Young Africans: Apply as Paid Youth Technical Experts for APRM Charter Review

Young Africans aged 18 to 35 have a chance to shape the future of youth policies on the continent. The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) has opened applications for Youth Technical Experts to review the African Youth Charter on its 20th anniversary. This paid role offers a USD 1000 stipend and lets participants influence key reports.

Background on the Initiative

The African Youth Charter turns 20 in 2026. This marks a key moment to check progress on youth inclusion, democracy, and growth in Africa. The APRM Continental Secretariat, YouLead Africa, and Restless Development started this project called “Technical Experts on Youth Governance and Development: Consultations and Policy Briefs on the African Youth Charter @20.”

Youth Technical Experts will study how African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities, youth councils, civil society, partners, businesses, and systems follow the charter. Their work will feed into a main policy brief launched on Africa Youth Day. It will also help create the APRM Africa Governance Report 2027, titled “Youth in Governance: From Promise to Prosperity.”

Key Thematic Areas

Experts will focus on five main topics:

• Youth, Governance and Democratic Transformation: Look at youth roles in politics, elections, reforms, and online civic work.
• Peace, Security and Youth Agency: Check youth involvement in peace structures like the African Peace and Security Architecture, peacebuilding, and handling conflicts.
• Economic Justice, Development and Employment: Examine joblessness, the African Continental Free Trade Area, business startups, new ideas, digital money, and short-term work.
• Pan-Africanism, Identity and Youth Mobilisation: Review diaspora ties to the African Union, cultural actions, and education focused on African roots.
• Policy and Institutional Responsiveness: Assess programs like the AU 1 Million Next Level Initiative, youth checks on Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals, plus roles of AU bodies, regions, and countries.

Who Can Apply

To qualify, you must:

• Be 18 to 35 years old.
• Hold citizenship from an African Union Member State.
• Work or take part in civil society, youth groups, youth-led groups, schools, or local organizations.
• Show interest in youth governance, policy, civic action, accountability, or growth.
• Commit to 3-4 months from May to August 2026.
• Speak and write English or French well. Portuguese, Arabic, or Swahili helps.
• Have experience in research, advocacy, community work, or policy review (nice to have, but training is offered).

What Experts Need to Bring

The organizers want people who:

• Understand the lives of different youth, including those often left out.
• Care about advocacy, governance, real youth input, and team efforts.
• Support inclusion, links between generations, and voices of overlooked youth.
• Match the goals of the African Youth Charter, Agenda 2063, and AU systems.

Benefits and Support

If selected, you get:

• Official title as a Youth Technical Expert.
• A custom certificate.
• Training workshop on the charter, AU systems, and review methods.
• Guidance, wellness help, and a good work setup.
• Chance to see your findings in the policy brief at International Youth Day.
• Input to a book on youth governance in late 2026 and the 2027 report.
• Network with youth leaders, experts, officials, researchers, and groups across Africa.

Pay and Deliverables

You earn a USD 1000 stipend total, plus funds for project costs. Payments come in parts:

• 50% after the first draft report from online talks, due 30 days in.

Main tasks include a draft report from consultations.

Time Needed

Plan for 8 hours a week over 3-4 months (May-August 2026). This covers:

• Orientation and tool sessions in late May.
• Virtual talks via APRM, YouLead, and Restless Development platforms (May-June).
• Local or regional data gathering.
• Analysis and report writing (due July 17).
• Policy launch on International Youth Day.

Full Timeline

• Applications close: April 30, 2026.
• Selections announced: May 7, 2026.
• Training workshop: May 11, 2026.
• Consultations and reviews: May to June 30, 2026.
• Reports due: July 17, 2026.
• Launch event: August 12, 2026.

For full details and to apply, visit the APRM official page. Act fast to join this effort for African youth.

Frequently Asked Questions