The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) has officially opened applications for the African Union Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Ambassadors Initiative, a continental programme designed to empower young leaders to champion health, wellbeing, and youth development across Africa.

The initiative seeks to harness the energy, creativity, and leadership potential of Africa’s rapidly growing youth population while advancing the continent’s broader development goals. Through advocacy, community engagement, and policy influence, selected ambassadors will play a key role in promoting sexual and reproductive health as a critical pillar of sustainable development and youth empowerment.

Empowering Youth to Drive Africa’s Transformation

Africa is home to more than 400 million young people aged between 15 and 35, representing the largest youth generation in the continent’s history. Projections indicate that by 2050, nearly 40 percent of the world’s youth population will reside in Africa.

Recognizing the immense opportunities presented by this demographic shift, AUDA-NEPAD emphasizes the importance of investing in youth health, leadership, governance, and empowerment. The organization views Sexual and Reproductive Health as a fundamental component of achieving the continent’s development aspirations and unlocking the benefits of the demographic dividend.

The initiative aligns with Agenda 2063, particularly Goal 18, which focuses on creating engaged and empowered youth and children. By strengthening youth participation in health advocacy and decision-making, the programme aims to support a healthier, more productive, and prosperous Africa.

A Platform for Youth Leadership and Advocacy

The African Union Youth SRH Ambassadors Initiative is guided by the Energize Africa Framework, which positions young people as active contributors to development rather than passive beneficiaries.

Selected ambassadors will serve as advocates for youth health and wellbeing while helping to bridge grassroots realities with national, regional, and continental priorities. They will work to amplify youth voices and promote awareness of key African Union frameworks and policies related to sexual and reproductive health.

Key focus areas include:

Promoting youth-centred health and wellbeing initiatives.
Raising awareness of sexual and reproductive health rights.
Supporting community-based advocacy campaigns.
Strengthening youth participation in policy dialogues.
Encouraging peer education and community mobilization.
Advancing Africa’s demographic dividend agenda.

Promoting Key African Union Frameworks

Ambassadors will support the visibility and implementation of several important continental frameworks and instruments, including:

The African Youth Charter.
The Maputo Protocol.
The African Union 2017 Demographic Dividend Roadmap.
AUDA-NEPAD flagship programmes such as Energize Africa and A2DSRH.

Through these efforts, ambassadors will contribute to strengthening youth engagement in policy discussions while promoting awareness of rights, opportunities, and responsibilities among young Africans.

Eligibility Requirements

AUDA-NEPAD encourages applications from diverse young leaders across the continent and the African diaspora.

Eligible candidates must:

Be aged between 18 and 35 years.
Be African citizens or members of the African diaspora.
Demonstrate commitment to SRH advocacy and youth empowerment.
Have the ability to mobilize peers and communities.
Possess a strong digital presence through social media, content creation, or advocacy campaigns.
Represent diverse regions, genders, languages, and marginalized communities.

Applicants with knowledge of Agenda 2063 and key sexual and reproductive health frameworks will have an added advantage during the selection process.

Benefits for Selected Ambassadors

Successful applicants will gain access to a range of professional development and leadership opportunities designed to strengthen their impact within their communities and beyond.

Benefits include:

Official recognition as AUDA-NEPAD Youth SRH Ambassadors.
Opportunities to represent youth voices in regional, continental, and global discussions.
Participation in advocacy initiatives focused on youth health and wellbeing.
Increased visibility through continental platforms and networks.
Access to training, mentorship, and empowerment programmes.
Engagement with policymakers, development practitioners, and youth leaders.
Opportunities to contribute to Africa’s demographic dividend agenda.
Sponsored participation in selected AUDA-NEPAD youth and SRH-related events.

Voluntary Leadership Role

AUDA-NEPAD notes that the ambassadorial role is voluntary and does not include financial remuneration. However, participants will benefit from significant exposure, leadership development opportunities, networking experiences, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s youth development agenda.

The initiative provides a unique platform for passionate young leaders to influence policy discussions, promote community wellbeing, and help shape a healthier future for Africa’s next generation.

Application Deadline

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications through the official online application platform.

The deadline for submitting applications is 17 July 2026.

Young Africans committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health, youth empowerment, and sustainable development are encouraged to apply and become part of a growing movement dedicated to transforming Africa through youth leadership.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

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.

AUDA-NEPAD Launches Call for Applications for African Union Youth SRH Ambassadors Initiative – Apply By 17 July 2026 @NEPAD Launches Call for Applications for African Union Youth SRH Ambassadors Initiative – Apply By 17 July 2026

Empowering Youth to Drive Africa’s Transformation