APRM Calls for Youth Technical Experts on African Youth Charter 20th Anniversary

Join the APRM Call for Youth Technical Experts on the African Youth Charter @20

The African Youth Charter turns 20 in 2026, marking a key moment for youth across Africa. This charter focuses on including young people in society, democracy, and growth. Now, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) seeks youth technical experts to review its progress. You can earn a USD 1000 stipend while helping shape future policies.

What Is This Opportunity?

The APRM, along with YouLead Africa and Restless Development, runs this program. It is called “Technical Experts on Youth Governance and Development: Consultations and Policy Briefs on the African Youth Charter @20.” Experts will check how African Union countries, regional groups, youth councils, and others follow the charter. Their work will feed into a big policy brief for Africa Youth Day and the APRM Africa Governance Report 2027 on youth in governance.

Young people aged 18 to 35 from AU member states can apply. The goal is to spot successes, gaps, and next steps for youth empowerment.

Key Thematic Areas to Review

Experts will look at five main areas:

Youth, Governance and Democratic Transformation: Check youth roles in politics, elections, reforms, and online civic work.
Peace, Security and Youth Agency: See how youth join peace efforts under the African Peace and Security Architecture, including building peace in tough areas.
Economic Justice, Development and Employment: Study job issues, the African Continental Free Trade Area, business starts, new ideas, digital money, and gig jobs.
Pan-Africanism, Identity and Youth Mobilisation: Explore diaspora links to the AU, cultural actions, and education focused on Africa.
Policy and Institutional Responsiveness: Review the AU’s 1 Million Next Level Initiative, youth checks on Agenda 2063 and SDGs, plus roles of AU bodies, regions, and countries.

These topics cover real challenges young Africans face today.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must meet these basics:

Age 18 to 35 when applying.
Citizen of an AU member state.
Active in civil society, youth groups, youth-led orgs, schools, or local groups.
Interested in youth governance, policy, civic work, accountability, or growth.
Free for 3-4 months from May to August 2026.
Good at English or French in writing and speaking. Portuguese, Arabic, or Swahili helps extra.
Past work in research, advocacy, community, or policy analysis is good, but not needed. Training comes with the job.

What Experts Need to Bring

Pick candidates who care about youth lives, especially those from diverse or left-out groups. Show passion for advocacy, governance, youth input, and team building. Support inclusivity, links between generations, and voices of underrepresented youth. Match the charter, Agenda 2063, and AU rules.

Benefits and Stipend

If selected, you get:

Official title as Youth Technical Expert.
Personal certificate.
Workshop on the charter, AU systems, and review methods.
Mentorship, wellness help, and pro growth space.
Your findings in the policy brief for International Youth Day.
Chance to add to a 2026 policy book on youth governance and the 2027 report.
Network with youth leaders, experts, officials, researchers, and groups continent-wide.

You earn USD 1000 total stipend, paid in parts. Half comes after the first draft report in 30 days. Plus, funds for project costs. Expect 8 hours a week over 3-4 months.

Time Commitment and Full Timeline

Work runs May to August 2026. Tasks include orientation, online talks, local data gathering, analysis, report writing, and a launch event.

Key dates:

Apply by April 30, 2026.
Selections out May 7, 2026.
Training workshop May 11, 2026.
Consultations and reviews May to June 30, 2026.
Reports due July 17, 2026.
Policy launch August 12, 2026.

How to Get Started

Check the full details and apply through the official APRM page. This is your chance to influence Africa’s youth future with real impact and rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply as a Youth Technical Expert?

You must be aged 18 to 35, a citizen of an AU member state, active in civil society or youth groups, and available for 3-4 months from May to August 2026.

What are the key thematic areas experts will review?

The areas cover youth in governance and democracy, peace and security, economic justice and jobs, Pan-Africanism and identity, and policy responsiveness.

What benefits do selected experts receive?

You get a USD 1000 stipend, training workshops, mentorship, networking with leaders, and your work featured in policy reports for Africa Youth Day.

What is the application deadline and timeline?

Apply by April 30, 2026; selections by May 7, with work from May to August including training, reviews, reports, and a policy launch on August 12.