↪
Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity (YLDS)
Apply Now
Opportunity Image
Publish Date 7/29/2026 Application Deadline 8/5/2026 Opportunity Type Fellowships Publisher Foras Khadra Available Countries Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia Description

The Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity (YLDS) is a regional leadership fellowship launched by the Horn Center for Democracy (HCD) to empower emerging young leaders committed to advancing democratic governance, civic participation, and cross-border cooperation across the Horn of Africa. The program brings together young leaders for an intensive learning experience that combines residential training, online learning, peer exchange, leadership development, and collaborative action. Participants will gain the knowledge, skills, and regional networks needed to contribute to democratic transformation and long-term regional solidarity.
Details
  • Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
  • In-person program dates: October 11–18, 2026.
  • Cohort size: 15 emerging young leaders from across the Horn of Africa.
  • One-week intensive residential leadership training.
  • Interactive online learning sessions through a blended learning model.
  • Workshops led by regional experts, democracy practitioners, and academics.
  • Peer learning, collaborative problem-solving, and innovation labs.
  • Ongoing mentorship, networking opportunities, and alumni engagement.
  • Training topics include:
  • Regional political dynamics and democratic transformation.
  • Leadership, emotional intelligence, and conflict-sensitive leadership.
  • Youth and women's agency in democratic transformation.
  • Digital advocacy and civic action.
  • Cross-border collaboration and regional solidarity.
  • Grassroots democratic innovation and social change.
  • Collaborative project design and action planning.
  • Funding, travel, accommodation, participation fees, and language requirements are not specified in the official announcement.
  • Applications must be submitted online.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Must be a citizen of an IGAD member country.
  • Aged between 18 and 35 years.
  • Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to democratic values.
  • Adhere to non-violent approaches to political discourse.
  • Have experience in one or more of the following:
  • Civic engagement.
  • Youth leadership.
  • Community organizing.
  • Advocacy and policy engagement.
  • Social innovation.
  • Activism.
  • Social movements.
  • Political participation.
  • Interested in advancing democratic governance through cross-border collaboration.
  • Available to participate fully in both online and in-person activities.
  • Willing to engage actively in discussions and collaborative work.
  • Contribute to cross-border and community project development.
  • Participate in program evaluations.
  • Be willing to contribute to the program's alumni network.
Opportunity Benefits
  • Intensive regional leadership development program.
  • Learning from leading democracy experts and practitioners.
  • Enhanced leadership and democratic governance skills.
  • Greater understanding of political and governance dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
  • Peer learning with young leaders from across the region.
  • Regional networking and long-term professional connections.
  • Opportunity to co-design innovative solutions to shared democratic challenges.
  • Continued mentorship and membership in the program's alumni network.