Youth Leadership Competition 2023

Deadline: January 10, 2023

The Youth Leadership Competition is organised as a component of the African Leadership Forum (ALF) to provide a space for the youth of Africa and the next generation of leaders in the region to contribute to important discussions on leadership and sustainable development.

In each contest, African citizens between 18 and 25 are asked to write about their perspectives on leadership as it relates to a theme tied to the ALF.  

The essays are rigorously evaluated based on originality, organisation, creativity, appropriateness to contest theme and the use of language. The winners can participate in the ALF plenary session and receive their awards at a prize-giving ceremony – in the presence of distinguished delegates from the forum.

Since 2013, seven competitions have been organised. Thematic areas covered include: Meeting the challenges of Africa’s transformation (2014); Moving towards an integrated Africa: What needs to be done? (2015); Enabling African business to transform the continent (2016); Peace and security for an integrated, united, and sustainable Africa (2017); Financing Africa’s transformation for sustainable development (2018); Promoting good natural resource management for socio-economic transformation in Africa (2019); and Promoting African intra-trade to unlock agricultural potential in Africa (2020).

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Prizes

Up to five winners will be selected. Winners will be asked to create posters to describe their ideas visually. The posters will be showcased at the ALF.

Winners will receive their awards at a prize-giving ceremony during the ALF Gala Dinner. The ceremony will be attended by senior leaders from across Africa, representing public, private and third sectors.

The overall winner will receive a grand prize of USD 2,000, and they will be asked to read their essay at the dinner event.

Selected winners outside Ghana will be required to have valid travel documents. UONGOZI Institute will cover the costs related to their travel, including visa fees, air tickets and accommodation. 

Guidelines

This competition aims to provide an opportunity for the youth of Africa and the next generation of leaders in the region to share their perspectives on leadership as it relates to promoting African intra-trade to unlock agricultural potential in Africa. It is open to all African citizens (including the diaspora) between the age of 18 –  25. The essays should respond to the following question:

If you were an African leader, how would you promote African intra-trade to unlock agricultural potential in Africa?

All essays must be typed. The minimum length is 500 words, and the maximum is 700 words. The format shall be single-spaced, Arial font size 11 with page margins of 1 inch (2.54 cm) for each margin, and sent as a Microsoft Word document.

Applicants must also submit a written statement of originality and ownership of intellectual property rights. Download a template here. 

Essays will be judged based on originality, creativity, use of language and appropriateness to contest theme.

Application Registration Deadline: 10th January 2023

To Apply: Click here

Official Website: Click here