The African Union Commission (AUC), through its Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), is pleased to announce an open call for applications for the African Union Continental Capacity Building Training Programme for Citizens on Democratic Governance, Elections, and Pan-African Leadership.
This flagship continental initiative, coordinated by the AGA-APSA Secretariat, represents a bold and strategic investment in Africa’s youth as key drivers of democratic transformation, governance reform, and sustainable peace across the continent.
Scheduled to take place in April 2026 (subject to change) at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this fully funded programme seeks to empower young leaders from AU Member States with advanced knowledge, leadership competencies, and practical tools to actively participate in and strengthen democratic governance processes across Africa.
🌍 Why This Programme Matters
Africa’s development journey is anchored in the aspirations of its people — especially its youth. This training programme is organized in alignment with Agenda 2063, particularly Aspiration 6, which emphasizes that Africa’s development must be people-driven and harness the immense potential of young people.
The initiative also responds directly to the strategic direction of H.E. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, who has identified Youth Inclusion and Mainstreaming as the 2026 thematic priority for PAPS. Through this vision, the African Union is taking deliberate steps to ensure that youth participation in democratic governance is not symbolic, but systematic, meaningful, and impactful.
Guided by the AGA-APSA Citizens’ Engagement Strategy (CES), the programme seeks to strengthen youth engagement within democratic institutions, electoral processes, and governance frameworks across Member States.
🎯 Programme Objectives
The Continental Capacity Building Training Programme aims to:
- Enhance meaningful youth participation in political and electoral processes
- Strengthen leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement skills among young Africans
- Deepen understanding of African Union Shared Values instruments
- Promote democratic governance across the continent
- Equip participants with practical strategies to replicate knowledge within their communities
A central focus of the training will be the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), which serves as a key normative framework for promoting democracy, constitutionalism, rule of law, and credible elections in Africa.
Participants will explore how ACDEG and related AU instruments can be operationalized at national and community levels to strengthen democratic systems and citizen participation.
👥 Who Can Apply?
In its commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equitable representation, the African Union will select youth participants from AU Member States who have demonstrated leadership and engagement in areas related to:
- Democratic governance
- Elections and electoral processes
- Youth participation
- Peace and security
- Civic engagement and advocacy
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
✔ Be between 18 and 35 years of age at the time of application
✔ Be affiliated with a youth-led or youth-focused organization implementing initiatives related to governance, leadership, peace and security, or electoral processes
✔ Be a youth representative from national institutions, civil society organizations, or agencies working on democracy, governance, human rights, or related fields
✔ Demonstrate a strong commitment to fully participate throughout the entire duration of the training
✔ Commit to replicating or cascading the training within their communities or organizations upon completion
📌 Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as the African Union prioritizes gender equality and inclusive representation.
📝 Selection Process
The selection process will be competitive and merit-based. Applications will be evaluated based on:
- The clarity and quality of the applicant’s motivation
- Demonstrated experience or contribution to youth participation and democratic governance
- The potential impact and feasibility of replicating the training at community, national, or regional levels
The African Union will ensure:
- Gender balance
- Regional representation
- Age diversity
- Inclusivity
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🏛 What Participants Will Gain
Selected participants will benefit from:
🔹 Advanced Knowledge
In-depth understanding of African governance frameworks, electoral integrity, and AU Shared Values instruments.
🔹 Leadership Development
Practical tools to enhance leadership effectiveness, strategic thinking, and advocacy capacity.
🔹 Civic Engagement Skills
Strategies to promote inclusive participation in governance processes.
🔹 Pan-African Networking
Opportunities to connect with fellow youth leaders, governance experts, and AU officials from across the continent.
🔹 Replication Capacity
Structured guidance on cascading knowledge and implementing community-based initiatives after the training.
This programme is not merely a workshop — it is a platform to cultivate the next generation of Pan-African leaders committed to democratic transformation.
💼 Financial Support
The African Union Commission will fully cover:
- International and local travel costs
- Visa expenses
- Accommodation
- Participation-related expenses
There is no application fee and no participation cost required.
This ensures equitable access and removes financial barriers for qualified youth from across Africa.
📅 Important Information
📍 Venue: African Union Commission Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
📆 Tentative Date: April 2026 (subject to change)
⏳ Application Deadline:
Saturday, 27 February 2026, at 11:55 PM (Addis Ababa Time, GMT+3)
All applications must be submitted through the official application form referenced in the announcement.
Application link: Click Here
If applicants experience technical difficulties, inquiries may be directed to:
📧 [email protected]
🌟 Why You Should Apply
Africa’s democratic future depends on informed, skilled, and engaged youth. This training represents a unique opportunity to:
- Influence democratic governance processes
- Contribute meaningfully to electoral integrity
- Strengthen peace and security initiatives
- Champion youth inclusion
- Become part of a continental network of change-makers
If you are passionate about governance reform, electoral transparency, civic leadership, or Pan-African ideals — this programme is for you.
🔔 Final Call
The African Union is investing in youth leadership because sustainable governance transformation must be youth-driven. This is your opportunity to step forward, build capacity, and contribute to shaping Africa’s democratic future.
Do not miss this opportunity to learn, lead, and make lasting impact across the continent.
📝 Submit your application before 27 February 2026, 11:55 PM (GMT+3).
