Applications are now open for the Africa CDC Youth Pre-Conference (YPC) 2026, an exciting opportunity bringing young Africans together in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to contribute to conversations shaping the future of public health across the continent.

Taking place immediately before the 5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2026), the Youth Pre-Conference serves as the official youth platform of the conference. It will bring together young health professionals, students, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates, communicators and community leaders from across Africa to exchange ideas, showcase solutions, build networks and contribute to priorities that can inform CPHIA 2026.

The 2026 edition is centered on the Africa CDC’s agenda for health security and sovereignty, with a focus on moving Africa from health dependency and vulnerability towards greater ownership, resilience and self-reliance. Participants will explore practical questions around who will lead, what Africa needs to build, and how young people can contribute to stronger and more resilient health systems.

The two-day Youth Pre-Conference will feature discussions, workshops, dialogues and interactive sessions across areas including Digital Health, Research and Innovation; Building Africa’s Public Health Workforce; One Health, Emergency Preparedness and Response; Local Manufacturing and Health Sovereignty; and Youth Leadership on Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV.

To be eligible, applicants must be aged 18 to 35 years at the time of application and be citizens of an African Union Member State. Applicants should either be enrolled in at least an undergraduate programme or have relevant educational, professional or community experience in public health or related areas. Relevant backgrounds may include public health, medicine, nursing, community or environmental health, research, digital health and technology, health policy, public service, development, communications and journalism, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, social sciences and other disciplines contributing to Africa’s health security and sovereignty.

Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to improving health through areas such as research, youth-led initiatives, advocacy, innovation, community engagement or professional practice. They must also be available to participate fully in the Youth Pre-Conference and CPHIA 2026 and be willing to contribute to peer exchange and the cultural life of the programme.

Selected participants will join a pan-African network of young people working to shape the future of public health. They will have opportunities to engage with African public health leaders, policymakers, researchers, innovators and practitioners, showcase their work and ideas, build relationships with peers from across the continent, and contribute to youth priorities and recommendations that will feed into CPHIA 2026.

The sponsorship package for selected young delegates covers return flight tickets, accommodation, meals and the CPHIA registration fee. Participants will take part in YPC 2026 and continue into CPHIA 2026, taking place from 23 to 27 November 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

This opportunity is particularly relevant for young Africans already working, studying or contributing to public health and related fields who want to strengthen their networks, share their ideas and have a voice in shaping Africa’s health future.

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