African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) 2026
The African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) is a flagship youth leadership programme aimed at empowering young professionals across Africa. Established in 2010, this initiative recruits, trains, and deploys talented African youth to serve as professional volunteers for a period of 12 months, contributing to development programmes and policy implementation across the continent.
This programme aligns with the vision of Agenda 2063, promoting volunteerism as a tool for development, leadership, and skills exchange. Participants will engage in high-level African Union programmes, fostering pan-African collaboration and contributing to the continent's transformation.
Eligibility
To qualify for the AU-YVC 2026 intake, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an African Union Member State (living in Africa or the diaspora)
- Be aged between 18 and 35 years
- Hold a post-secondary qualification (TVET, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or equivalent)
- Be available to commit to 12 months of volunteer service
- Be willing to live and work in another African country
- Be proficient in at least one AU working language (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, or Kiswahili)
- Have at least one year of volunteering experience and one year of professional work experience.
Benefits
Selected volunteers receive:
- Return airfare to the country of deployment
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
- Health insurance coverage
- An official AU Service Passport
- A separation allowance upon successful completion
- Access to training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
