Introduction
Applications are now open for the APRM Call for Youth Technical Experts. In 2026, the African Youth Charter (AYC) marks its 20th anniversary, a defining continental milestone that reaffirms Africa’s commitment to the socioeconomic inclusion of youth, democratic participation, and sustainable development. This anniversary presents a critical opportunity to reflect on progress achieved, assess implementation gaps, and redouble efforts to ensure meaningful youth empowerment across the continent.
Against this backdrop, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Continental Secretariat, YouLead Africa and Restless Development have launched the initiative: “Technical Experts on Youth Governance and Development: Consultations and Policy Briefs on the African Youth Charter @20”.
As part of this initiative, young Africans are invited to serve as Youth Technical Experts to assess and document how African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), National Youth Councils, Civil Society Organisations, Development Partners, Private Sector and governance frameworks are implementing the AYC and related continental and regional commitments. The appraisal’s findings will directly inform a consolidated continental policy brief to be launched during Africa Youth Day commemorations and will contribute to the APRM Africa Governance Report (AGR) 2027, focusing on Youth in Governance: From Promise to Prosperity.
Thematic Areas of Focus
Youth Technical Experts will assess implementation across the following thematic areas:
- Youth, Governance and Democratic Transformation: Youth political representation, elections, constitutional reforms, and digital civic engagement.
- Peace, Security and Youth Agency: Youth inclusion within the AGA – African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), peacebuilding, and resilience in conflict contexts.
- Economic Justice, Development and Employment: Youth unemployment, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and entrepreneurship, innovation, digital finance, and gig economy.
- Pan-Africanism, Identity and Youth Mobilisation: Diaspora engagement with the AU, cultural activism, and Afrocentric education.
- Policy and Institutional Responsiveness: Evaluation of the AU 1 Million Next Level Initiative, youth-led monitoring of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the role of AU organs, RECs, and Member States.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Be a national of an African Union Member State.
- Be active in civil society, youth networks, youth-led organisations, academic institutions, or community-based organisations.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in youth governance, policy, civic engagement, accountability, or development.
- Be available to participate in the appraisal process for approximately 3-4 months (May- August 2026).
- Be proficient in written and spoken English and/or French. Fluency in Portuguese, Arabic, or Swahili is an added advantage.
- Have prior experience in research, advocacy, community engagement, or policy analysis (preferred but not required; training will be provided).
Requirements
The APRM Continental Secretariat, YouLead Africa, and Restless Development seek individuals with demonstrated passion for fostering a youth-led, responsive Africa. Ideal candidates must:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the lives and experiences of diverse, intersectional, and marginalised youth across Africa.
- Be passionate about advocacy, governance, meaningful youth engagement, and collaborative movement building.
- Value inclusivity and be committed to intergenerational partnerships and the representation of underrepresented youth.
- Demonstrate alignment with the principles of the AYC, Agenda 2063, and AU governance frameworks.
Benefits
Selected Youth Technical Experts will be afforded:
- Official recognition as a Youth Technical Expert under the AYC @20 Appraisal, co-convened by the APRM Continental Secretariat, YouLead Africa and Restless Development.
- A personalised certificate of participation.
- The opportunity to attend an orientation and capacity-building workshop on the AYC, AU governance frameworks, and appraisal methodologies.
- Mentorship, well-being support, and a conducive professional development environment throughout the appraisal period.
- The opportunity to have appraisal findings published in the Consolidated Continental Policy Brief, launched during the International Youth Day commemorations.
- The opportunity to contribute to the Edited Policy Volume on Youth Governance in Africa (late 2026) and to inform the development of the AGR 2027.
- Continental networking with youth leaders, governance experts, policymakers, researchers, and civil society partners across Africa.
Remuneration, Payment Schedule and Deliverables
- 50% of the Draft report based on online consultation is due within 30 days of the start of the project.
- Successful candidates will receive a total stipend of USD 1000 for the duration of the assignment in addition to funding to cover assignment costs.
Time Commitment
Youth Technical Experts are expected to dedicate approximately 3–4 months (May–August 2026), 8 hours per week. This includes:
- Participation in the orientation and appraisal tool development sessions (late May 2026).
- Participation in structured virtual consultations convened through the APRM, YouLead Africa and Restless Development Youth Platforms (May–June 2026).
- Fieldwork and data collection in their national or regional context.
- Data analysis and drafting of structured appraisal reports (due on 17 July 2026).
- Participation in the International Youth Day Policy Launch Event.
Project Timelines
- Application deadline: April 30, 2026
- Notification of selected Youth Technical Experts: May 7, 2026
- Virtual Orientation and Training Workshop: May 11, 2026
- Continental Consultation and Appraisal Period: May–30 June 2026
- Submission of Appraisal Reports: July 17, 2026
- International Youth Day Policy Launch: August 12, 2026
Grant Atlas