Catalyst Academy Youth Social Innovation Learning Programme 2026, free for ages 18 to 35 in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon and South Africa, deadline 30 October 2026

Are you a young person in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon or South Africa with an idea to solve a problem in your community? Catalyst Now, a global network of social entrepreneurs and academics, is accepting applications for the Catalyst Academy – Youth Social Innovation Learning Programme 2026. Participants get mentoring, join peer learning groups and build a real pilot project. Applications close on 30 October 2026.

Programme at a Glance

Organiser: Catalyst Now (entrepreneurs and academics)
What it is: A learning programme for young social innovators
Countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon and South Africa
Age: 18–35
Format: Mainly virtual: peer learning circles, masterclasses and online sessions
Time commitment: Up to 6–8 hours a week
Cost: Free to apply
Deadline: 30 October 2026

About the Catalyst Academy

Catalyst Now connects social entrepreneurs, researchers and changemakers worldwide. Its Catalyst Academy is a regional programme helping young Africans develop the skills, networks and confidence to tackle pressing community challenges.

The focus is on learning by doing. Instead of just studying theory, you work in a small group to design a solution to a real problem and test it as a pilot, with guidance from experienced mentors.

Benefits

Weekly peer learning sessions to build knowledge and confidence
Mentoring from experienced social innovators in Africa and beyond
Full access to Catalyst Now’s online learning platform and resources
Cross-border online exchanges with young changemakers from the other four countries
A real project: you build and test a pilot that addresses a problem in your community
Small-group teamwork with other changemakers
Connections to the Catalyst Now network and alumni

The call doesn’t mention any cash grants or stipends. The support is training, mentoring and networks.

Eligibility

You’re aged 18 to 35.
You’re a national or resident of Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon or South Africa.
You’re an aspiring social entrepreneur, or interested in social innovation or community development.
You can commit up to 6–8 hours a week.
You have access to a smartphone or laptop and a reliable internet connection.

Especially encouraged to apply:

Young women facing barriers to starting a business
Young people living with disabilities
Refugees and displaced young people seeking dignified work
Community leaders who want to grow their impact

You don’t need a university degree. The form accepts applicants whose highest level of education is secondary school.

What the Application Asks

Personal details, nationality, city and a WhatsApp number
Your education and current work or business (up to 150 words)
A leadership experience in your community, the challenges you faced and what you learned (up to 150 words)
Your social innovation idea or project: how long you’ve worked on it and the challenges you’ve faced (up to 350 words each), or, if you don’t have one yet, the problem you’d like to tackle
Why you want to join the Catalyst Academy (up to 250 words)
Any accessibility support you need
Your availability, device and internet access

Tips for a Strong Application

Write in your own words. The organisers ask for authentic, personal answers and say to avoid generic or AI-generated responses.
Start early. The form has many questions, so draft your answers in a document first.
Be specific about the problem. Name the community, the people affected and why it matters to you.
Show you’ve already taken action, even something small like a club, a campaign or a first test of your idea.
Be honest about your time. Only say yes to 6–8 hours a week if you can really commit.