Applications are now open for the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) Youth Policy Lab 2026, a fully virtual Pan-African policy innovation challenge designed to equip young Africans with practical policymaking, leadership, and innovation skills.
The ACET Youth Policy Lab (AYPL) is a simulation-based policy platform that blends the creativity of a hackathon with the rigor of real-world policy design. Participants will step into the role of national decision-makers, working collaboratively to develop evidence-based solutions to Africa’s most pressing development challenges.
Program Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer | African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) |
| Program Type | Virtual Policy Innovation Challenge |
| Mode | Fully Virtual |
| Eligible Applicants | Young Africans |
| Eligible Age | 18–35 Years |
| Language | English or French |
| Application Opens | 15 June 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 7 July 2026 |
About the ACET Youth Policy Lab
The ACET Youth Policy Lab is designed to increase youth participation in policymaking by providing participants with a realistic governance simulation. Rather than simply proposing ideas, participants work within a fictional institution known as the National Youth Transformation Authority (NYTA), where they tackle real development issues while navigating practical constraints such as limited budgets, competing stakeholder interests, political realities, and implementation challenges.
The 2026 edition is themed:
“From Coordination to Commercialization: Youth, Innovation & Growth.”
Participants will explore how effective policy coordination, innovation ecosystems, and commercialization strategies can drive job creation, strengthen industries, and accelerate Africa’s economic transformation.
Program Benefits
Successful participants will:
- Gain hands-on experience in evidence-based policymaking.
- Develop practical skills in policy analysis, research, governance, and strategic thinking.
- Receive mentorship and coaching from experienced policy experts.
- Strengthen leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Collaborate with young changemakers from across Africa.
- Participate in a continent-wide policy innovation challenge.
- Pitch innovative policy solutions during a virtual competition.
- Join a growing network of African youth leaders and policymakers.
- Outstanding participants may be featured and rewarded.
- Selected participants may also join the YES Ambassador Program, becoming part of a regional youth leadership network.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be 18 to 35 years old.
- Be a citizen of an African country.
- Be fluent in English or French.
- Have an interest in public policy, governance, economics, entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, or economic development.
- Be willing to collaborate with participants from different African countries.
- Commit to participating in all stages of the program.
How the Program Works
The Youth Policy Lab follows several stages:
1. Application Stage
Interested young Africans submit an online application demonstrating their passion for policy innovation and leadership.
2. Team Formation
Selected applicants are grouped into six teams of five participants.
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3. Coaching and Mentorship
Participants receive expert coaching, mentorship, and practical guidance while developing policy proposals.
4. Policy Design
Each team develops evidence-based policy solutions addressing real African development challenges.
5. Virtual Pitch Event
Teams present their policy proposals before a panel during the virtual pitching competition.
6. Winners Announcement
Top-performing teams are recognized, featured, and rewarded for their innovative policy solutions.
Application Timeline
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 15 June 2026 |
| Applications Close | 7 July 2026 |
| Team Shortlisting | 8 July – 31 July 2026 |
| Team Interviews | 1 August – 31 August 2026 |
| Team Onboarding | 1 September – 18 September 2026 |
| Coaching & Mentorship | 21 September – 16 October 2026 |
| Virtual Pitch Event | 4 November 2026 |
Why You Should Apply
The ACET Youth Policy Lab is more than a competition—it is an immersive leadership and learning experience. Participants gain first-hand exposure to policymaking, understand how governments make complex decisions, and develop innovative, practical solutions that can contribute to Africa’s long-term development.
The program also provides an opportunity to network with experts, policymakers, and ambitious young leaders from across the continent while building skills that are valuable for careers in governance, public policy, research, entrepreneurship, and international development.
How to Apply
- Visit the official ACET Youth Policy Lab application portal.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit the required personal information and responses.
- Wait for the shortlisting and interview process.
- Successful applicants will be assigned to teams and begin the mentorship phase.
Application Deadline
7 July 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
Conclusion
The ACET Youth Policy Lab 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for young Africans who are passionate about policy, innovation, governance, and economic transformation. Through mentorship, collaborative problem-solving, and realistic policy simulations, participants will gain the knowledge, networks, and leadership skills needed to shape Africa’s future while making meaningful contributions to public policy across the continent.
