APRM Calls for Youth Technical Experts: African Youth Charter 20th Anniversary Review 2026

Young Africans aged 18 to 35 have a chance to join a key project marking the 20th anniversary of the African Youth Charter. The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is calling for Youth Technical Experts to review how countries and groups across Africa are putting the charter into action. Selected experts will earn a USD 1000 stipend and help shape future policies on youth governance.

This initiative comes from the APRM Continental Secretariat, YouLead Africa, and Restless Development. It focuses on checking progress in youth inclusion, democratic participation, and development. The work will feed into a policy brief launched on International Youth Day and the APRM Africa Governance Report 2027, titled Youth in Governance: From Promise to Prosperity.

What the Project Covers

Experts will look at five main areas:

• Youth, Governance and Democratic Transformation: This includes youth roles in politics, elections, constitutional changes, and online civic activities.
• Peace, Security and Youth Agency: Focus on youth parts in peace efforts, security setups like the African Peace and Security Architecture, and building strength in conflict zones.
• Economic Justice, Development and Employment: Review youth job issues, the African Continental Free Trade Area, business startups, new ideas, digital money, and short-term work.
• Pan-Africanism, Identity and Youth Mobilisation: Cover links with the African diaspora, cultural actions, and education centered on African views.
• Policy and Institutional Responsiveness: Check programs like the AU 1 Million Next Level Initiative, youth tracking of Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals, plus roles of AU bodies, regional groups, and countries.

Who Can Apply

To qualify, you must meet these points:

• Be 18 to 35 years old when applying.
• Hold citizenship from an African Union member state.
• Work or volunteer with civil society, youth groups, youth-led organizations, schools, or local groups.
• Show real interest in youth governance, policy, civic work, accountability, or growth.
• Commit to 3-4 months from May to August 2026.
• Speak and write English or French well. Knowing Portuguese, Arabic, or Swahili helps.
• Have some background in research, advocacy, community work, or policy review (nice to have, but training is offered).

The best fits understand the challenges of different youth groups, including those often left out. They care about pushing for change, youth involvement, and team efforts across generations.

What Experts Will Do

The role takes about 8 hours a week over 3-4 months. Tasks include:

• Join online training and planning sessions in late May 2026.
• Take part in virtual talks through APRM, YouLead Africa, and Restless Development platforms from May to June.
• Gather data from your country or region.
• Analyze info and write reports, due July 17, 2026.
• Attend the policy launch on International Youth Day, August 12, 2026.

Half the stipend pays after the first draft report in 30 days. The full USD 1000 covers the work, plus extra funds for costs.

Benefits for Participants

If chosen, you get:

• Official title as a Youth Technical Expert for the AYC @20 review.
• A custom certificate.
• Training workshop on the charter, AU systems, and review methods.
• Guidance, wellness help, and a supportive space.
• Credit in the policy brief for International Youth Day.
• Chance to add to a book on youth governance in late 2026 and the 2027 report.
• Network with youth leaders, experts, officials, researchers, and groups continent-wide.

Key Dates

• Applications close: April 30, 2026.
• Selections announced: May 7, 2026.
• Training workshop: May 11, 2026.
• Main review period: May to June 30, 2026.
• Reports due: July 17, 2026.
• Launch event: August 12, 2026.

For full details and to apply, visit the official APRM webpage. This is a great way for young leaders to make an impact on Africa’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to be a Youth Technical Expert?

You must be aged 18 to 35, a citizen of an African Union member state, and work or volunteer with civil society, youth groups, or similar organizations. A strong interest in youth governance and good English or French skills are also needed.

What tasks will Youth Technical Experts do?

Experts will join online trainings, take part in virtual discussions, gather data from their country or region, analyze information, and write reports over 3-4 months from May to August 2026.

What benefits do selected experts receive?

You get a USD 1000 stipend, a certificate, training workshops, networking opportunities, and credit in the policy brief launched on International Youth Day.

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

Applications close on April 30, 2026; selections are announced May 7; reports are due July 17; and the launch is on August 12, 2026.