Deadline for Applications: 4 May 2026
Applications are officially open for the prestigious Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026, aimed at empowering Africa’s emerging young leaders. This fully funded scholarship provides an exceptional opportunity to attend the One Young World Summit 2026, scheduled to take place in Cape Town, South Africa.
Calling Africa’s Future Trailblazers
If you are a young African leader passionate about driving change and overcoming barriers in education, employment, or entrepreneurship, this scholarship could be your gateway. The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 supports individuals who are leading initiatives to help young people overcome significant challenges as they transition from learning environments into meaningful economic opportunities.
About the Z Zurich Foundation
The Z Zurich Foundation is dedicated to building brighter futures for vulnerable populations worldwide. Its mission centers on prevention, addressing critical issues through four strategic pillars: adapting to climate change, enhancing mental health and well-being, promoting social equity, and responding effectively to crises. These interconnected challenges deeply affect people, communities, and societies globally.
The foundation strongly believes that lasting improvement arises from creating meaningful connections—linking knowledgeable stakeholders with those in need, advocating for systemic change, and addressing societal challenges from the grassroots level. This philosophy underpins their commitment to empowering impactful young leaders by enabling their participation in the One Young World Summit, the world’s most diverse and influential gathering of young changemakers.
Unlocking Africa’s Youth Potential
Africa stands as the world’s youngest continent, with over 60% of its population below the age of 25. By 2030, African youth are projected to constitute nearly a fifth of the global youth population. Despite this demographic advantage, structural obstacles continue to hinder opportunities. Challenges such as limited labor market absorption, fragmented education and skills development systems, and unequal access to finance and technology persist across many regions. Additionally, climate change, political conflicts, and economic instability exacerbate fragile social and economic ecosystems, disproportionately affecting young people.
Given this context, supporting youth-led, community-based solutions is imperative. The Z Zurich Foundation recognizes that transformative change stems from young leaders who understand their communities intimately, innovate effectively, and influence systems for the better. Hence, the foundation is committed to backing emerging African changemakers by facilitating their participation in the One Young World Summit. This platform amplifies their voices, strengthens leadership development, and empowers them to act as catalysts for fostering inclusive futures throughout Africa.
About the Scholarship
The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship will provide full support for 25 young African leaders whose work focuses on enabling social equity through education, employability, or entrepreneurial initiatives. These selected participants will attend the One Young World Summit, taking place in Cape Town from 3 to 6 November 2026. Beyond the Summit itself, scholars will engage in a specially designed pre- and post-Summit program aimed at enhancing their leadership skills, expanding peer networks, and maximizing their impact.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be between 18 and 35 years old by November 2026, the date of the One Young World Summit.
- Hold nationality and residency in an African country.
- Demonstrate measurable impact aligned with the Enabling Social Equity pillar of the Z Zurich Foundation.
- Lead an early-stage initiative that is not currently backed by major corporate or institutional funding.
- Be heading a formally registered not-for-profit organization with a clear mission and a dedicated bank account under the organization’s name.
- Hold a primary leadership position within the initiative.
- Be willing and able to actively participate in the Pre-Summit Engagement & Preparation Program held between September and October, as well as the Post-Summit Debrief Session in late November, including reflective and personal development activities.
- Commit to collaborating and engaging in peer learning opportunities before, during, and after the Summit.
What the Scholarship Covers
Recipients of the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship will receive comprehensive support, including:
- Full access to all sessions and activities at the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town (3-6 November).
- Hotel accommodation in Cape Town from 1 to 6 November, inclusive.
- Round-trip airfare to and from Cape Town.
- All meals during the Summit period, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Local transport between Summit venues within Cape Town.
Focus Areas and Desired Impact
The Z Zurich Foundation is particularly interested in young African leaders who create innovative solutions for youth encountering the most significant obstacles in moving from education to gainful employment or entrepreneurship. Preference is given to initiatives operating in low-income, fragile, or underserved environments. The foundation welcomes projects that dismantle barriers in education, employment, and entrepreneurship by equipping young people with the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities to unlock their full potential.
For those ready to seize this extraordinary chance, application details and the submission portal are available. Click Here To Apply and take a step toward becoming a powerful change agent in Africa’s future.
