AFCFTA YOUTH ESSAY COMPETITION
The AfCFTA is here! Are you ready to lead the charge in driving Africa's sustainable and low-carbon trade future?
The AfCFTA Africa Umoja Campaign, convened by YALDA and its partners (including the AfCFTA Secretariat, UNDP, ITC, UNECA, and Afreximbank), invites young Africans aged 18–35 years to participate in our flagship competition: The Sustainable Leap Youth Essay Competition.
Share your brilliant, policy-relevant ideas on how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can champion sustainable growth, low-carbon manufacturing, and sustainable logistics across the continent.
Submission Requirements
Competition participants are required to submit two components:
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Essay: A compelling, well-researched 2,000-word blog-style essay on the theme of sustainable trade within the AfCFTA framework.
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Video Pitch: A powerful 1-minute (60-second) unedited video pitch summarizing your essay's key idea and policy recommendation.
Submission Format Notes:
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The essay must be submitted as a word .docx file.
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The video pitch must be uploaded to a public-accessible platform (i.e., YouTube private link) and the link provided in the designated field.
Eligibility & Prizes
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Eligibility: Must be an African passport holder aged 18–35 years.
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Prizes: Winners will receive continental recognition, high-value career-advancing incentives, and exclusive invitations to key high-level trade and policy events (details to be announced).
DEADLINE FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS: March 22, 2026
Shape African policy. Advance a Sustainable AfCFTA. ENTER NOW!
