Enter the UONGOZI Institute Youth Leadership Competition 2025: Empowering the Next Generation of African Leaders
Youth Leadership Competition: Empowering the Next Generation of African Leaders
The Youth Leadership Competition is a unique initiative under the umbrella of the African Leadership Forum (ALF). This competition serves as a platform for the youth of Africa to contribute their thoughts and ideas on leadership and sustainable development, fostering the next generation of leaders on the continent.
Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to African citizens between the ages of 18 and 25. Young Africans are invited to write essays that reflect their perspectives on leadership, each year based on a specific theme aligned with the ALF’s discussions and goals. This is an exciting opportunity for youth to engage with pressing issues of leadership and sustainability, shaping the future of Africa.
How Are the Essays Evaluated?
Essays submitted for the competition are rigorously assessed by a panel of judges. Evaluation criteria include:
- Originality: Unique insights and fresh perspectives on the theme.
- Organisation: Clear and structured presentation of ideas.
- Creativity: Innovative approaches to leadership and sustainable development.
- Appropriateness to the Contest Theme: Alignment with the annual theme of the ALF.
- Use of Language: Clarity, grammar, and coherence of writing.
Awards and Recognition Winners of the Youth Leadership Competition are invited to participate in the ALF Plenary Session, where they will have the chance to present their ideas and engage with leaders and delegates. In addition, winners receive awards at a prestigious prize-giving ceremony, attended by distinguished figures from across the African leadership landscape.
A grand prize of USD $2,000 will be awarded to the overall winner, and they will be asked to read their essay at the dinner event.
Selected winners residing outside Uganda will be required to have valid travel documents for travel. UONGOZI Institute will cover the costs related to their travel, including visa fees, air ticket and accommodation.
DEADLINE
The deadline for submitting entries is 18 February, 2025.
Past Themes Since its inception in 2013, the competition has covered a range of significant themes that reflect the evolving challenges and opportunities for Africa. Some of the past thematic areas include:
- 2014: Meeting the challenges of Africa’s transformation.
- 2015: Moving towards an integrated Africa: What needs to be done?
- 2016: Enabling African business to transform the continent.
- 2017: Peace and security for an integrated, united, and sustainable Africa.
- 2018: Financing Africa’s transformation for sustainable development.
- 2019: Promoting good natural resource management for socio-economic transformation in Africa.
- 2023: Promoting intra-Africa trade to unlock agricultural potential in Africa.
Why Participate?
This competition is not just a contest but an opportunity to contribute to key discussions that influence Africa’s future. By engaging in this platform, participants have the chance to:
- Influence leadership conversations on sustainable development.
- Showcase their writing and leadership skills on a global stage.
- Join a network of dynamic young leaders across Africa.
- Gain exposure to policymakers, industry leaders, and influencers.
Get Involved If you’re a young African between the ages of 18 and 25, don’t miss out on this opportunity to share your voice with the continent. Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming theme and application details for the 2024 edition of the Youth Leadership Competition.
