Horn Center for Democracy Launches Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity Programme 2026: Fully Funded ·Unknown

The Horn Center for Democracy (HCD) has officially opened applications for the inaugural Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity (YLDS) Cohort I, a regional leadership programme designed to empower emerging youth leaders from across the Horn of Africa.

Scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 11–18 October 2026, the programme aims to strengthen youth participation in democratic governance, civic engagement, and cross-border collaboration. Applications are open until 5 August 2026.

Programme Overview

The Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity (YLDS) initiative forms part of HCD’s long-term youth development strategy, which seeks to build a new generation of democratic leaders capable of addressing governance challenges across the Horn of Africa.

The programme combines leadership development, civic education, mentorship, and regional networking to equip participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional connections needed to advance democracy and social change.

Programme Highlights:

• Programme: Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity (YLDS) – Cohort I
• Organizer: Horn Center for Democracy (HCD)
• Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Programme Dates: 11–18 October 2026
• Application Deadline: 5 August 2026
• Participants: 15 emerging youth leaders from the Horn of Africa

Building the Next Generation of Democratic Leaders

According to the Horn Center for Democracy, the Horn of Africa is home to one of the world’s youngest populations. While young people continue to play an important role in civic engagement and democratic movements, many still face barriers to meaningful participation in governance and public decision-making.

The YLDS programme has been developed to address these challenges by creating opportunities for young leaders to learn, collaborate, and build regional partnerships that promote democratic governance and peaceful civic engagement.

Participants will become part of a growing network of youth leaders committed to strengthening democracy and regional solidarity across the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region.

What Participants Will Experience

The week-long residential programme combines intensive leadership training with practical learning and ongoing mentorship.

Participants will take part in:

• A one-week residential leadership training in Addis Ababa.
• Hybrid online learning sessions before and after the residential programme.
• Interactive workshops led by regional experts, academics, and democracy practitioners.
• Peer-to-peer learning and cross-border dialogue.
• Innovation labs focused on collaborative problem-solving.
• Long-term mentorship and networking opportunities.
• Membership in the YLDS alumni network.

The programme is designed to encourage long-term cooperation among young leaders working to strengthen democratic governance throughout the region.

Training Themes

Participants will explore a wide range of leadership and governance topics through interactive learning methods, simulations, group discussions, and practical exercises.

Key learning themes include:

• Regional political dynamics and democratization in the Horn of Africa.
• Leadership development and emotional intelligence.
• Conflict-sensitive leadership and civic engagement.
• Youth and women’s participation in democratic transformation.
• Digital advocacy and civic action.
• Cross-border cooperation and regional solidarity.
• Grassroots democratic innovation.
• Collaborative project design and action planning.

Benefits of Joining the Programme

Successful applicants will gain valuable leadership experience while expanding their regional and professional networks.

Participants can expect to:

• Develop a deeper understanding of governance and political developments in the Horn of Africa.
• Strengthen leadership and democratic governance skills.
• Exchange ideas and experiences with peers from different countries.
• Build lasting regional partnerships and professional networks.
• Design collaborative projects addressing shared democratic challenges.
• Join an expanding alumni community of democratic leaders across the region.

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Eligibility Criteria

The programme is open to passionate young leaders committed to promoting democracy, civic participation, and peaceful political engagement.

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of an IGAD member country.
• Be between 18 and 35 years of age.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to democratic values.
• Support non-violent approaches to political dialogue.
• Have experience in civic engagement, youth leadership, advocacy, community organizing, social innovation, activism, or policy engagement.
• Be willing to collaborate across borders.
• Commit to participating fully in both online and in-person activities.
• Contribute to regional and community-based project development.
• Participate in programme evaluations and alumni activities.

HCD emphasizes its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all eligible applicants.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates are required to submit the following:

• A completed online application form.
• A current CV of no more than two pages.
• A motivation letter explaining their interest in the programme and relevant leadership experience.
• Any additional supporting documents requested in the application.
• A 3–5-minute YouTube video showcasing their relevant work and experience, with only the video link included in the application.

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

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Important Dates

Applicants should note the following timeline:

• Applications Open: 15 July 2026
• Application Deadline: 5 August 2026
• Residential Programme: 11–18 October 2026

Young leaders interested in strengthening democratic governance, expanding regional collaboration, and contributing to positive social change across the Horn of Africa are encouraged to apply before the deadline.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.

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