African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) 2026

As part of the efforts to advance the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda of the African Union (AU), the former Peace and Security Department (now the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, PAPS), launched the Youth for Peace (Africa) Program (Y4P) in September 2018, with the primary objective of facilitating the meaningful participation of African youth in the entire spectrum of peace and security, and dissuading their participation in violence.

To enhance youth participation in the peace and security agenda on the continent, the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) during its 807th meeting requested the AU Commission to appoint five regional African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) to work with the AU Youth Envoy in championing the promotion of peace and security on the continent.

Mission of the AYAPs

The AYAPs shall:

1. Advocate for the promotion of the rights of young people in his/her region;
2. Advocate and raise awareness on the AU Continental Framework on Youth Peace and Security (CFYPS) and its 10-Year Implementation Plan in their region;
3. Encourage and support AU Member States in the region with the coordination of the Y4P program to enhance the development of National Action Plans and its implementation in their region;
4. Implement regional youth activities covering the five (5) priority areas of the CFYPS;
5. On request, represent the AU PAPS in meetings, trainings and workshops.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 15 December 2025
2. Type: Fellowship
3. Sponsor: African Union
4. Tenure: 2 years (non-renewable)
5. Eligible Gender: Men & Women
6. Eligible Countries: All African Countries

Eligibility Criteria for African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) 2026

Application is open to all African Youth with demonstrated commitment and significant contribution to the promotion of sustainable peace and security on the continent. Applications from eligible youth, including young women, displaced persons and persons with disabilities who meet the following criteria are particularly encouraged:

1. Be between the ages of 18 to 35, throughout the tenure as an AYAP, in tandem with the AU Youth age;
2. Possess a bachelor’s university degree and have at least 2 years’ experience in peace and security with demonstrated ability for advocacy on youth, peace and security issues as well as resource mobilization;
3. Have experience in promoting and supporting peace processes, especially in initiating and facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues and mediation efforts;
4. Have a strong track record with the local community/area where he/she works;
5. Possess strong communication and advocacy skills;
6. English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Swahili and Spanish are the working languages of the AU. Fluency in any AU working language is required; knowledge of another AU language would be an asset.

Benefits of African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) 2026

1. Represent African youth at continental and regional peace platforms
2. Participate in AU peace missions, dialogues & policymaking forums
3. Leadership exposure & professional development
4. Full support for project execution & youth advocacy initiatives
5. Opportunities to engage in training, workshops and mediation programs

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit their applications by following the instructions at the link https://forms.gle/sayM9ghQFkX31Gc69 before 23:59hrs East African Time on 15 December 2025.

The application should include the following:

1. An updated CV/resume;
2. A short essay (not more than 2 pages) detailing how the candidate is qualified to fill the candidacy as well as how to make impact on the peace and stability of the continent.
3. Copies of educational and other training certificates;

Application Deadline

December 15, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) 2026