Young people across 19 African countries are invited to apply for Cohort 1 of the New Leaders Lab (NLL), a leadership development programme under the Africa-Europe Youth Academy (AEYA). Funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France and AICS alongside partner organisations, the programme is designed to support young people with project ideas, entrepreneurial ambitions, and community initiatives to strengthen their leadership capacity and translate ideas into action.
The New Leaders Lab combines leadership development with entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and practical learning. Delivered over three to four months, the programme brings together thematic learning, workshops, peer exchange, and tailored support to help participants build confidence, strengthen execution skills, and deepen their contribution to local communities.
About the Programme
The New Leaders Lab was created to support emerging leaders at different stages of their journey, including those without formal qualifications or established ventures. Rather than focusing on academic credentials or professional status, the programme prioritises motivation, leadership potential, and commitment to creating positive change.
Participants will engage in structured learning experiences that encourage practical problem-solving, collaboration, and project development while joining a wider network of young people working across civic, entrepreneurial, and community spaces.
Selected participants will receive:
- Training in leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement
- Access to practical workshops and thematic learning modules
- Personalised guidance and peer-to-peer learning opportunities
- Mentorship from African and international experts
- Access to a pan-African network of young changemakers
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 30 years old
- Reside in one of the eligible countries
- Have basic knowledge of French, English, or Portuguese
- Be engaged in community, civic, entrepreneurial, or associative initiatives, or demonstrate interest in becoming more active
- Have a project, business, or community idea they would like to develop
Projects may relate to areas including:
- Climate change
- Rural development
- Urban development
- Social inclusion and gender equality
- Entrepreneurship
- Related community and development themes
Eligible Countries
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia.