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YALS 40 Under 40: Africa's Changemakers – 2026 Cohort
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Publish Date 9/14/2026 Application Deadline 10/31/2026 Opportunity Type Competitions Publisher Foras Khadra Available Countries Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Comoros Description

YALS 40 Under 40 is an annual recognition programme celebrating 40 young Africans aged 18 to 39 whose leadership, ideas and work are producing real and evidenced change across Africa and African communities. The programme highlights emerging leaders working in business and entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, education and youth development, social impact and community development, governance and diplomacy, health and wellbeing, climate and sustainable development, and creative industries and culture. The 40 honourees are selected through an evidence-based process involving eligibility review, application scoring, internal review, independent judging, verification and referee checks. 
Details
  • Duration: Annual recognition programme, with the final 40 announced on 15 December 2026.
  • Application period: 30 August to 31 October 2026.
  • Location: Africa and the African diaspora; the recognition ceremony will take place during YALS 2027 in Accra, Ghana, from 25 to 27 November 2027.
  • Number selected: 40 honourees.
  • Categories: Eight categories, with five honourees selected in each.
  • Fees: Completely free; there is no nomination, application or selection fee.
  • Cash prize: None.
  • Application method: Applicants can self-nominate, or they can be nominated by another person. Third-party nominees must accept the nomination and complete the full application themselves.
  • Application requirements: Personal and professional information, primary category, an impact statement of approximately 400–500 words, evidence of achievements, website and public-profile links, two referees, supporting documents, a 90-second video or audio/written alternative, and a professional high-resolution headshot.
  • Referees: Two referees are required, with at least one professional referee; family members cannot serve as referees.
  • Selection process: Eligibility and completeness review, application screening and scoring, internal review, independent judging, verification, referee checks and final moderation.
  • Assessment criteria: Demonstrable impact 30%, leadership and personal contribution 15%, credibility of evidence 15%, sustainability and growth 15%, innovation and problem-solving 10%, values, integrity and inclusion 10%, and public engagement and influence 5%.
  • Language: No mandatory application language is specified in the published information.
  • Summit attendance: Optional.
  • Travel and accommodation: Not included.
  • Summit registration: Honourees receive a 50% reduction on the standard summit registration fee and one discounted place for a guest or colleague.
  • Deadline: 31 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT. 
Eligibility Criteria
  • Must be aged 18 to 39 on the nomination closing date.
  • Open to African citizens, wherever they live in the world.
  • Dual nationals are eligible if one of their nationalities is African.
  • People of African heritage may be eligible if their work clearly benefits Africa or African communities.
  • Founders, professionals, employees, researchers, creatives, public servants, civic and community leaders, and innovators may apply.
  • Applicants must demonstrate a genuine African connection through their work or impact.
  • Previous honourees of the same recognition are not eligible to apply again.
  • Third-party nominations require the nominee's consent.
  • All information and evidence submitted must be truthful and verifiable.
  • Current judges, verification officers and selection-team members cannot apply in a cohort they help assess.
  • Applicants should provide credible evidence supporting their achievements and impact. 
Opportunity Benefits
  • Official YALS 40 Under 40 title.
  • Personalised certificate with a unique verification number.
  • Digital badge.
  • Official recognition letter.
  • Profile on the YALS website.
  • Feature in the official digital publication.
  • Social media recognition.
  • Press release template for local media.
  • Interview and media opportunities.
  • Invitation to the recognition ceremony.
  • Consideration for relevant speaking and panel opportunities.
  • Access to selected YALS activities.
  • Networking, introductions and collaboration opportunities.
  • Membership of the YALS 40 Under 40 alumni network.
  • Private honouree community.
  • Mentoring and collaboration opportunities.
  • Potential future judging and advisory opportunities.
  • 50% reduction on standard YALS summit registration.
  • One discounted guest or colleague place.
  • Personal promotional code for the wider network.
  • Recognition during the summit programme in Accra.
  • Summit attendance remains optional.
  • Travel, visa, accommodation and personal expenses are not covered.
  • No cash prize is provided.