and the East African Community Secretariat. The programme has previously brought together emerging leaders from all EAC Partner States for intensive leadership development and regional learning. (dfcentre.com)

Applications for the EAC Youth Fellowship 4th Cohort opened on 17 August 2026 and have now been extended. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the new deadline.

Eligibility: Young people aged 18–35 from EAC Partner States

Eligible countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda

Application deadline: 7 September 2026 at 11:59 PM

Application portal: Apply through the YouLead Africa portal

Young East Africans with a passion for leadership, regional integration and making a difference are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and apply before the deadline. (portal.youlead.africa)