Applications are open for the Catalyst Academy – Youth Social Innovation Learning Programme
Closing Date: 20 April 2026
Applications are open for the Catalyst Academy – Youth Social Innovation Learning Programme
Catalyst Academy – Youth Social Innovation Learning Programme
Are you a young African ready to turn ideas into real solutions that create jobs and positively impact communities?
The Youth Social Innovation Learning Programme is a 9-month peer-led, in partnership with One Family Foundation and supported by Mastercard Foundation, offering mentorship, hands-on experience, and a cross-sector learning journey to build leadership, problem-solving skills, and tested social innovations.
Designed for youth aged 18–35, including young women, refugees, displaced youth, and people with disabilities from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, this programme fosters social entrepreneurship and community leadership through digital resources and cross-border collaboration.
About the program:
The Catalyst Academy is a regional initiative youth Social Innovation Learning Program taking place in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, and South Africa. Led by entrepreneurs and academics from Catalyst Now, the program is designed to equip young people with the skills, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive as social innovators.
Through peer learning circles, technology enabled platforms, and cross-sector collaboration, the program will engage youth participants to co-create solutions that address pressing community challenges. Participants will have access to mentorship from experienced social innovators across Africa and beyond, as well as a dynamic learning journey that includes facilitated sessions, mentorship and ongoing peer exchange.
Who can apply?
- Young aspiring social entrepreneurs (18-35 years)
- Individuals interested in social innovation
- Young women facing barriers to entrepreneurship
- Youth especially those living with disability or refugee/displaced persons seeking dignified employment opportunities
- Community leaders wanting to scale their social impact
- The applicant must be a national and or be a resident in one of the countries listed : Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, and South Africa.
Direct Support and Multiplier Impact
The program’s impact ripples outward from individual participants to their communities and beyond.
Here’s how it works:
Direct Participant Support: Each participant receives a carefully crafted package of support that includes:
- Weekly peer learning sessions that build knowledge and confidence
- Connection to experienced mentors in their field
- Full access to our technology platform and resources
- Opportunities to participate in cross-border online learning exchanges
- Connections to the Catalyst now network and Alumni.
What you will get from the Program as a Participant
- You will build a real project to address a problem in your community
- You will work in small groups with other changemakers
- You will learn by doing, not just through theory
- You will develop and test a pilot (not just ideas)
Note:
- Make sure to give yourself enough time to complete the application, as there are multiple questions in the application portal that need to be completed.
- Catalyst Academy encourages you to share authentic and personal answers. This application is an opportunity for Catalyst Academy to get to know you better, so please avoid using generic or AI-generated responses
- The deadline to submit applications is 20 April 2026.
Click Here To Apply
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