Call for Applications: 8th Southern Africa Youth Forum 2026 (Full & Partial Funding Available)
The upcoming 8th Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF) is set to be one of the most influential youth gatherings in the region, bringing together emerging leaders, innovators, and policy advocates from across Southern Africa.
Scheduled to take place in the Republic of South Africa from 21–24 July 2026, the Forum continues to grow as a vital platform for youth engagement ahead of the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit.
What Is the Southern Africa Youth Forum?
The Southern Africa Youth Forum is widely recognized as the largest annual pan-African youth platform aligned with regional policy dialogue. Convened ahead of the SADC Summit, it provides a strategic space for young people to collaborate, exchange ideas, and actively contribute to solutions for pressing regional challenges.
The Forum aligns with key development frameworks from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN). Its core mission is to advance youth empowerment, sustainable inclusion, and meaningful participation in governance and development processes.
Theme for 2026: Food Security, Water Resilience, and Youth Empowerment
The 2026 edition will be held under the theme:
“Nourishing Futures: Enhancing Food Security and Water Resilience through Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action for Youth Empowerment.”
This theme reflects urgent regional priorities. Southern Africa continues to face increasing pressure from climate change, water scarcity, and food insecurity. By placing youth at the center of these conversations, the Forum aims to unlock innovative, youth-driven solutions in areas such as:
- Sustainable agriculture
- Climate resilience
- Nutrition and food systems
- Water security
- Green entrepreneurship
Participants can expect high-level discussions, collaborative workshops, and policy dialogues designed to translate ideas into actionable strategies.
Youth at the Center of Regional Transformation
A key highlight of the 2026 Forum is its focus on positioning youth as active contributors to regional transformation. Rather than simply attending, participants are given the opportunity to influence policy conversations and development priorities.
Notably, the event will also host the 2nd Sitting of the 3rd SADC Youth Parliament, an initiative that strengthens youth participation in governance and policymaking. This platform allows young leaders to engage directly with legislative processes and regional institutions.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Impact
The Forum is co-hosted by SAYoF in collaboration with major regional and continental institutions. These partnerships enhance the Forum’s reach and credibility while ensuring alignment with broader development goals.
Key partners include:
- The SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF)
- African Union Commission (Women, Gender and Youth Directorate)
- United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA-ROSA)
- AUDA-NEPAD
- SADC Business Council
Through these collaborations, the Forum bridges the gap between youth innovation and institutional policymaking.
Who Should Apply?
The Forum is open to young people across SADC Member States who are passionate about driving change in their communities and beyond.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be aged between 18 and 35 years
- Be a citizen of a SADC Member State
- Demonstrate interest or active involvement in relevant fields such as agriculture, climate action, entrepreneurship, water, nutrition, or policy advocacy
- Be available to attend the full duration of the Forum
The organizers emphasize inclusivity and strongly encourage applications from youth in rural and underserved communities, as well as young people with disabilities.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Selected participants may receive either full or partial sponsorship, depending on available funding.
- Full sponsorship covers travel, accommodation, meals, and participation costs
- Partial sponsorship includes conference access and lunch
Applicants who are not awarded full sponsorship are encouraged to seek additional funding to support their attendance.
Why This Forum Matters in 2026
With climate change intensifying and food systems under strain, the role of young people in shaping sustainable solutions has never been more critical. The 8th Southern Africa Youth Forum provides a rare opportunity for youth to influence regional policies, build networks, and gain exposure to high-level decision-making spaces.
Beyond networking, the Forum equips participants with practical knowledge, leadership skills, and collaborative opportunities that can translate into real-world impact.
Application Deadline
Interested applicants must submit their applications by Sunday, 10 May 2026.
Early application is highly recommended due to the competitive selection process and limited sponsorship opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The 8th Southern Africa Youth Forum stands as a powerful platform for young Africans committed to building resilient food systems, tackling climate challenges, and driving sustainable development. For youth ready to make a meaningful impact, this Forum offers both a voice and a stage on a regional level.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
