The African Union Commission (AUC), through its Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), has announced an open call for applications for the 2026 African Union Continental Capacity Building Training Programme for Youth. The initiative will be delivered under the African Governance Architecture – African Peace and Security Architecture (AGA-APSA) Secretariat and reflects the Union’s continued commitment to strengthening democratic governance across the continent. Scheduled tentatively for April 2026 at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the programme is designed to empower young Africans with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to participate meaningfully in governance, electoral processes, peacebuilding, and Pan-African leadership. Advancing Agenda 2063 Through Youth Leadership: African Union Continental Capacity Building Training Programme for Youth. The training programme aligns with Agenda 2063, Aspiration 6, which envisions an Africa whose development is people-driven and reliant on the potential of its youth. By placing young leaders at the center of democratic transformation, the African Union reinforces its belief that sustainable peace and governance depend on inclusive civic participation. The initiative also follows strategic guidance from Commissioner Bankole Adeoye, who identified Youth Inclusion and Mainstreaming as a thematic priority for PAPS in 2026. This direction is further anchored in the AGA-APSA Citizens’ Engagement Strategy (CES), which promotes structured and systematic youth engagement in governance processes across AU Member States. Strengthening Democratic Governance and Shared Values A central feature of the programme is its focus on African Union Shared Values instruments, particularly the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG). The Charter serves as a key normative framework for advancing democracy, constitutionalism, credible elections, and accountable leadership across Africa. Through expert-led sessions, peer learning, and practical engagement, participants will: Deepen their understanding of democratic governance frameworks Strengthen leadership and advocacy skills Enhance civic engagement strategies Build capacity to support peaceful and credible electoral processes Promote youth inclusion in political and decision-making spaces The programme seeks not only to educate but also to inspire participants to become champions of democratic governance within their respective communities. Eligibility Criteria: Who Should Apply? In line with its commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and regional balance, the African Union will select participants from across AU Member States who demonstrate leadership and impact in governance-related fields. Eligible applicants must: Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application Be affiliated with youth-led or youth-focused organizations working on democratic governance, elections, peace and security, leadership, or civic participation Represent national institutions, agencies, or civil society organizations active in democracy, governance, human rights, or related sectors Demonstrate a strong commitment to attend the full duration of the programme Commit to replicating or cascading the training within their communities or organizations after completion Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as the AU continues to prioritize gender balance and women’s leadership in governance processes. Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria Participants will be selected through a competitive process based on: The clarity and quality of their motivation Demonstrated experience in youth participation and democratic governance The feasibility and potential impact of their plans to replicate the training at community, national, or regional levels The African Union Commission will ensure gender equity, geographical representation, age diversity, and inclusivity in the final cohort. Fully Funded Opportunity for Young African Leaders The 2026 Continental Capacity Building Training Programme is fully funded by the African Union Commission. Selected participants will have their: International travel covered Visa costs supported Accommodation provided Participation expenses fully financed There is no application or participation fee. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The application deadline is Saturday, 27 February 2026 at 11:55 PM Addis Ababa Time (GMT+3). All applications must be submitted through the official online application form provided by the African Union. Building the Next Generation of Democratic Leaders By investing in young leaders, the African Union is reinforcing its long-term commitment to democratic consolidation, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance across the continent. The Continental Capacity Building Training Programme represents more than a training opportunity—it is a platform for shaping a new generation of Pan-African changemakers equipped to advance shared values and strengthen democratic institutions. Young Africans committed to governance reform, civic leadership, and electoral integrity are encouraged to seize this opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s democratic future. LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this program . For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.