Call for submissions: Young Changemakers 2026 (Young Africans aged 18–35 from across the continent)

The African Futures & Innovation programme (AFI) at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) invites young Africans to participate in the Young Changemakers 2026 initiative as part of the African Futures Conference 2026. This initiative identifies and showcases emerging African leaders, thinkers, innovators and storytellers shaping conversations about the continent’s future. The conference takes place on 13–14 October 2026 in hybrid format: Day 1 in-person at CSIR, Pretoria with a livestream, and Day 2 fully virtual.

Theme

The choices that will shape Africa’s future

Africa’s future is not predetermined. The decisions we make today – about governance, education, technology, climate action, economic transformation, peace and security, and social development – will shape the continent’s trajectory. We invite young Africans to imagine the future they want to see and explore the choices required to make it possible.

Guiding questions

Participants may wish to consider:

• What kind of Africa do you want to see in 2050?
• What choices will determine whether that future becomes reality?
• What risks should Africa avoid?
• What opportunities should Africa embrace?
• What actions should governments, businesses, communities and young people take today?
• What role can your generation play in shaping Africa’s future?

Who can apply?

Young Africans aged 18–35 from across the continent, including young professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, activists, creatives and storytellers, community leaders, and students. No previous experience in foresight is required.

Submission formats

Submit your contribution in one of the following formats:

• Written submission: maximum 1 500 words (PDF or Word)
• Video submission: 3–5 minutes (MP4)
• Audio/podcast submission: 3–5 minutes (MP3 or equivalent)

Selection criteria

Submissions will be evaluated on:

• Originality and creativity
• Relevance to Africa’s future
• Evidence of long-term and futures-oriented thinking
• Leadership potential and commitment to positive change
• Potential impact and inspiration
• Quality of storytelling and presentation
• Potential contribution to conversations on Africa’s future

Recognition

A panel of experts will select the Top 20 Young Changemakers 2026, whose ideas demonstrate creativity, foresight, leadership potential and commitment to shaping Africa’s future. From this group, five finalists will receive the Young Changemakers Award, including travel support to attend the African Futures Conference 2026 in Pretoria. The Top 5 will present their ideas, engage directly with policymakers, researchers, practitioners and conference participants, and contribute to conversations on Africa’s future.

How to Apply

Submit via the online application FORM by 26 July 2026 with:

• A title for your submission
• A short abstract (maximum 250 words)
• A short biography and supporting information

Key dates

• Deadline for submissions: 26 July 2026
• Top 20 Young Changemakers 2026 announced: 7 August 2026
• Top 5 Finalists announced: 19 August 2026
• African Futures Conference 2026: 13–14 October 2026

Partners and Supporters

The 2026 African Futures Conference is supported by the Robert Bosch Academy and the Hanns Seidel Foundation, alongside a growing network of African and international partners committed to advancing foresight, evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development across the continent.