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

Imagine a chance to join 25 other young African leaders at a global summit, all expenses paid, to boost your work helping vulnerable youth find jobs or start businesses. The Z Zurich Foundation One Young World Scholarship 2026 offers this fully funded opportunity to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 to 6 November. It targets leaders whose initiatives help marginalized youth move from education into sustainable employment or entrepreneurship, especially in low-income areas. This article covers eligibility rules, benefits, extra programs, and how to apply, so you can see if this fits your path.

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

The Z Zurich Foundation One Young World Scholarship 2026 selects 25 young African leaders to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town from 3 to 6 November. These leaders run projects that build social equity through education, employability, or entrepreneurship for vulnerable youth. Scholars also join special pre- and post-summit programs. These help grow leadership skills, create strong networks, and increase project impact.

Key focus areas include:

Enabling social equity, as defined by the Z Zurich Foundation’s pillar.
Supporting transitions from education to jobs or business startups.
Targeting low-income or underserved communities.
Aiding marginalized or vulnerable youth.

Eligibility Requirements

This scholarship picks dedicated leaders who meet strict criteria. A bulleted list below shows each one clearly, so you can check your fit quickly.

Aged 18 to 35 by the summit date in November 2026.
Nationals of and residents in African countries.
Impact that matches the Z Zurich Foundation’s Enabling Social Equity pillar.
Leading an early-stage initiative without support from major corporate or institutional funders.
Running a formally registered not-for-profit entity with a bank account in the organization’s name.
Serving in a primary leadership role in the initiative.
Committed to the Pre-Summit Engagement & Preparation Program (September-October) and Post-Summit Debrief Session (late November), including reflection activities.
Willing to engage, collaborate, and contribute to peer learning before, during, and after the summit.

Scholarship Benefits

These benefits remove all barriers, letting you focus on the summit and your growth. A clear list highlights what you get, making the value easy to see.

Full participation in the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town (3-6 November 2026).
Hotel accommodation in Cape Town from 1 to 6 November (inclusive).
Return air travel to and from Cape Town.
Catering, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Ground transportation between summit venues in Cape Town.

Additional Programs and Opportunities

Beyond the summit, curated programs build your skills and connections. A numbered list shows the sequence, so you can picture the full journey. These steps amplify your work and open more doors.

ZZF Pre-Summit Engagement & Preparation Program (September-October 2026): This virtual program mixes personal leadership development with Summit prep. It includes input from selected experts.
ZZF Pre-Summit Connection Day (2 November 2026): A full-day in-person event in Cape Town. It builds peer bonds and aligns you with the Z Zurich Foundation.
Post-Summit Debrief Session (online in late November 2026): Reflect on your experience and plan next steps.
Opportunity to apply for a one-year Post-Summit Fellowship: Part of the Z Zurich Foundation’s Global Changemakers Program. A limited number of spots go to top applicants through competition.

Application Deadline and How to Apply

Application Deadline: 4 May 2026

Applications are open now. Head to the official scholarship webpage for full details and to submit. Act soon to join this network of changemakers.

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, lead a registered non-profit helping vulnerable youth with jobs or startups, and commit to all programs.

What does the scholarship cover?

It covers summit participation, hotel from November 1-6, return flights, meals, and transport in Cape Town.

When is the One Young World Summit 2026?

The summit runs from November 3 to 6, 2026, in Cape Town, South Africa.

How do I apply and what is the deadline?

Apply on the official One Young World website; the deadline is May 4, 2026.