Youth-Led Research Tackles Climate Challenges in Africa

The African Youth Research Challenge is a continental competition designed to empower young African researchers to influence climate policy and action. The initiative is led by the UNESCO Youth Climate Action Network (YoU-CAN) in partnership with the African Youth Climate Hub (AYCH), and supported by the Fondation Mohammed VI pour la Protection de l’Environnement.

What Is the African Youth Research Challenge?

The African Youth Research Challenge is a research paper competition focused on the impact of climate change in Africa, innovative and evidence-based climate solutions, and policy-oriented research for sustainable development. The competition targets young African researchers, university students, early-career professionals, and individuals aged 18–35.

Ten research papers will be selected from all submissions. Selected participants will reformulate their research into concise, actionable policy briefs, engage directly with policymakers, and contribute to science-based climate decision-making processes. The objective is to bridge the gap between research and policy while strengthening youth participation in climate governance.

Why Participate?

Participation in the African Youth Research Challenge offers high-level exposure, learning, and collaboration opportunities.

Join a Capacity Development Programme in Morocco

Participants will engage in an intensive program alongside African climate experts, strengthening research-to-policy translation skills and gaining insight into regional and continental climate priorities.

Become One of 10 Selected Young Researchers

Selected researchers will contribute directly to climate action through science-driven insights, increase visibility as emerging climate thought leaders, and join a network of African climate researchers.

Engage in Intergenerational Policy Dialogue

Participants will amplify youth perspectives in high-level discussions, interact with policymakers and senior climate experts, and influence climate strategy conversations across Africa.

Co-Develop a Policy Brief

Participants will transform research findings into actionable recommendations, support climate strategies at national and continental levels, and strengthen policy communication and advocacy skills.

Collaborate with Leading Experts

Participants will exchange knowledge with experienced researchers, build long-term professional networks, and foster regional collaboration on climate innovation.

Strategic Objectives of the Challenge

The African Youth Research Challenge seeks to strengthen youth-led climate research across Africa, promote science-based climate policymaking, encourage intergenerational dialogue, elevate African youth voices in global climate conversations, and develop practical recommendations tailored to African realities. The initiative ensures that research outcomes are directly linked to implementation pathways.

Who Should Apply?

The Challenge is suitable for individuals who are passionate about climate change and sustainable development, have research experience or an academic background in relevant fields, seek to influence climate policy through evidence-based work, and are committed to advancing climate resilience across Africa. Eligible participants must be African nationals between the ages of 18 and 35.

Shaping the Future of Climate Action in Africa

The African Youth Research Challenge is a platform for youth leadership, scientific excellence, policy innovation, and continental collaboration. Selected participants will contribute to shaping the future of climate action on the African continent through research, dialogue, and policy engagement.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization seeking applications for this challenge. For inquiries, contact the official organization directly. GSO is unable to process applications and may not be able to respond to all inquiries due to high email volume.