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Apply Now: African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program – 4th Cohort

The African Union has officially opened applications for the 4th Cohort of the African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program. This transformative initiative seeks passionate young Africans ready to champion peace and security across the continent.

About the Program

The African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program is a flagship initiative under the Youth for Peace (Africa) Program (Y4P), launched in September 2018. The African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program was established following a directive from the AU Peace and Security Council to appoint five regional ambassadors who work alongside the AU Youth Envoy.

The African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program empowers young leaders to advance the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda by facilitating meaningful youth participation in peace processes while countering youth involvement in violence. Operating under the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department (PAPS), ambassadors serve as vocal advocates for integrating African youth into continental peace and security frameworks.

Core mandates of the African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program include:

Amplifying Youth Voices: Promoting the inclusion and contributions of young Africans in peace-building initiatives
Policy Advocacy: Identifying challenges and driving policy reforms to strengthen youth engagement
Framework Promotion: Raising awareness of the Continental Framework on Youth Peace and Security (CFYPS) and its 10-Year Implementation Plan
National Support: Assisting Member States in developing and implementing National Action Plans
Regional Implementation: Leading activities across five CFYPS priority areas: Participation, Prevention, Protection, Partnerships and Coordination, and Disengagement and Rehabilitation

Eligibility Requirements

The African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program welcomes applications from all African youth demonstrating commitment to sustainable peace. Priority consideration is given to young women, displaced persons, and persons with disabilities.

To qualify for the African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program, candidates must meet these criteria:

Age: Between 18 to 35 years throughout the two-year tenure
Education: Bachelor’s university degree required
Professional Experience: Minimum 2 years in peace and security work
Advocacy Expertise: Proven advocacy skills in youth, peace and security issues, plus resource mobilization capabilities
Peace Process Involvement: Experience supporting peace processes, including multi-stakeholder dialogues and mediation
Community Impact: Strong track record within local communities
Communication Skills: Excellent communication and advocacy abilities
Language Proficiency: Fluency in any AU working language (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Swahili, or Spanish); additional AU languages are advantageous

Benefits

Participants in the African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program gain:

Continental Platform: Direct access to AU leadership and continental peace and security mechanisms
Professional Development: Enhanced expertise in peace-building, conflict resolution, and policy advocacy
Network Expansion: Connections with AU officials, Member States, Regional Economic Communities, and peace stakeholders
Leadership Recognition: Official designation as an AU Youth Ambassador for Peace
Policy Influence: Opportunity to shape continental youth, peace and security frameworks
Regional Impact: Ability to implement peace initiatives across your region
Capacity Building: Training and mentorship in peace and security programming

Application Guidelines

Candidates applying to the African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program must demonstrate genuine commitment to peace and security through their professional experience and community engagement. Applications should clearly articulate how your background aligns with the AYAP mandate and your vision for advancing peace across Africa.

The African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program particularly encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including young women, internally displaced persons, refugees, and persons with disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria.

Required Documents

Your application to the African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program must include:

Updated CV/Resume: Comprehensive professional and academic background
Essay (Maximum 2 pages): Articulate your qualifications for the African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program and outline your intended impact on continental peace and stability
Academic Certificates: Copies of educational credentials and relevant training certifications

Program Structure and Duration

The African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program operates on a structured two-year, non-renewable tenure system. Five ambassadors are selected to represent Africa’s five regions, ensuring comprehensive continental coverage.

Ambassadors work under direct supervision of the PAPS leadership at the African Union Commission headquarters. The African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program structure enables ambassadors to collaborate with the AU Youth Envoy, Member States, Regional Economic Communities, and civil society organizations to implement the CFYPS priorities.

Throughout their tenure in the African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program, ambassadors engage in advocacy campaigns, policy dialogues, community mobilization, and regional peace initiatives aligned with continental frameworks.

Why You Should Apply

The African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program offers a rare opportunity to influence continental peace architecture while representing African youth at the highest decision-making levels. As an ambassador, you’ll translate grassroots peace experiences into policy recommendations that shape the continent’s future.

Joining the African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program means becoming part of a growing movement of young peace champions committed to silencing the guns and building the Africa We Want. Your expertise will directly contribute to preventing conflicts, protecting vulnerable populations, and ensuring young Africans are active participants—not victims—in peace processes.

The African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program empowers you to amplify youth voices in spaces where critical decisions about security, governance, and development are made, creating lasting change across your region and beyond.

How to Apply

To apply for the African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program, submit your complete application package through the official online portal:

Application Link: https://forms.gle/sayM9ghQFkX31Gc69

Ensure all required documents (CV, essay, and certificates) are prepared before starting your application to the African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program. The online form will guide you through the submission process.

Selection Process: The African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program follows a rigorous selection procedure involving screening by Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), review by the AU Peace and Security Council, and final endorsement by the Assembly of Heads of States and Governments.

Deadline

Application Deadline: 15 December 2025

All applications for the African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program must be submitted before 23:59hrs East African Time (EAT) on the deadline date.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join the African Union African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) Program and become a catalyst for peace across Africa. Start your application today and take your place among the continent’s leading youth peace advocates.

Click here to apply.

About The Author

Henry Izuu

Henry Izuchukwu is a passionate business administrator who has dedicated his career to transforming lives through education and career development. With a deep commitment to youth empowerment across Africa, he connects aspiring students and young professionals with life-changing opportunities that help them achieve their dreams.

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