The AEYA New Leaders Lab 2026 is a fully funded leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development programme designed for young Africans across 19 countries, with applications open until July 19, 2026. This innovative programme aims to equip the next generation of changemakers with practical leadership skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, and community-building expertise. By applying for the AEYA New Leaders Lab 2026, young Africans can gain the skills and support needed to create positive change in their communities and contribute to the continent’s social, economic, and environmental development.
About the Opportunity
The Africa-Europe Youth Academy (AEYA) is a pioneering initiative that seeks to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing between young people from Africa and Europe. The AEYA New Leaders Lab 2026 is a flagship programme of the academy, designed to nurture a new generation of African leaders who are committed to creating positive change in their communities. By providing leadership development training, entrepreneurship skills, civic engagement knowledge, and community development tools, the programme aims to empower young Africans to become drivers of social, economic, and environmental change in their respective countries.
The AEYA New Leaders Lab 2026 is implemented through a partnership led by Expertise France, with the participation of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and funded by the European Union. This partnership brings together a wealth of expertise and resources, ensuring that participants receive high-quality training, mentorship, and support. The programme’s focus on leadership development, entrepreneurship, and community development is particularly relevant for young Africans, who are increasingly taking the lead in addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges.
By supporting the development of young African leaders, the AEYA New Leaders Lab 2026 contributes to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The programme also aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which emphasizes the importance of youth empowerment and leadership development in driving the continent’s social, economic, and political transformation.
Who Can Apply
The AEYA New Leaders Lab 2026 is open to young Africans from 19 countries who are passionate about creating positive change in their communities and are committed to developing their leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development skills.
- Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old to be eligible for the programme.
- Nationality: The programme is open to citizens of 19 African countries, including Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Tunisia.
- Language: Proficiency in English, French, or Portuguese is required, as the programme will be conducted in these languages.
- Education: Applicants must have a minimum of a secondary school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for the programme.
- Experience: Prior experience in leadership, entrepreneurship, or community development is an asset, but not required.
What You Will Gain
By participating in the AEYA New Leaders Lab 2026, young Africans can gain a wide range of benefits that will support their personal and professional development, as well as their contributions to their communities.
- Leadership development training: Participants will receive training on leadership skills, including strategic planning, communication, and problem-solving.
- Entrepreneurship skills: The programme will provide participants with entrepreneurship skills, including business planning, marketing, and financial management.
- Civic engagement knowledge: Participants will gain knowledge on civic engagement, including human rights, governance, and advocacy.
- Community development tools: The programme will provide participants with community development tools, including project planning, implementation, and evaluation.
- Individual mentoring support: Participants will be assigned a mentor who will provide guidance and support throughout the programme.
- Peer-learning opportunities: The programme will provide opportunities for participants to learn from each other, share experiences, and build networks.
- Practical workshops: Participants will engage in practical workshops on topics such as leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development.
- Access to a diverse network: The programme will provide participants with access to a diverse network of young leaders, entrepreneurs, and community developers from across Africa and Europe.
Application Deadline
Do not miss this opportunity to develop your leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development skills and contribute to the social, economic, and environmental development of your community. Deadline: July 19, 2026. Start your application early to ensure that you have enough time to complete all the requirements.
How to Apply for AEYA New Leaders Lab 2026: Fully Funded Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Community Development Programme for Young Africans Across 19 Countries
To apply for the AEYA New Leaders Lab 2026, follow these steps: First, review the eligibility criteria to ensure that you meet the requirements. Next, prepare your application documents, including your CV, motivation letter, and proof of nationality. Then, fill out the online application form, which can be accessed through the programme’s website. Finally, submit your application before the deadline of July 19, 2026.
Apply directly here: Click here to apply
Final Thoughts
The AEYA New Leaders Lab 2026 is a unique opportunity for young Africans to develop their leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development skills and contribute to the social, economic, and environmental development of their communities. By applying for this programme, you will be taking the first step towards becoming a driver of positive change in your community and contributing to the achievement of the SDGs and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. So, do not hesitate to apply – click here to start your application now and take the first step towards an exciting journey of leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development.
