Call for Applications: One Young World – Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 @Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026

The One Young World, in partnership with the Z Zurich Foundation, is offering the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026. This opportunity is designed for young African leaders who are driving impactful initiatives that support youth transitioning from learning to earning through education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

• Application Deadline: 4 May 2026
• Summit Dates: 3–6 November 2026
• Location: Cape Town, South Africa
• Number of Scholars: 25

Selected candidates will attend the One Young World Summit 2026, joining a global network of young leaders working to address pressing social challenges.

About the Scholarship

The Z Zurich Foundation focuses on creating brighter futures for vulnerable communities through four key pillars:

• Adapting to climate change
• Improving mental well-being
• Enabling social equity
• Responding to crises

This scholarship specifically targets the Social Equity pillar, supporting young leaders who are addressing systemic barriers that prevent young people from accessing education, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The initiative recognizes that Africa’s youth population is rapidly growing, yet many face challenges such as:

• Limited access to quality education and skills development
• High unemployment and underemployment
• Unequal access to finance and technology
• Impacts of climate change, conflict, and economic instability

By supporting grassroots, youth-led solutions, the programme aims to empower changemakers to drive inclusive and sustainable development across the continent.

What the Scholarship Offers

Selected scholars will receive comprehensive support to participate in the Summit and beyond:

• Full participation in the One Young World Summit 2026
• Access to a global network of young leaders and experts
• Participation in a pre-Summit programme (September–October 2026)
• Engagement in a post-Summit debrief and development programme
• Opportunities for leadership development, peer learning, and collaboration

The programme is designed not only as an event but as a long-term leadership journey.

Focus Areas

The scholarship seeks applicants leading initiatives that support youth in overcoming barriers to economic participation, particularly in underserved or fragile contexts.

Key areas of focus include:

1. Youth Employability

• Improving transition from education to decent work
• Aligning training and education with labor market needs
• Supporting completion of education and job readiness

2. Youth Entrepreneurship

• Enabling young people to start and sustain businesses
• Expanding access to finance, mentorship, and markets

3. Digital Inclusion and Future of Work

• Increasing access to digital tools and skills
• Preparing youth for emerging job markets and technologies

Cross-Cutting Priorities

• Solutions that address inequality and systemic barriers
• Initiatives that operate in low-income or underserved communities

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be 18–35 years old by November 2026
• Be a national and resident of an African country
• Demonstrate measurable impact aligned with social equity goals
• Lead an early-stage initiative not backed by major institutional funders
• Operate a registered not-for-profit organisation with a dedicated bank account
• Hold a primary leadership role within the initiative

Candidates must also demonstrate:

• Commitment to participating in all programme phases
• Willingness to collaborate and engage with peers
• Availability for pre- and post-Summit activities

Programme Commitment

Selected scholars are expected to actively participate in:

• Pre-Summit Engagement Programme (September–October 2026)
• One Young World Summit (3–6 November 2026)
• Post-Summit Debrief and Reflection (late November 2026)

This includes contributing to peer learning, leadership development, and ongoing collaboration within the global network.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship offers a powerful platform for African youth leaders to:

• Amplify their impact on education, employment, and entrepreneurship
• Connect with a global community of changemakers
• Strengthen leadership skills and strategic thinking
• Influence systems and policies that affect young people

By investing in grassroots leaders, the programme supports locally driven solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by 4 May 2026.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the scholarship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications 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.