Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity (YLDS)
Call For Application
Cohort-I
About the Program
The Horn of Africa (HoA) is home to one of the world’s youngest populations that are aspiring to shape political dialogue, civic action, and democratic change across the region. Yet despite their demographic strength, many remain excluded from meaningful engagement in governance, face shrinking civic space in the national landscape, and have limited opportunities to collaborate across borders.
To contribute to addressing these challenges, the Horn Center for Democracy (HCD) is launching the Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity (YLDS)-a regional leadership initiative that brings together emerging youth leaders committed to promoting democratic governance and cross-border cooperation.
This initiative is part of HCD’s multiyear strategy-youth development program-composed of digital civic education and youth leadership cohorts. This program aims to advance youth engagement in democracy, foster cross-border collaboration, and increase the resilience of pro-democracy actors throughout the HoA region.
Through intensive learning, peer exchange, leadership development, and collaborative action, the program will support a new generation of young leaders equipped to lead democratic transformation across the region.
About the Youth Cohort
The inaugural cohort will bring together 15 emerging youth leaders from across the HoA region, and will take place in Addis Ababa from October 11-18th, 2026.
- Participants will engage in:-
- A week-long intensive residential leadership training;
- Immersive online learning sessions (Hybrid guided model)
- Interactive workshops led by regional experts, democracy practitioners, and academics
- Peer learning and dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and innovation labs
- Continued mentorship, networking opportunities, and engagement through an alumni network
- The program is designed not only as a training opportunity but as the foundation of a regional network of democratic leaders committed to long-term collaboration and solidarity.
Learning Themes
The YLDS program combines conceptual learning with practical leadership development through participatory learning methods, including interactive workshops, simulations, peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving. Facilitated by leading regional experts, practitioners, and democracy champions, the training will equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to advance democratic governance and civic participation across the Horn of Africa.
Training themes include:
- Regional Political Dynamics and Democratization in the HoA
- Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and Conflict-Sensitive Engagement
- Youth and Women's Agency in Democratic Transformation
- Digital Advocacy and Civic Action
- Cross-Border Collaboration and Regional Solidarity
- Grassroots Democratic Innovation and Social Change
- Collaborative Project Design and Action Planning
What participants will gain
- Deepen their understanding of political and governance dynamics across the Horn of Africa
- Strengthen their leadership and democratic governance skills
- Exchange experiences with peers from across the region
- Build lasting professional relationships and regional networks
- Co-design innovative responses to shared democratic challenges
- Join a growing alumni network of young democratic leaders
Who should apply?
We encourage applications from young leaders who are passionate about democracy, as enshrined in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), and other continental and regional policy frameworks.
Applicants should (be):
- A citizen of one of the IGAD member countries
- Between the ages of 18 and 35
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to democratic values, and adhere to non-violent approaches to political discourse
- Have experience in civic engagement, youth leadership, community organizing, advocacy and policy engagement, social innovation and activism, movements, and political participation
- Interested in working across borders to advance democratic governance and democratic values
- Available to participate fully in all online and in-person program activities, and actively engage in group discussions and collaborative activities
- Contribute to cross-border and community project development
- Participate in program evaluations
- Demonstrate a willingness to contribute actively to the program alumni network
HCD accepts inclusivity as its core value and is an equal opportunity organization.
How to Apply?
Applicants should submit a:
- Completed online application form
- Current CV (maximum two pages)
- Motivation letter outlining their interest in the program, any relevant experience in community organizing, development, and commitment to democratic leadership
- Any additional supporting documents requested in the application form
Key Dates
Activity | Date |
Call for applications opens | July 15, 2026 |
Application deadline | August 5th, 2026 |
Applications submitted after the deadline or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Questions?
For inquiries regarding the program or the application process, please send an email to hcdoffice@horn-center.org