We are seeking nominations for young leaders aged 18-35 who have a proven interest in and track-record of working on issues related to democracy, accountability, transparency, and youth participation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Deadline for nominations: Friday, 10 March 2023

As the pressure is mounting on democracy, the rule of law and human rights globally, there is an urgent need to protect and support democracies worldwide. With half of the world’s population aged under 30, the continued support for democracy is highly dependent on the engagement of young people going forward. However, young people, particularly those from marginalised groups, are systematically underrepresented in public affairs, including in parliaments, political parties and at the ballot boxes. Economic and educational barriers to youth participation are exacerbated by a lack of information about democratic processes and ways of becoming active citizens.

The Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) Project

To address these challenges and promote youth participation in public affairs, the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) is implementing the European Union-funded project “Women and Youth in Democracy”. As members of the EPD, the Kofi Annan Foundation, jointly with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and the Oslo Center, are searching for young leaders for the third pillar of this project, which aims to improve the inclusion of youth in democracy and decision-making. We are seeking highly motivated young leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa, aged between 18 and 35, to participate in a comprehensive training and mentoring programme to strengthen their skills and their networks, and to apply for grants to implement their projects.

We welcome nominations of young leaders from all sectors – civil society, politics, business, social media and art, who have the ability and networks to reach many young people through their activities.

We invite organisations to send a nomination for one or more young leader/s in your network who meet the criteria and who you believe would be qualified to take part in this project. We welcome nominations for young leaders from all sectors – civil society, politics, business, social media and art, who have the ability and networks to reach many young people through their activities.

Please find below the Call for Nominations and the Nomination Form, which provide further details regarding the selection process and eligibility requirements.

Selection criteria and process

• Nominees must be aged between 18 and 35 at the time of nomination.
• Nominees must be able to display a record of engagement on issues related to accountability, youth participation, leadership or similar.
• Nominees must be residing in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Nominees must be able to communicate fluently in either English or French, written and spoken.

Key dates for online training:

Nominees must be available to participate actively in the online training and mentoring activities from May – September 2023.

• The activities amount to approximately 0.5 days per week for certain project parts (+ independent learning in addition).
• Nominees must have access to the Internet, a computer, and a suitable work environment to focus and participate actively in online meetings.
• A limited monetary contribution can be provided to help improve Internet access on a case-by-case basis (such as the cost of working in an Internet café or library).

Key dates for travel and taking part in the in-person event:

Nominees must be available to travel to participate in a one-week in-person ‘Learning and Networking Event’ in either November 2023 for English speakers or in February 2024 for French speakers. Travel and accommodation for the in-person event will be paid for.

Nominations are encouraged for all qualified candidates who meet the criteria, particularly from those groups who are traditionally under-represented in decision-making and public affairs, such as young women.

Download nomination form here:

Source: https://www.kofiannanfoundation.org/supporting-democracy-and-elections-with-integrity/call-for-nominations-young-leaders-sub-saharan-africa/