Applications are now open for the first edition of the New Leaders Lab, a programme launched under the Africa-Europe Youth Academy (AEYA), an initiative funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with Expertise France, the lead consortium partner, with the involvement of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
The New Leaders Lab is a free leadership programme with a focus on entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and community development. Lasting approximately 3–4 months, the programme combines thematic modules, practical workshops, one-to-one mentoring, and peer-learning opportunities, with the aim of supporting young people committed to developing their communities through concrete project ideas.
The call is open to young people aged 18 to 30 who reside in one of the 19 eligible countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia.
Students, young professionals, formal and informal entrepreneurs, job seekers, and young people already involved in community, associative, or entrepreneurial initiatives are all encouraged to apply. No specific educational qualification is required. The selection process will place particular emphasis on motivation, leadership potential, and the willingness to contribute to the development of one’s community.
The programme especially encourages applications from young women and young people from diverse backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, those requiring specific support measures, and individuals with different educational and life experiences.
Applicants must have a basic knowledge of French, English, or Portuguese and submit a project or business idea related to topics such as climate change, rural development, urban development, social and gender inclusion, entrepreneurship, or related fields.
The application process is entirely online, accessible via smartphone, and takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. The application form is available in French, English, and Portuguese on the Capacity4Dev platform.
For more information and to submit an application, visit: CAPACITY4DEV.EUROPA.EU
Applications must be submitted by 19 July 2026.