Call for applications for AU Continental Capacity Building Training Programme 2026

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Applications are now open for the African Union Continental Capacity Building Training Programme 2026 for Youth, a fully funded leadership and civic engagement programme convened by the African Union Commission through its Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security and the African Governance Architecture–African Peace and Security Architecture Secretariat.

The programme focuses on Democratic Governance, Elections, and Pan-African Leadership, and is designed to strengthen meaningful youth participation in political, electoral, and governance processes across Africa.

It also seeks to enhance meaningful youth participation in political and electoral processes while equipping participants with advanced leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement skills.

Particular emphasis will be placed on African Union Shared Values instruments, notably the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) among others, as the central normative framework for promoting democratic governance in Africa.

The training is tentatively scheduled to take place in April 2026 at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

About the Programme

The training is organized in line with Agenda 2063, Aspiration 6, which emphasizes that Africa’s development must be people-driven and anchored in the potential of its youth.

It also aligns with the 2026 thematic priority of the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security on Youth Inclusion and Mainstreaming, as well as the AGA-APSA Citizens’ Engagement Strategy, which promotes systematic youth participation in democratic governance.

Participants will be trained on leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement, with strong emphasis on African Union Shared Values instruments, particularly the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance as a core framework for promoting democratic governance on the continent.

Eligibility Criteria

In its commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and geographical balance, the African Union will select youth participants from AU Member States who have demonstrated leadership in the areas of democratic governance, elections, youth participation, peace, and security.

Applicants will be assessed based on the following criteria:

Youth affiliated with youth-led or youth-focused organizations implementing initiatives related to youth participation, democratic governance, leadership, peace and security, or electoral processes, including prominent youth activists and leaders;

Youth representatives from national institutions, agencies, or civil society organizations working on democracy, governance, human rights, youth participation, leadership, or related fields;

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age at the time of application;

Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to participate fully in the entire duration of the training programme;

Applicants must commit to replicating or cascading the training within their communities or organizations upon completion;

Benefits

Travel, visa, accommodation, and participation costs for selected participants will be fully covered by the African Union Commission. No application or participation fee is required.

With an application deadline of 27th February (next Friday), all applications must be made via the form provided on the website. If you are encountering any issues, kindly send an email to AGA-APSA@africanunion.org