Young Nigerians and other African youths now have a major continental opportunity to contribute to policy development, as the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), in partnership with YouLead Africa and Restless Development, has opened applications for 20 Youth Technical Experts.
The initiative is part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the African Youth Charter (AYC), a key African Union framework designed to promote youth participation, empowerment, and development across the continent.
Selected participants will receive a stipend of $1,000 while contributing to high-level governance and youth policy discussions across Africa.
Why the APRM Youth Programme Matters
The African Youth Charter, adopted in 2006, serves as a guiding document for African governments in advancing youth inclusion and development. As it reaches its 20-year milestone in 2026, stakeholders are taking stock of its implementation and overall impact.
Africa remains the youngest continent globally, with over 75 percent of its population under the age of 35. Despite this demographic advantage, millions of young Africans continue to face systemic challenges, including unemployment, limited political inclusion, weak access to education, and barriers to economic participation.
The APRM Youth Technical Experts programme is designed to ensure that young people are not just beneficiaries of policy decisions but active contributors to shaping them. By engaging youth directly in governance assessments, the programme aims to deliver more practical, inclusive, and evidence-based recommendations.
Roles and Responsibilities of Selected Experts
The 20 selected Youth Technical Experts will play a critical role in evaluating how African Union youth frameworks are being implemented across member states.
Key responsibilities include:
Reviewing the implementation of the African Youth Charter across different countries
Analysing trends in youth participation in governance, democracy, and civic engagement
Identifying policy gaps affecting young people across Africa
Conducting consultations with youth organisations and stakeholders
Producing detailed reports that will contribute to the APRM Africa Governance Report 2027
In addition, findings from the programme will inform a continental policy brief scheduled to be launched during International Youth Day on August 12, 2026.
This gives selected participants a unique platform to influence decisions at the highest levels of African governance.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To be considered for the APRM Youth Technical Experts 2026 programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be between the ages of 18 and 35
Be a citizen of an African Union member state, including Nigeria
Be actively involved in youth networks, civil society organisations, academia, or community development initiatives
Demonstrate a strong interest in governance, public policy, civic engagement, or development
Be available to participate fully between May and August 2026
Have strong communication skills in English and/or French
The programme is highly competitive, and applicants are encouraged to highlight relevant experience and impact in their submissions.
Application Process for Nigerian Youths
Interested applicants are required to submit the following documents:
A motivation letter (maximum 500 words)
A short biography (maximum 150 words)
An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Scanned copies of academic and qualification documents
All applications must be submitted via email to: tender@aprm-au.org
Applicants must strictly follow the required email subject format:
APRM/DP/YTE/IC/04/2026: CALL FOR YOUTH TECHNICAL EXPERTS TO APPRAISE THE AFRICAN YOUTH CHARTER @20
Failure to use the correct subject line may lead to disqualification.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submission is April 30, 2026, at 12:00 SAST.
Late applications will not be considered, and interested candidates are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
A Strategic Opportunity for African Youths
This initiative represents more than just a stipend opportunity—it is a strategic platform for African youths to shape policies that directly affect their future.
By participating in the APRM Youth Technical Experts programme, young Nigerians and their counterparts across Africa will gain hands-on experience in governance assessment, policy analysis, and continental development processes.
It also offers valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and the chance to work alongside leading institutions involved in Africa’s governance and development agenda.
For young people passionate about driving change, influencing policy, and contributing to Africa’s future, this programme presents a rare and impactful opportunity.