2027 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program
The 2027 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program is open to applicants aged 18–35 from Sub-Saharan Africa. Delivered by AFS Youth Assembly with grant support from the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, the programme will support 10 young leaders working towards sustainable development in their communities. Applications close on 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
Opportunity Summary
| Provider | AFS Youth Assembly, with grant support from the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation |
|---|---|
| Opportunity type | Scholarships |
| Cycle | 2027 |
| Host country | Switzerland |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Funding | 12-month fully funded scholarship for 10 young African leaders covering all listed programme elements, including travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly. Seed funding and mentorship are provided for impact projects; the seed funding amount is not stated. |
| Application deadline | November 19, 2026 23:59 UTC |
About the Opportunity
This is the third edition of a leadership and community-impact scholarship, rather than a university degree award. Participants will combine virtual learning with in-person activities in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027, followed by community work at home.
Before the Youth Assembly, selected leaders will complete the virtual AFS Global Competence Certificate programme and attend preparation workshops. In Switzerland, they will participate in the AFS Youth Assembly and the intensive Effect+ in the Community workshop. They will also receive special recognition at the Assembly’s closing ceremony.
After returning home, participants are expected to replicate the Effect+ in the Community workshop for at least 100 young people in their local communities. They will then initiate impact projects and work on them for six months, using programme seed funding and receiving mentorship from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network.
The provider describes the scholarship as fully funded for all listed programme elements and explicitly confirms travel and accommodation coverage for the Youth Assembly. The seed funding amount is not stated, and visa-cost coverage is not explicitly confirmed.
Funding and Benefits
- A 12-month fully funded scholarship covering participation in all listed programme elements.
- Enrolment in the virtual AFS Global Competence Certificate programme.
- Pre-Youth Assembly preparation workshops.
- Participation in the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva in August 2027, with travel and accommodation covered.
- Participation in the Effect+ in the Community intensive workshop in Switzerland.
- Seed funding for impact projects; the amount is not stated.
- Six months of project mentorship and support through the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network.
Who Can Apply?
- Be aged 18–35.
- Be from a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Demonstrate leadership qualities or a proven record of leadership experience.
- Show potential for personal and professional growth.
- Have an unexpired passport.
- Be able to attend the Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in person in August 2027.
- Have at least intermediate-level English proficiency.
- Demonstrate interest in global affairs, sustainable development and youth issues.
- Preferably be leading a social impact project related to the Sustainable Development Goals.
What Nigerian Applicants Should Know
- Nigerian applicants fall within the stated Sub-Saharan African eligibility scope, but must also meet every other requirement. Nigerians were selected in both previous editions.
- The published criteria say applicants must be from a Sub-Saharan African country; they do not specify a separate current-residence requirement.
- Applicants currently in Nigeria must have an unexpired passport and be available to travel to Geneva in August 2027. This is not a wholly remote programme.
- Travel and accommodation are covered, but visa approval and visa-cost coverage are not explicitly stated. Selection should not be treated as a guarantee of a visa.
How to Apply
- Submit an application through the provider’s designated application form by 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
- Apply early, as the provider reviews applications on a first come, first served basis.
Visit the official application page
Application Tips
Preparation advice: use specific examples to explain your leadership experience, community impact and interest in sustainable development. If you already lead a project, describe its purpose, your contribution and the results you can substantiate; leading an SDG-related project is preferred, not stated as compulsory. Write your narrative in your own words, as the provider highly discourages using AI to write application narratives. Apply early: applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis, and the provider warns that visa processing can take several months.
Information checked 8 November 2026.
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