Deadline: July 26, 2026
Applications are open for the Young Changemakers Initiative 2026. The African Futures & Innovation programme (AFI) at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) invites young Africans to participate in the Young Changemakers 2026 initiative as part of the African Futures Conference 2026.
This initiative identifies and showcases emerging African leaders, thinkers, innovators and storytellers shaping conversations about the continent’s future. The conference takes place on 13–14 October 2026 in hybrid format: Day 1 in-person at CSIR, Pretoria with a livestream, and Day 2 fully virtual.
Theme: The choices that will shape Africa’s future
Africa’s future is not predetermined. The decisions we make today – about governance, education, technology, climate action, economic transformation, peace and security, and social development – will shape the continent’s trajectory. They invite young Africans to imagine the future they want to see and explore the choices required to make it possible.
Benefits
- A panel of experts will select the Top 20 Young Changemakers 2026, whose ideas demonstrate creativity, foresight, leadership potential and commitment to shaping Africa’s future. From this group, five finalists will receive the Young Changemakers Award, including travel support to attend the African Futures Conference 2026 in Pretoria.
- The Top 5 will present their ideas, engage directly with policymakers, researchers, practitioners and conference participants, and contribute to conversations on Africa’s future.
Eligibility
- Open to young Africans aged 18–35 from across the continent, including young professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, activists, creatives and storytellers, community leaders, and students.
- No previous experience in foresight is required.
Submission Format
Submit your contribution in one of the following formats:
- Written submission: maximum 1500 words (PDF or Word)
- Video submission: 3–5 minutes (MP4)
- Audio/podcast submission: 3–5 minutes (MP3 or equivalent)
Selection Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated on:
- Originality and creativity
- Relevance to Africa’s future
- Evidence of long-term and futures-oriented thinking
- Leadership potential and commitment to positive change
- Potential impact and inspiration
- Quality of storytelling and presentation
- Potential contribution to conversations on Africa’s future
Application
Submit via the online application form by 26 July 2026 with:
- A title for your submission
- A short abstract (maximum 250 words)
- A short biography and supporting information
For more information, visit African Futures Conference.
