Applications are now open for the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 for African young leaders: Fully funded to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town

Ednah Carrick March 18, 2026

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Closing Date: 4 May 2026

Applications are now open for the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 for African young leaders: Fully funded to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town

Calling Africa’s next generation of young leaders – this opportunity is for you

Apply for the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 for a fully funded place at the One Young World Summit in Cape Town.

Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026

For African young leaders leading initiatives that support young people who face the greatest barriers to move from learning to earning, through education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

The Z Zurich Foundation creates brighter futures for vulnerable people. Prevention is at the forefront of our work. Its four pillars – adapting to climate change, improving mental well-being, enabling social equity, and responding to crises – are increasingly urgent, complex issues that have far-reaching impacts on individuals, communities and society as a whole.

Z Zurich Foundation believes that the key to creating a better future is connection – fostering relationships between those in the know and those most in need, advocating for change and tackling society’s challenges from the ground up. This is why Z Zurich Foundation is committed to supporting impactful leaders to participate in the annual One Young World Summit, the world’s most international community of young leaders.

Unlocking Africa’s Youth Potential

Africa is the world’s youngest continent, with more than 60% of its population under the age of 25 and youth expected to represent one-fifth of the world’s young people by 2030. Yet across the continent, structural barriers continue to limit opportunity: labor markets struggle to absorb new entrants, education and skills systems remain fragmented, and access to finance and technology is uneven. Climate impacts, conflict, and economic instability further weaken already fragile ecosystems and deepen inequalities affecting young people.

Against this backdrop, supporting youth-led, grassroots solutions is essential. Z Zurich Foundation believes meaningful change starts by young leaders who understand their communities, drive innovation, and influence the systems around them. This is why Z Zurich Foundation is dedicated to supporting emerging African young changemakers to participate in the One Young World Summit, amplifying their work, strengthening their leadership pathways, and empowering them as catalysts to shape more inclusive futures across Africa.

The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship will support 25 young African leaders working on enabling social equity through education, employability or entrepreneurship solutions, to participate in the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 – 6 November 2026.

In addition, ZZF scholars will take part in a curated pre- and post-Summit program designed to support leadership growth, build peer networks, and amplify their impact.

Candidates must:

Be aged 18 – 35 by the date of the One Young World Summit 2026 in November.
Be nationals of and residents of countries in Africa.
Demonstrate impact aligned with the Enabling Social Equity pillar of the Z Zurich Foundation.
Be leading an early-stage initiative that is not supported by major corporate or institutional funders.
Be leading a formally registered entity with a clear not-for-profit mission and a bank account registered in the organisation’s name.
Be serving in a primary leadership role within the initiative.
Be committed to actively engage in and allocate time for the Pre‑Summit Engagement & Preparation Program (September-October) and the Post-Summit Debrief Session (late November), including reflection and inner development activities.
Be willing to actively engage, collaborate, and contribute to peer learning before, during, and after the Summit.

What is Covered by the Scholarship

ZZF Scholars will receive:

Full participation in the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town (3-6 November 2026)
Hotel accommodation in Cape Town between 1 – 6 November (inclusive)
Return air travel to and from Cape Town
Catering which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Ground transportation between Summit venues in Cape Town.

Focus areas

Z Zurich Foundation seeks young leaders in Africa who are advancing solutions that support youth facing the greatest barriers to move from learning to earning, particularly in low-income, fragile, or underserved contexts. Z Zurich Foundation welcome initiatives that address barriers to education, employment, and entrepreneurship, equipping young people with the resources, skills, and opportunities they need to realize their full potential.