Application Deadline
Application Deadline: 4 May 2026
Program Description
Applications are now open for African young leaders who are leading initiatives that support vulnerable or marginalised youth to transition from education into sustainable employment or entrepreneurship, particularly in low-income or underserved contexts.
The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 will support 25 young African leaders working on enabling social equity through education, employability or entrepreneurship solutions, to participate in the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 – 6 November. In addition, ZZF scholars will take part in a curated pre- and post-Summit program designed to support leadership growth, build peer networks, and amplify their impact.
Requirements
Candidates must:
- Be aged 18 – 35 by the date of the One Young World Summit 2026 in November.
- Be nationals of and residents of countries in Africa.
- Demonstrate impact aligned with the pillar of the Z Zurich Foundation.
- Be leading an early-stage initiative that is not supported by major corporate or institutional funders.
- Be leading a formally registered entity with a clear not-for-profit mission and a bank account registered in the organisation’s name.
- Be serving in a primary leadership role within the initiative.
- Be committed to actively engage in and allocate time for the Pre‑Summit Engagement & Preparation Program (September-October) and the Post-Summit Debrief Session (late November), including reflection and inner development activities.
- Be willing to actively engage, collaborate, and contribute to peer learning before, during, and after the Summit.
Scholarship Benefits
ZZF Scholars will receive:
- Full participation in the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town (3-6 November 2026)
- Hotel accommodation in Cape Town between 1 – 6 November (inclusive)
- Return air travel to and from Cape Town
- Catering which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Ground transportation between Summit venues in Cape Town.
Additional Arrangement
In addition to the above, the scholarship includes the following curated engagements:
- ZZF Pre‑Summit Engagement & Preparation Program(September-October 2026): a virtual program combining personal leadership development with practical preparation for impactful Summit participation, featuring selected expert contributions.
- ZZF Pre-Summit Connection Day(2 November 2026): a full-day, in-person gathering in Cape Town prior to the Summit to foster peer connection, alignment, and engagement with the Z Zurich Foundation.
- Post-Summit Debrief Session(online session in late November 2026).
- The opportunity to apply for aone-year Post-Summit Fellowshipoffering holistic capacity-building support as part of the Z Zurich Foundation’s Global Changemakers Program (a limited number of places will be awarded through a competitive selection process).
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