Africa Youth Economic Forum (AYEF) 2026 Call for Papers Opens: AUDA-NEPAD Invites Young Africans to Shape Continental Economic Policy ·NEPAD Invites Young Africans to Shape Continental Economic Policy

The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has officially launched the Call for Papers for the Africa Youth Economic Forum (AYEF) 2026, inviting young researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, innovators, students, development practitioners, and members of the African diaspora to contribute original ideas that can shape Africa’s economic future. The initiative forms part of the Africa Policy Bridge Tank (APBT) Programme in collaboration with the Pan-African Parliament and aims to strengthen youth participation in continental policy development.

Successful submissions will contribute to the AYEF 2026 Knowledge and Policy Series, helping inform policy recommendations that support Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The forum presents an opportunity for young Africans to influence high-level policy discussions while showcasing innovative ideas that promote inclusive economic transformation across the continent.

About the Africa Youth Economic Forum 2026

The Africa Youth Economic Forum (AYEF) 2026 will serve as a continental platform where young Africans can share evidence-based research, innovative policy proposals, and practical solutions addressing Africa’s development priorities. Under the leadership of AUDA-NEPAD and the Pan-African Parliament, the forum seeks to amplify youth voices in economic governance and sustainable development.

The 2026 edition will focus on strengthening collaboration among governments, academia, civil society, entrepreneurs, and development partners while promoting innovative policy approaches that address current and emerging economic challenges across Africa.

AYEF 2026 Theme

The official theme for the 2026 forum is:

Unlocking Africa’s Youth Dividend: Innovation, Inclusion and Economic Transformation

This theme recognizes the critical role Africa’s growing youth population can play in driving economic growth, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Participants are encouraged to submit solutions that demonstrate practical approaches to accelerating inclusive economic transformation while creating opportunities for future generations.

AYEF 2026 Thematic Areas

The forum will explore five interconnected thematic areas designed to advance Africa’s long-term economic transformation and the aspirations outlined in Agenda 2063.

Economic Governance

This thematic area focuses on strengthening institutions and increasing youth participation in policymaking. Contributors are encouraged to examine how young people can play a greater role in governance, public policy formulation, institutional reform, and evidence-based decision-making at national, regional, and continental levels.

Enterprise and Investment

Submissions under this theme should explore strategies for supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), expanding access to finance, attracting investment, and leveraging opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Innovation and Digital Transformation

The forum welcomes contributions addressing artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, emerging technologies, digital entrepreneurship, research, innovation ecosystems, and future-ready skills that can position African youth as leaders in the global digital economy.

Green, Orange and Inclusive Growth

This thematic area focuses on sustainable development through renewable energy, climate-smart innovation, the creative economy, green industries, and future industries capable of generating employment and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Peace, Security and Sustainable Development

Contributors are encouraged to examine the relationship between peace, political stability, democratic governance, and economic transformation while highlighting the role of young people in building resilient societies across Africa.

Submission Categories

AYEF 2026 welcomes a diverse range of submissions to accommodate different forms of research, analysis, and practical experience.

Eligible submission categories include:

• Research Abstracts (300–500 words)
• Policy Papers (2,000–5,000 words)
• Policy Briefs (1,500–3,000 words)
• Opinion and Thought Leadership Articles (800–1,500 words)
• Youth Innovation and Success Stories (1,000–2,000 words)
• Country and Regional Economic Outlook Notes (1,500–3,000 words)

Benefits of Participating

Selected authors will receive significant visibility across Africa’s policy and development landscape.

Successful contributions will:

• Be published in the AYEF 2026 Proceedings and Knowledge Series
• Help inform official AYEF 2026 Policy Recommendations
• Be promoted through AUDA-NEPAD and APBT digital platforms
• Be shared with governments, regional institutions, academia, development partners, and private sector stakeholders
• Be considered for presentation during AYEF 2026
• Become eligible for the AYEF Young Policy Innovator Award

Important Dates

Prospective contributors should take note of the following timeline:

• Call Opens: 27 July 2026
• Submission Deadline: 18 August 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: 21 August 2026
• Africa Youth Economic Forum 2026: 27–28 August 2026

How to Submit

Applicants should prepare original contributions aligned with one of the official thematic areas and submit them via email.

Submission guidelines include:

• Send submissions to both designated email addresses provided by AUDA-NEPAD.
• Copy both recipients when submitting.
• Use the subject line: AYEF 2026 Submission – Category – Name – Country.

Forum Venue

The Africa Youth Economic Forum 2026 will take place at the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa, with both in-person and hybrid participation options available, enabling wider engagement from participants across Africa and the diaspora.

Why Young Africans Should Apply

The AYEF 2026 Call for Papers offers an exceptional opportunity for Africa’s emerging leaders to contribute directly to continental policy conversations. Whether through academic research, innovative policy ideas, entrepreneurial experiences, or practical development solutions, participants can influence strategies that promote economic inclusion, innovation, sustainable development, and regional integration.

By participating in AYEF 2026, contributors will not only gain continental recognition but also engage with policymakers and development stakeholders working to accelerate Africa’s transformation under Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA framework.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official  organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.