Z Zurich Foundation One Young World Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded for African Youth Leaders

Are you an African young leader making a difference for vulnerable youth? The Z Zurich Foundation One Young World Scholarship 2026 offers a fully funded chance to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. This program picks 25 leaders who work on education, employability, or entrepreneurship to help marginalized youth find sustainable jobs or start businesses, especially in low-income areas.

This article covers what the scholarship includes, who can apply, the benefits, extra programs, and how to submit by the deadline.

What is the Z Zurich Foundation One Young World Scholarship 2026?

The Z Zurich Foundation One Young World Scholarship 2026 helps young African leaders attend the One Young World Summit 2026. The summit takes place in Cape Town from November 3 to 6. It picks 25 people who lead projects for vulnerable or marginalized youth. These projects focus on moving from school to steady work or business startups in tough areas.

Scholars also join special pre- and post-summit activities. These build skills, create networks, and boost their work’s reach. The program fits the Z Zurich Foundation’s goal of enabling social equity. Here are its key goals in a quick list:

Promote social equity through better education access.
Improve employability for youth in underserved spots.
Support entrepreneurship to create lasting jobs.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, candidates must meet these clear rules. Check them off one by one:

Be aged 18 to 35 by the One Young World Summit date in November 2026.
Hold nationality from and live in an African country.
Show work that matches the Z Zurich Foundation’s Enabling Social Equity pillar.
Lead an early-stage project without big corporate or institution funding.
Run a formally registered not-for-profit group with its own bank account.
Hold a main leadership spot in the project.
Promise time for the pre-summit program in September-October and post-summit debrief in late November, including self-reflection work.
Agree to connect, team up, and share learning before, during, and after the summit.

Scholarship Benefits

This scholarship covers everything so winners can focus on the experience. It is fully funded. Key perks include:

Full access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town from November 3 to 6.
Hotel stay in Cape Town from November 1 to 6.
Round-trip flights to and from Cape Town.
All meals with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Bus or car rides between summit spots in Cape Town.

Additional Programs and Opportunities

Winners get more than the summit. These timed activities add value:

Pre-Summit Engagement & Preparation Program (September to October 2026): This online series mixes personal growth with tips for summit success. It includes talks from experts.
Pre-Summit Connection Day (November 2, 2026): A full day in Cape Town to meet peers, get aligned, and learn about the Z Zurich Foundation.
Post-Summit Debrief Session (late November 2026): An online talk to reflect and plan next steps.
One-Year Post-Summit Fellowship Option: Apply for this extra year of support through the Global Changemakers Program. Spots go to top picks in a contest.

Application Details and Deadline

Deadline: 4 May 2026
Visit the Official Webpage for the full process.

Head to the official site right away to start your application. It has all the steps and forms. Show your leadership and impact clearly. Plan time for the full program commitment, from prep sessions to follow-up. This chance can grow your work and networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Z Zurich Foundation One Young World Scholarship 2026?

You must be 18-35 years old, from an African country, and lead an early-stage not-for-profit project helping vulnerable youth with education, jobs, or startups.

What does the scholarship cover?

It provides full access to the summit, hotel from November 1-6, flights, meals, and transport in Cape Town.

What additional programs are included?

Winners get online pre-summit prep in September-October, a connection day on November 2, a post-summit debrief, and a chance for a one-year fellowship.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline is May 4, 2026; visit the official One Young World webpage for the full process and forms.