Applications are open for the Oxford Africa Policy Innovation Competition 2026, a flagship initiative organized under the Oxford Africa Conference in partnership with The Club of Rome through its Earth4All initiative.

The competition provides a unique platform for young African thinkers, students, and professionals to develop bold policy solutions capable of influencing Africa’s development trajectory and contributing to global policy conversations.

About the Competition

The Oxford Africa Policy Innovation Competition seeks innovative, systems-based policy ideas that address Africa’s most pressing economic, social, and environmental challenges. Participants are invited to move beyond theoretical discussions and propose practical policy interventions grounded in real African contexts.

The 2026 theme focuses on advancing a wellbeing future for Africa, encouraging proposals that tackle interconnected challenges such as poverty, inequality, food systems transformation, empowerment, and sustainable energy transition.

Successful participants will gain international exposure while contributing to policy discussions shaping Africa’s future.

Competition Task

Applicants are required to prepare:

• A policy memo (maximum 2,500 words) addressing a specific African policy challenge
• A proposal aligned with one or more of Earth4All’s five transformative priorities:
  • Poverty reduction
  • Inequality transformation
  • Empowerment of women and communities
  • Sustainable food systems
  • Clean and accessible energy transition

Submissions should demonstrate systems awareness, human-centered analysis, and realistic pathways toward transformative change.

Key Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 15 April 2026
• Finalist Announcement: 25 April 2026
• Full Policy Brief Deadline: 5 May 2026
• Live Pitch & Award Ceremony: 16–17 May 2026 (Oxford University)
• Internship Period: September – December 2026

Why This Opportunity Matters

The initiative responds to the growing need for African-led policy innovation capable of addressing structural challenges affecting development across the continent. By connecting emerging African leaders with global policy institutions, the competition aims to amplify youth voices in international decision-making spaces.