Call for Applications: AUDA-NEPAD Youth SRH Ambassadors: Energizing Africa through Health, Wellbeing and Youth Leadership for Africa’s Future, Apply Now

Africa’s transformation depends on its young people. With more than 400 million youth aged 15–35, the continent holds the largest youth generation in history. By 2050, nearly 40% of the world’s youth will live in Africa. Realizing the opportunity of the Demographic Dividend requires deliberate investment in youth empowerment, health, governance and leadership. At the very heart of this opportunity lies Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) — because without healthy, informed, and empowered youth, Africa’s dividend will not be realized.

Sexual and Reproductive Health is therefore not only a health priority but a cornerstone of Africa’s economic development and a prerequisite for achieving Agenda 2063 Goal 18: “Engaged and Empowered Youth and Children.” Linking SRH with youth empowerment ensures that harnessing Africa’s demographic dividend is not just a vision — but a lived reality, driven by young leaders who advocate, educate, and transform their communities towards a healthier and prosperous Africa.

AUDA-NEPAD invites young Africans to apply for the African Youth SRH Ambassadors Initiative, an initiative of the African Demographic Dividend and Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme (A2DSRH). This continental platform places youth at the very heart of Africa’s transformation. Guided by the Energize Africa Framework, which positions youth as co-creators of change rather than passive beneficiaries, this initiative empowers young leaders to propel youth voices, lead impactful advocacy campaigns, and connect grassroots realities with continental and national priorities. Through this initiative, Ambassadors will amplify AUDA-NEPAD’s flagship programmes (Energize Africa, A2DSRH), raise awareness of key instruments such as the African Youth Charter, the Maputo Protocol, and the AU 2017 Demographic Dividend Roadmap, and ensure that youth perspectives shape Africa’s future.

Who Can Apply

– Young Africans (including in the diaspora) aged 18-35

– Demonstrated commitment to SRH advocacy and youth empowerment

– Strong digital presence and influence (social media, content creation, campaigns)

– Ability to mobilize peers and communities

– Representation across regions, gender, languages, and marginalized groups

– Knowledge of Agenda 2063 and key SRH instruments will be considered an added advantage

Advantages

Selected Ambassadors will gain:

– Recognition as AUDA-NEPAD Youth SRH Ambassadors

– Opportunities to uplift youth voices in regional, continental and global SRH dialogues

– Advocacy opportunities on youth health and well-being issues

– Enhanced visibility and exposure at regional and continental platforms

– Participation in training, mentorship and empowerment programs

– Engagement with leaders, policymakers and youth networks

– Contribution to legacy and impact on Africa’s Demographic Dividend agenda

– Sponsored participation in AUDA-NEPAD SRH and youth-related engagements

Ambassadors serve in a voluntary capacity. While the role does not provide financial remuneration, it offers unique opportunities for recognition, participation, exposure, skills development, and meaningful contribution to Africa’s youth and SRH agenda.