Are you a young African passionate about governance and youth empowerment? The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) has opened applications for Youth Technical Experts to appraise the African Youth Charter at its 20th anniversary. This paid opportunity offers a USD 1000 stipend and lets you shape continental policy.
What Is the APRM Call for Youth Technical Experts?
In 2026, the African Youth Charter (AYC) celebrates 20 years. This charter focuses on youth inclusion in socioeconomic growth, democracy, and sustainable development across Africa. The APRM Continental Secretariat, YouLead Africa, and Restless Development started this initiative called “Technical Experts on Youth Governance and Development: Consultations and Policy Briefs on the African Youth Charter @20.”
Youth Technical Experts will review how African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities, National Youth Councils, civil society, development partners, private sector, and governance systems follow the AYC. Your work will feed into a policy brief launched on Africa Youth Day. It will also help create the APRM Africa Governance Report 2027, titled “Youth in Governance: From Promise to Prosperity.”
Key Thematic Areas to Assess
Experts will cover these main topics:
- Youth, Governance and Democratic Transformation: Look at youth roles in politics, elections, constitutional changes, and online civic activities.
- Peace, Security and Youth Agency: Check youth involvement in the African Peace and Security Architecture, peacebuilding, and handling conflicts.
- Economic Justice, Development and Employment: Examine youth joblessness, the African Continental Free Trade Area, startups, new ideas, digital money, and gig work.
- Pan-Africanism, Identity and Youth Mobilisation: Study diaspora links with the African Union, cultural actions, and education focused on African roots.
- Policy and Institutional Responsiveness: Review the AU 1 Million Next Level Initiative, youth tracking of Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals, plus roles of AU bodies, RECs, and Member States.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must meet these basics:
- Age 18 to 35 when applying.
- Citizen of an African Union Member State.
- Active in civil society, youth groups, youth-led organizations, schools, or community groups.
- Strong interest in youth governance, policy, civic work, accountability, or development.
- Free for 3-4 months from May to August 2026.
- Good in English or French, with bonus for Portuguese, Arabic, or Swahili.
- Past work in research, advocacy, community outreach, or policy review helps but is not needed. Training comes with the role.
What the Organizers Want in Candidates
They seek people who get the real lives of different youth groups in Africa, including those often left out. You should care about pushing for change, good governance, real youth input, and team efforts. Show support for inclusivity, links between generations, and voices from underrepresented youth. Match the AYC, Agenda 2063, and AU governance ideas.
Benefits and Stipend Details
If picked, you get:
- Official title as a Youth Technical Expert for the AYC @20 Appraisal.
- A custom certificate.
- Training workshop on the AYC, AU systems, and review methods.
- Mentorship, wellness help, and a good work setup.
- Chance to see your findings in the policy brief at International Youth Day.
- Input to an edited book on Youth Governance in Africa (late 2026) and the 2027 report.
- Network with youth leaders, experts, officials, researchers, and groups continent-wide.
You earn a USD 1000 stipend total, plus funds for project costs. Payments split: 50% after the first draft report in 30 days.
Time Needed and Project Schedule
Plan for 8 hours a week over 3-4 months (May-August 2026). Tasks include:
- Join orientation and tool sessions (late May).
- Take part in online talks via APRM, YouLead, and Restless Development platforms (May-June).
- Gather data in your country or region.
- Analyze info and write reports (due July 17, 2026).
- Attend the policy launch on International Youth Day.
Full timeline:
- Apply by April 30, 2026.
- Selections announced May 7, 2026.
- Training workshop May 11, 2026.
- Consultations and reviews May to June 30, 2026.
- Reports due July 17, 2026.
- Launch August 12, 2026.
For full details and to apply, visit the APRM official page. This is your chance to make a real impact on Africa’s youth future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the APRM Youth Technical Experts role?
You can apply if you are 18-35 years old, a citizen of an African Union Member State, active in youth or civil society groups, and available for 3-4 months from May to August 2026.
What benefits do selected experts receive?
Selected experts get a USD 1000 stipend, training, mentorship, a certificate, networking opportunities, and their work featured in policy briefs and reports.
What are the key thematic areas to assess?
The areas include youth in governance and democracy, peace and security, economic justice and jobs, Pan-Africanism, and policy responsiveness.
What is the application deadline and timeline?
Apply by April 30, 2026; selections are announced May 7, with work from May to August and launch on August 12, 2026.