AYEF 2026 Call for Papers – AUDA-NEPAD Invites Young Africans to Shape Continental Economic Policy
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African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and Pan-African Parliament invite young Africans to contribute original ideas for Africa's economic future
Complete guide to thematic areas, submission categories, benefits, and application process
Quick Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organiser | AUDA-NEPAD & Pan-African Parliament |
| Event | Africa Youth Economic Forum (AYEF) 2026 |
| Location | Pan-African Parliament, Midrand, South Africa (Hybrid) |
| Theme | Unlocking Africa’s Youth Dividend: Innovation, Inclusion and Economic Transformation |
| Submission Categories | Research Abstracts, Policy Papers, Policy Briefs, Opinion Articles, Innovation Stories, Country Economic Notes |
| Benefits | Publication, policy influence, AUDA-NEPAD promotion, Young Policy Innovator Award |
| Forum Dates | 27–28 August 2026 |
| Submission Deadline | 18 August 2026 |
| Official Website |
Opportunity Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | AUDA-NEPAD & Pan-African Parliament |
| Opportunity Category | Call for Papers / Conference |
| Location | Midrand, South Africa (Hybrid) |
| Application Mode | |
| Official Language | English |
About AYEF 2026
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has officially launched the Call for Papers for the Africa Youth Economic Forum (AYEF) 2026, inviting young researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, innovators, students, development practitioners, and members of the African diaspora to contribute original ideas that can shape Africa's economic future.
The initiative forms part of the Africa Policy Bridge Tank (APBT) Programme in collaboration with the Pan-African Parliament and aims to strengthen youth participation in continental policy development.
Successful submissions will contribute to the AYEF 2026 Knowledge and Policy Series, helping inform policy recommendations that support Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) , and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) .
Why You Should Apply
Continental Influence: Shape Africa's economic policy at the highest level.
Publication: Get published in AYEF 2026 Proceedings and Knowledge Series.
Visibility: Promoted through AUDA-NEPAD and APBT digital platforms.
Networking: Engage with policymakers and development stakeholders.
Recognition: Eligible for AYEF Young Policy Innovator Award.
AYEF 2026 Theme
The official theme for the 2026 forum is:
Unlocking Africa's Youth Dividend: Innovation, Inclusion and Economic Transformation
This theme recognizes the critical role Africa's growing youth population can play in driving economic growth, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Thematic Areas
1. Economic Governance
Strengthening institutions and increasing youth participation in policymaking. Examine how young people can play a greater role in governance, public policy formulation, institutional reform, and evidence-based decision-making.
2. Enterprise and Investment
Strategies for supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening MSMEs, expanding access to finance, attracting investment, and leveraging opportunities created by AfCFTA.
3. Innovation and Digital Transformation
Artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, emerging technologies, digital entrepreneurship, research, innovation ecosystems, and future-ready skills.
4. Green, Orange and Inclusive Growth
Renewable energy, climate-smart innovation, creative economy, green industries, and future industries capable of generating employment and promoting inclusive economic growth.
5. Peace, Security and Sustainable Development
The relationship between peace, political stability, democratic governance, and economic transformation, highlighting the role of young people in building resilient societies.
Submission Categories
| Category | Word Count |
|---|---|
| Research Abstracts | 300–500 words |
| Policy Papers | 2,000–5,000 words |
| Policy Briefs | 1,500–3,000 words |
| Opinion and Thought Leadership Articles | 800–1,500 words |
| Youth Innovation and Success Stories | 1,000–2,000 words |
| Country and Regional Economic Outlook Notes | 1,500–3,000 words |
Benefits of Participating
Be published in the AYEF 2026 Proceedings and Knowledge Series
Help inform official AYEF 2026 Policy Recommendations
Be promoted through AUDA-NEPAD and APBT digital platforms
Be shared with governments, regional institutions, academia, development partners, and private sector stakeholders
Be considered for presentation during AYEF 2026
Become eligible for the AYEF Young Policy Innovator Award
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Call Opens | 27 July 2026 |
| Submission Deadline | 18 August 2026 |
| Notification of Acceptance | 21 August 2026 |
| AYEF 2026 Forum | 27–28 August 2026 |
How to Submit
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare original contribution aligned with one of the official thematic areas |
| 2 | Send submissions to both designated email addresses provided by AUDA-NEPAD |
| 3 | Copy both recipients when submitting |
| 4 | Use subject line: AYEF 2026 Submission – Category – Name – Country |
Important Links
| Description | Official URL |
|---|---|
| Official Website | |
| Forum Information |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1. What is AYEF 2026? | Africa Youth Economic Forum organized by AUDA-NEPAD and Pan-African Parliament. |
| Q2. Who can submit? | Young researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, innovators, students, development practitioners, and African diaspora. |
| Q3. What is the theme? | Unlocking Africa’s Youth Dividend: Innovation, Inclusion and Economic Transformation. |
| Q4. What are the thematic areas? | Economic Governance, Enterprise & Investment, Innovation & Digital Transformation, Green/Orange/Inclusive Growth, Peace & Security. |
| Q5. What submission categories are available? | Research Abstracts, Policy Papers, Policy Briefs, Opinion Articles, Innovation Stories, Country Economic Notes. |
| Q6. What are the benefits? | Publication, policy influence, AUDA-NEPAD promotion, Young Policy Innovator Award. |
| Q7. What is the deadline? | 18 August 2026. |
| Q8. Where is the forum? | Pan-African Parliament, Midrand, South Africa (Hybrid). |
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The AYEF 2026 Call for Papers offers an exceptional opportunity for Africa's emerging leaders to contribute directly to continental policy conversations. Whether through academic research, innovative policy ideas, entrepreneurial experiences, or practical development solutions, participants can influence strategies that promote economic inclusion, innovation, sustainable development, and regional integration.
By participating in AYEF 2026, contributors will not only gain continental recognition but also engage with policymakers and development stakeholders working to accelerate Africa's transformation under Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA framework.
Best Opportunity For
| Category | Suitable |
|---|---|
| Young Researchers | Yes |
| Policymakers | Yes |
| Entrepreneurs | Yes |
| Innovators | Yes |
| Students | Yes |
| Development Practitioners | Yes |
| African Diaspora | Yes |
| Youth Leaders | Yes |
| Non-African Applicants | No |
Competition Level
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall Competition | High |
| Selection Difficulty | Moderate |
| Application Complexity | Medium |
CareerFlora Recommendation
| Recommendation Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Value | Excellent (Policy Influence) |
| Career Growth | Very High |
| Application Difficulty | Medium |
| Apply Early | Strongly Recommended |
Final Call-to-Action
Submit your paper for AYEF 2026 Call for Papers before 18 August 2026.
Prepare your original contribution aligned with one thematic area.
Send to both designated email addresses.
Use correct subject line: AYEF 2026 Submission – Category – Name – Country.
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