IGAD Opens Applications for Regional Youth Coalition on Climate & Climate-Resilient Agri-food Systems: Apply 22 May 2026
The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre has officially opened applications for the IGAD Regional Youth Coalition on Climate and Climate-Resilient Agri-food Systems, an initiative designed to empower young people and youth-led organizations working in climate action, sustainable agriculture, and resilience building across the IGAD region.
The programme is being implemented with support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa and aims to strengthen youth engagement in climate resilience, innovation, and sustainable agri-food systems.
According to the announcement, the coalition seeks to create a collaborative platform where young climate leaders can access mentorship, climate services, networking opportunities, and institutional support to scale their impact and contribute to climate-resilient development.
Initiative Aims to Strengthen Youth-Led Climate Solutions
Young people across the IGAD region are increasingly playing a critical role in climate action through advocacy campaigns, sustainable farming innovations, environmental initiatives, and community resilience programmes. However, many youth-led projects continue to face challenges such as limited funding, inadequate access to climate information, lack of mentorship, and insufficient institutional support.
The establishment of the coalition is intended to address these gaps by connecting youth and youth-led organizations with technical experts, development partners, and regional climate stakeholders.
Key Challenges Facing Youth-Led Climate Initiatives Include:
- Limited access to climate services and information
- Inadequate funding opportunities
- Limited mentorship and technical guidance
- Restricted access to business development support
- Weak institutional and policy engagement
- Limited networking and collaboration platforms
The coalition therefore aims to create an enabling environment where youth can strengthen their climate initiatives and increase regional impact.
Coalition Focuses on Climate-Resilient Agri-food Systems
The IGAD Regional Youth Coalition primarily focuses on climate-resilient agriculture and agri-food systems while remaining inclusive of other climate-sensitive sectors.
Climate-resilient agri-food systems refer to agricultural practices and food production approaches that can withstand climate-related challenges such as droughts, floods, changing weather patterns, and environmental degradation.
Areas of Focus Include:
- Climate-Smart Agriculture
- Sustainable Food Systems
- Climate Adaptation and Resilience
- Environmental Sustainability
- Green Innovation
- Youth Advocacy and Policy Engagement
- Agribusiness and Food Security
- Climate Information Services
The coalition is expected to support young innovators and organizations developing practical solutions that improve food security and environmental sustainability within the region.
Benefits for Selected Youth and Organizations
The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre stated that members of the coalition will benefit from multiple opportunities designed to strengthen their leadership, technical knowledge, and project implementation capacity.
Benefits of Joining the Coalition Include:
- Expert-led mentorship and guidance
- Interactive learning and training sessions
- Knowledge exchange opportunities
- Regional collaboration and networking
- Access to advocacy platforms
- Opportunities for partnership development
- Support for youth-led climate initiatives
The programme also aims to amplify youth voices in regional climate discussions and policy conversations while promoting innovation-driven solutions for sustainable development.
Opportunity Open to Youth and Youth-Led Organizations
Applications are open to young people and youth-led organizations actively involved in climate action and sustainability work across the IGAD region.
The organizers are particularly interested in initiatives that focus on agriculture, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and community development. However, organizations and projects operating in other climate-sensitive sectors are also encouraged to apply.
Experts say youth participation is increasingly essential in addressing climate change because young people continue to drive innovation, digital solutions, and grassroots environmental movements across Africa.
Growing Importance of Climate Resilience in Africa
Climate experts continue to warn that African countries remain highly vulnerable to climate-related challenges such as droughts, floods, food insecurity, water scarcity, and environmental degradation.
As a result, regional organizations and development institutions are investing more resources into climate adaptation, resilience-building, and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
Climate Challenges Affecting the Region Include:
- Prolonged droughts
- Flooding and extreme weather events
- Food insecurity
- Environmental degradation
- Water resource challenges
- Agricultural production instability
Programmes such as the IGAD Regional Youth Coalition are therefore considered important in supporting local innovation and building long-term resilience within communities.
Application Deadline and Submission Details
Interested youth and youth-led organizations are encouraged to submit their applications before the official closing date.
Important Information:
- Programme: IGAD Regional Youth Coalition on Climate and Climate-Resilient Agri-food Systems
- Application Deadline: 22 May 2026
- Organized By: IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre
- Supported By: Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa
Applicants can submit their applications through the official ICPAC application platform.
Initiative Promotes Youth Leadership in Climate Action
The launch of the coalition highlights the growing recognition of youth as key stakeholders in climate resilience and sustainable development efforts across Africa.
The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre continues to play an important role in strengthening regional climate services, forecasting systems, and climate adaptation initiatives within the IGAD region.
By supporting youth-led climate action and innovation, the coalition is expected to contribute to stronger regional collaboration, improved food systems, and more sustainable climate resilience solutions for communities across East Africa and neighboring regions.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization 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.
