Applications are open for the 2026 Catalyst Academy Youth Social Innovation Learning Programme, an initiative designed to equip young people across Africa with practical skills and resources to address pressing community challenges.

The programme focuses on social innovation, peer learning, cross-border collaboration and hands-on project development, helping participants transform ideas into solutions that create meaningful change.

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and be citizens or residents of Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon or South Africa. They must also demonstrate an interest in social innovation, community development or social entrepreneurship and be willing to participate in collaborative learning and practical project development.

The initiative particularly encourages applications from young women facing barriers to entrepreneurship, persons with disabilities, refugees, displaced young people and community leaders.

Selected participants will benefit from mentorship provided by experienced social innovators, alongside peer learning sessions designed to strengthen their knowledge and problem-solving skills. They will also gain access to digital learning resources and technology-enabled learning opportunities.

Other benefits include opportunities to collaborate with young changemakers across African countries, develop practical projects, design and test pilot solutions, and build professional relationships through the programme’s wider social innovation community.

Participants should be prepared to commit approximately six to eight hours per week to learning sessions and other programme activities.

How to apply

Eligible applicants can complete the online application form using the link below. Applications close on October 30, 2026.

Apply for the 2026 Catalyst Academy Youth Social Innovation Learning Programme

SOURCE: Catalyst Academy