African Futures Young Changemakers 2026
The African Futures and Innovation Programme invites young Africans to submit future-focused ideas for the 2026 Young Changemakers initiative linked to the African Futures Conference.
- Host
- Institute for Security Studies African Futures and Innovation Programme
- Deadline for submissions: 26 July 2026
- Deadline for submissions: 26 July 2026: Jul 26, 2026
- Support
- Top five finalists receive Young Changemakers Award recognition and travel support to attend the African Futures Conference 2026 in Pretoria
- Location
- See official call page
- Discipline
- Social Sciences, Development and Public Policy
- Region
- Africa
- Posted
- Jul 2, 2026
Call summary
Overview
The African Futures Young Changemakers initiative is part of the African Futures Conference 2026. It invites young Africans to imagine the future they want for the continent and explore the choices needed to make that future possible.
Who can apply
Applicants must be young Africans aged 18-35. The call is open to young professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, activists, creatives, storytellers, community leaders and students. No previous foresight experience is required.
What it supports
- Written submissions up to 1,500 words
- Video submissions of 3-5 minutes
- Audio or podcast submissions of 3-5 minutes
- African futures, governance, education, technology, climate action, economic transformation, peace and security, and social development
Fees, funding, or support
- Top 20 Young Changemakers receive recognition. Five finalists receive the Young Changemakers Award, travel support to attend the African Futures Conference in Pretoria and an opportunity to present their ideas.
Deadline for submissions: 26 July 2026
Deadline for submissions: 26 July 2026: Jul 26, 2026
How to apply
Submit through the official online application form by 26 July 2026. Required materials include a title and the chosen written, video or audio submission format.
Call details
Source-based overview
The African Futures and Innovation Programme at the Institute for Security Studies invites young Africans to participate in the Young Changemakers 2026 initiative as part of the African Futures Conference 2026. Participants may submit written, video or audio contributions that explore Africa's possible futures and the decisions needed today. The Top 20 will be announced on 7 August 2026, the Top 5 finalists on 19 August 2026, and the African Futures Conference will take place on 13-14 October 2026.
Eligibility
Applicants must be young Africans aged 18-35. The call is open to young professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, activists, creatives, storytellers, community leaders and students. No previous foresight experience is required.
Fees, funding or participation support
Top 20 Young Changemakers receive recognition. Five finalists receive the Young Changemakers Award, travel support to attend the African Futures Conference in Pretoria and an opportunity to present their ideas.
Themes and supported activities
Written submissions up to 1,500 words
Video submissions of 3-5 minutes
Audio or podcast submissions of 3-5 minutes
African futures, governance, education, technology, climate action, economic transformation, peace and security, and social development
Deadline and timeline
Deadline for submissions: 26 July 2026: Deadline for submissions: 26 July 2026: Jul 26, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Submit through the official online application form by 26 July 2026. Required materials include a title and the chosen written, video or audio submission format.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.