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Young Nigerians and other African youths now have a fresh continental opportunity to take part in shaping youth policy across Africa, as the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), in partnership with YouLead Africa and Restless Development, has opened applications for 20 Youth Technical Experts to appraise the African Youth Charter @20.
This special programme is part of activities marking 20 years of the African Youth Charter (AYC), a major African Union framework created to promote youth inclusion, participation, and development across the continent.
Selected applicants will receive a total stipend of $1,000 during the assignment period, alongside training, mentorship, continental exposure, and the chance to contribute directly to policy reports that will influence Africa-wide youth governance discussions.
Why This Opportunity Matters
In 2026, the African Youth Charter turns 20. This milestone gives African institutions a chance to review how far member states have gone in implementing youth-focused commitments.
Africa remains the youngest continent in the world, with more than 75 percent of its population made up of young people. Yet many young Africans still face barriers in governance, jobs, peacebuilding, and economic inclusion.
This programme is designed to bring young Africans into the centre of that conversation—not as observers, but as technical contributors helping to measure progress and recommend practical reforms.
What Selected Youth Experts Will Do
The 20 selected Youth Technical Experts will carry out structured assessments on how African Union youth frameworks are being implemented in different countries and regions.
Their work will include:
- Reviewing implementation of the African Youth Charter
- Analysing youth participation trends in governance and democracy
- Identifying policy gaps affecting young people
- Gathering consultation findings from youth platforms across Africa
- Producing reports that will feed into the APRM Africa Governance Report 2027
Their recommendations will also shape a continental policy brief to be launched during International Youth Day on August 12, 2026.
Thematic Areas of Assessment
Applicants may work in one or more of these focus areas:
1. Youth and Democratic Governance
Political participation, elections, civic engagement, and constitutional reform.
2. Peace and Security
Youth roles in peacebuilding, resilience, and conflict prevention.
3. Economic Development and Jobs
Youth unemployment, entrepreneurship, AfCFTA opportunities, digital economy, and innovation.
4. Pan-African Identity
Diaspora engagement, African identity, culture, and Afrocentric education.
5. Policy and Institutional Accountability
Assessment of AU youth initiatives, Agenda 2063 delivery, and government responsiveness.
Who Can Apply
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be citizens of an African Union member state, including Nigeria
- Be active in youth networks, civil society, academia, or community groups
- Show strong interest in governance, youth policy, civic participation, or development
- Be available from May to August 2026
- Speak and write English and/or French
Knowledge of Portuguese, Arabic, or Swahili is an added advantage.
Previous research or advocacy experience is preferred but not compulsory.
Nigerians Strongly Encouraged to Apply
For Nigerian youths working in advocacy, governance, youth-led NGOs, civic technology, research, and policy spaces, this is a serious continental career opportunity.
Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest youth populations, making Nigerian voices especially important in discussions around youth governance reforms.
Young women, persons with disabilities, rural youth, and applicants from underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Benefits Beyond the $1,000 Stipend
Apart from the financial support, selected participants will receive:
- Official recognition as APRM Youth Technical Experts
- Personalised certificate of participation
- Training workshop on AU governance systems
- Mentorship and wellbeing support
- Publication opportunities in continental policy documents
- Access to Africa-wide professional networks
Time Commitment
The programme will run for about 3 to 4 months between May and August 2026.
Participants are expected to commit around 8 hours weekly, including:
- Orientation sessions in May
- Virtual consultations
- Field research and national data collection
- Report writing and analysis
- Participation in International Youth Day launch events
Payment Schedule
Each selected expert receives a total stipend of $1,000.
The first 50 percent payment will be made after submission of the draft consultation report within 30 days from project start.
Additional funding will also be provided to cover assignment-related costs.
Important Dates to Note
- Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
- Selection Notification: May 7, 2026
- Orientation Workshop: May 11, 2026
- Consultation Period: May to June 30, 2026
- Report Submission Deadline: July 17, 2026
- Policy Launch Event: August 12, 2026
How Nigerians Can Apply
Interested applicants must submit:
- Motivation letter (maximum 500 words)
- Short biography (maximum 150 words)
- Updated CV
- Scanned academic and qualification documents
Applications must be sent by email to: tender@aprm-au.org
Email Subject Must Be Exactly:
APRM/DP/YTE/IC/04/2026: CALL FOR YOUTH TECHNICAL EXPERTS TO APPRAISE THE AFRICAN YOUTH CHARTER @20
Final Deadline
All applications must reach APRM on or before April 30, 2026, by 12:00 SAST.
Late submissions will not be considered.
For ambitious Nigerian youths looking to influence Africa’s future and gain continental policy experience, this is one opportunity that should not be ignored.
Read also: WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) 2026 (Monthly Stipend)
