Applications are now open for the Ashoka Young Changemakers Program 2026, a co-leadership opportunity from Ashoka Anglophone West Africa for young Nigerians building social change. The Ashoka Young Changemakers Program 2026 selects young people who have found their power to create good for all and are engaging peers and society in building a world where everyone is a changemaker.
Complete guide to the Ashoka Young Changemakers Program 2026, covering participating focus areas, selection criteria, benefits, the four-stage selection process, eligibility and the application method.
Quick Highlights
Parameter
Details
Organization
Ashoka (Anglophone West Africa)
Position
Ashoka Young Changemaker
Job Type
Co-leadership program
Location
Nigeria
Eligibility
Under 21 years; Nigerian; residing in Nigeria
Experience Required
Has launched an idea, built a team, and created change
Ashoka runs the Young Changemakers Program through its Anglophone West Africa office, seeking young people in Nigeria who have found their power to create change for the good of all and who engage their peers and society in realizing a world where everyone is a changemaker.
Area
Details
Regional office
Ashoka Anglophone West Africa
Target country
Nigeria
Program type
Co-leadership program
Focus
Young people leading social impact initiatives
Primary mission
Realizing a world where everyone is a changemaker
Focus Areas for Social Impact Initiatives
Area
Details
Climate action
Included among eligible initiative areas
Healthcare
Included among eligible initiative areas
Education
Included among eligible initiative areas
Gender
Included among eligible initiative areas
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Included among eligible initiative areas
Minority rights
Included among eligible initiative areas
ICT
Included among eligible initiative areas
Agriculture
Included among eligible initiative areas
Economic sustainability
Included among eligible initiative areas
Selection Criteria
Criterion
Details
Age
Under 21 years of age
Age cutoff
Should not be above 20 years by December of the year of nomination
Residence
Resides in Nigeria
Nationality
Nigerian
Launched their idea
Has deeply empathized with a problem and developed an original idea to address it
Has a team
Has built a team around the idea and leads by helping others lead
Has changed their world
Has helped improve people's lives and the environment around them
Co-leadership
Willing to co-lead the global Everyone a Changemaker movement
Belief
Everyone needs to take initiative and solve problems; everyone needs to find their power as changemakers
Eagerness
Eager to help peers and everyone in their school/community/country find their power
Benefits and Support
Detail
Information
Network membership
Membership to a select network of powerful young people and social entrepreneurs from various countries
Community events
Invitation to community events and peer learning sessions with other young changemakers and leading social entrepreneurs
Leadership growth
Sessions help advance leadership and changemaking competencies
Media features
Features in different media outlets and opportunities to share your story on reputed platforms and with partner groups
Mentorship
Mentorship and support to implement ideas for an 'Everyone a Changemaker' culture in your school/community/city
Collaboration
Opportunities to brainstorm and collaborate with the most influential next-generation leaders in government, media, business, education systems and philanthropies
Selection Process
Stage
Action
Stage 1: Online Nomination and Screening
Nominate yourself or someone you know through the online form; reflect on your journey as a Changemaker and access inspiring ideas to advance your initiative
Stage 2: National Review
Interact with the Ashoka team in your country; learn about co-leadership opportunities and gain insights to accelerate the growth of your leadership and changemaking competencies
Stage 3: International Review
Interact with a Senior Leader from the Ashoka team and with young changemakers from the global network; understand Ashoka better and gain expert insights to advance your changemaking journey
Stage 4: Selection Panel
Attend an in-person or virtual discussion and selection panel with top social entrepreneurs, journalists and other leaders; meet other top young changemakers and discuss ideas to influence youth culture in your country and co-lead the 'Everyone a Changemaker' movement
Eligibility Criteria
Requirement
Details
Age limit
Under 21 years of age
Age condition
Not above 20 years by December of the year of nomination
Nationality
Nigerian
Residence
Resides in Nigeria
Initiative status
Has launched an idea for a problem they have deeply empathized with
Team
Has built a team around the idea
Impact
Has helped improve people's lives and the environment around them
Commitment
Committed to the good of all and willing to co-lead the Everyone a Changemaker movement
Who Should Apply
Background
Details
Young Nigerians under 21
Yes
Founders of social impact initiatives
Yes
Young people who have built a team
Yes
Young people engaging peers in changemaking
Priority consideration
Individuals willing to co-lead the Everyone a Changemaker movement
Priority consideration
Nominators recommending someone they know
Yes
How to Apply
Step
Action
1
Nominate yourself or someone you know through the online form
2
Reflect on your journey as a Changemaker and access inspiring ideas to advance your initiative
3
Proceed through the National Review with the Ashoka team in your country
4
Continue to the International Review with a Senior Leader and global young changemakers
5
Attend the in-person or virtual selection panel discussion
6
Visit the official webpage for full details of the program
Important Links (Direct URLs)
Description
URL
Nominate an Ashoka Young Changemaker (Official Webpage)
The Ashoka Young Changemakers Program 2026 is a co-leadership program for young people leading social impact initiatives, run by Ashoka Anglophone West Africa.
Q2. Who is eligible?
Young Nigerians under 21 years of age, residing in Nigeria, who have launched an idea, built a team and created change.
Q3. What is the age cutoff?
Candidates should not be above 20 years by December of the year of nomination.
Q4. Which focus areas are accepted?
Areas include climate action, healthcare, education, gender, diversity-equity-inclusion, minority rights, ICT, agriculture and economic sustainability, among others.
Q5. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is unspecified in the program information.
Q6. How do I apply?
Nominate yourself or someone you know through the online form on the official webpage.
Q7. Is there an application fee?
Not specified.
Q8. What does the selection process involve?
Four stages: Online Nomination and Screening, National Review, International Review, and Selection Panel.
Q9. What benefits are offered?
Membership in a select network, community events and peer learning, media features, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities with next-generation leaders.
Q10. Can I nominate someone else?
Yes, you can nominate yourself or someone you know through the online form.
Final Call-to-Action
Step
Action
1
Confirm you meet the age, nationality and residence criteria
2
Prepare your changemaker journey details before nominating
3
Submit your nomination through the online form
4
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