Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027
The Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation is offering the Young African Leaders Program 2027, a fully funded fellowship designed to support emerging leaders from across Africa.
- FundingSir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation
- Duration12 months
- Who can applySub-Saharan African countries
- Application feeNo separate programme application fee stated in the official…
Overview
The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program is one of the few fully funded, non-academic leadership fellowships available to young Africans who are already making a difference in their communities and want to take their impact to the next level. Fellows do not need a postgraduate degree to qualify, making this an inclusive opportunity for people working across sectors including civil society, government, business, education, and the arts.
Applications for the 2027 cohort are currently open. The deadline is November 19, 2026, and there is no application fee. Read on for full details on eligibility, funding coverage, and how to apply.
The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program was established by the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation to invest in the leadership potential of Africa’s most promising young people. Sir Cyril Taylor was a renowned British entrepreneur, educationalist, and philanthropist who dedicated decades of his life to supporting young leaders and improving education across Africa and the United Kingdom.
The programme is built on the belief that young African leaders, given the right tools, networks, and experiences, can drive transformative change on the continent. Each year, a cohort of outstanding young Africans is selected to participate in a structured fellowship that includes workshops, mentoring, a UK study visit, and engagement with senior decision-makers in government, business, and civil society.
Past fellows have gone on to lead organisations, launch social enterprises, influence policy, and build lasting connections across Africa and globally. The program is highly competitive, and selection is based on leadership potential, demonstrated impact, and commitment to positive change in Africa.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Leadership Programme and Community Impact Fellowship
- Host organisation
- AFS Youth Assembly
- Location
- Online activities and Geneva, Switzerland
- Duration
- 12 months
- Mode
- Virtual training and in-person activities
- Host city
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Detail
- Information
- Number of selected participants
- 10 young leaders
- Youth assembly dates
- August 2027
- Official website
- AFS Youth Assembly
Funding
- Funding support
- Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation
- Funding
- Fully funded participation in the programme elements described by the organiser
- Seed funding
- Provided for community impact projects; amount not specified in the current call
- Application fee
- No separate programme application fee stated in the official announcement
- Travel and accommodation
- Covered for participation in the AFS Youth Assembly
Eligibility
- Minimum degree required
- Not specified in the official call
- Age limit
- 18 to 35 years
- Work experience
- No fixed minimum stated; demonstrated leadership is required
- Nationality
- Sub-Saharan African countries
Who can apply
Nationality
The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 is open to young leaders from across Africa. Applicants must be African citizens or nationals and must be based in Africa at the time of application. The programme welcomes applicants from all 54 African countries.
Academic Background
There is no requirement for an advanced academic degree. The programme values demonstrated leadership and real-world impact over formal qualifications. Applicants may hold any educational background, from undergraduate degrees to vocational training, provided they can show meaningful achievement in their field.
Age
The programme is targeted at young leaders. Applicants are typically expected to be between 18 and 35 years of age. Specific age cut-off requirements should be confirmed on the official application page, as criteria may be adjusted for each cohort year.
Work Experience
Applicants should be actively working in a leadership role or in a field where they are creating visible change. This can include community organising, social entrepreneurship, government service, advocacy, education, journalism, the arts, or any other area where you are driving meaningful outcomes. There is no minimum years-of-experience requirement, but evidence of impact is essential.
Other Requirements
Applicants should be fluent in English, as the UK study visit and programme activities are conducted in English. They should also demonstrate a commitment to remaining in Africa and contributing to the continent’s development following the programme. The selection panel looks for vision, integrity, and the potential to inspire others.
To apply for the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027, you will typically need to submit the following:
- A completed online application form
- A personal statement or essay on your leadership journey and vision for Africa
- A current CV or resume highlighting leadership roles and achievements
- At least one reference letter from a professional who can speak to your leadership
- Proof of African nationality or citizenship
Visit the official website to confirm the exact documents required for the 2027 application cycle, as requirements may be updated from year to year.
What you get
The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 is a fully funded fellowship. Accepted fellows receive the following benefits:
- Full coverage of travel costs to and from the United Kingdom
- Accommodation and subsistence during the UK study visit
- Access to leadership training workshops and seminars
- Mentoring sessions with established African and international leaders
- Networking opportunities with policymakers, academics, and changemakers
- Membership of an active alumni network of young African leaders
How to apply
- Visit the official Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation website and navigate to the Young African Leaders Program page
- Read the eligibility criteria and programme details carefully before starting your application
- Complete the online application form, ensuring all sections are filled accurately
- Prepare and upload your personal statement, CV, and supporting documents
- Secure your reference letter from a professional who knows your work well
- Submit your completed application before November 19, 2026
What Does the Programme Offer?
The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program gives fellows access to a carefully structured leadership development experience. The UK study visit places fellows at the centre of British public and professional life, with visits to Parliament, leading universities, business institutions, and civil society organisations. These interactions are designed to expand fellows’ perspectives, expose them to different models of leadership, and help them think boldly about the challenges facing Africa.
The mentoring component matches each fellow with an experienced leader who provides guidance, accountability, and support both during the programme and in the months following. The peer network of co-fellows is itself a powerful resource, bringing together talented individuals from across Africa who are often at similar stages in their leadership journeys and who form enduring professional and personal bonds.
Duration, Location, and Mode
The fellowship includes both in-person and virtual components. The flagship experience is an in-person visit to the United Kingdom, which typically takes place over one to two weeks. Virtual workshops and mentoring sessions complement the in-person programme and continue after the UK visit. The exact schedule and duration for the 2027 cohort will be communicated to selected fellows at the time of offer.
Application Fee
There is no application fee for the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027. The application is entirely free of charge, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented young Africans from applying.
Final Takeaway
The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 is one of the most impactful fully funded leadership fellowships available to young Africans today. It combines practical skills development, global networking, mentoring, and a UK study experience to help fellows grow into the leaders Africa needs. With no application fee and a deadline of November 19, 2026, there is no reason to wait. Start your application now and take the next step in your leadership journey.
Official Links
Visit the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation official website for the application portal and the latest programme details.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be employed to apply?
You do not need to be formally employed. What matters is that you are actively leading, creating change, or pursuing a project with clear social or professional impact. Entrepreneurs, volunteers, and community leaders are all encouraged to apply.
Can diaspora Africans apply?
The programme is designed for young leaders based in Africa. Applicants in the African diaspora who are not currently based on the continent should check the official website for clarification on their eligibility, as preference is typically given to applicants residing in Africa.
Is English proficiency required?
Yes. The programme is conducted in English, and strong written and spoken English is required to participate effectively in the UK visit, workshops, and mentoring sessions.
How many fellows are selected each year?
The number of fellows selected varies by cohort. Visit the official programme page for details on the 2027 cohort size and selection timeline.
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