Applications are now open for the EU/Africa-Europe Youth Academy New Leaders Lab 2026, a leadership programme that empowers young Africans to transform innovative ideas into meaningful community projects.
Moreover, the programme combines leadership training, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and peer learning. As a result, participants develop practical skills that help them lead change and create lasting impact in their communities.
If you’re looking for more leadership and fellowship opportunities, visit our Fellowships page: https://opportunitylab.net/category/fellowships/
EU/Africa-Europe Youth Academy New Leaders Lab 2026 Overview
The EU/Africa-Europe Youth Academy New Leaders Lab 2026 is a leadership programme with a strong focus on entrepreneurship, community development, and civic engagement.
The programme runs for three to four months. During this period, participants complete interactive learning modules, practical workshops, mentoring sessions, and peer learning activities.
Furthermore, the programme helps young people strengthen their leadership skills while developing projects that address real challenges in their communities. Consequently, participants leave with practical knowledge, stronger networks, and greater confidence.
Who Can Apply for the EU/Africa-Europe Youth Academy New Leaders Lab 2026?
The programme welcomes young people from different educational, professional, and social backgrounds.
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Live in one of the 19 eligible African countries.
- Have a basic knowledge of English, French, or Portuguese.
- Show an interest in community service, entrepreneurship, or civic engagement.
- Have a project or business idea they want to develop.
In addition, the organisers encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, and young people from diverse backgrounds.
No university degree is required. Likewise, applicants do not need previous leadership experience. Instead, the programme values motivation, commitment, and the desire to create positive change.
Eligible Countries for the EU/Africa-Europe Youth Academy New Leaders Lab 2026
Applicants must live in one of the following countries:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Ethiopia
- Guinea
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Mozambique
- Niger
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Uganda
- Zambia
Therefore, only applicants residing in these countries can participate in the programme.
Project Areas for the EU/Africa-Europe Youth Academy New Leaders Lab 2026
Applicants should present a project or business idea that addresses important community challenges.
Suitable project areas include:
- Climate change
- Rural development
- Urban development
- Social inclusion
- Gender equality
- Entrepreneurship
- Community development
- Other related social impact initiatives
Furthermore, the programme encourages ideas that create sustainable and measurable impact.
Discover more entrepreneurship programmes here: https://opportunitylab.net
Benefits of the EU/Africa-Europe Youth Academy New Leaders Lab 2026
Selected participants will receive valuable leadership and personal development support.
Programme benefits include:
- Leadership development training.
- Interactive learning modules.
- Practical workshops.
- Personalised mentoring and support.
- Peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
- Networking with young leaders across Africa.
- Guidance to develop community or business projects.
In addition, participants gain practical skills they can apply long after the programme ends.
How to Apply for the EU/Africa-Europe Youth Academy New Leaders Lab 2026
Interested applicants should complete the online application through the official EU/Africa-Europe Youth Academy application portal.
Before submitting your application, explain your project idea clearly. Next, describe how your idea will benefit your community. Finally, review your application carefully to ensure every detail is correct.
EU/Africa-Europe Youth Academy New Leaders Lab 2026 Application Deadline
Application Deadline: 19 July 2026
Therefore, interested applicants should submit their applications as early as possible. Early submission gives you enough time to review your information before the deadline.
