African Union / NEPAD Africa Youth Essay Competition (Fully Funded To South Africa)

Agenda 2063 is the strategic framework for socio-economic transformation of the African continent over the next 45 years. Aspiration 6 of the AU Agenda 2063 speaks of an “Africa where development is people driven, unleashing the potential of its women and youth”. Young Africans, women and men will be the pioneers of the African knowledge society that will contribute significantly to innovation and entrepreneurship. The creativity, energy and innovation of African youth will be the driving force behind the continent’s political, social, cultural and economic transformation. Youths do not only play a critical role in the socio-economic development of Africa, but will also be the beneficiaries of Agenda 2063.

AUDA/NEPAD recognises African youth as important stakeholders in achieving the Agenda 2063 goals and aspirations. In this regard, deliberate efforts are being made to harness the intellectual insights and energies of the youth in shaping the pathways and participating in the implementation of Agenda 2063. Accordingly, AUDA/NEPAD is organising a short essay contest that will serve to solicit novel ideas from Africa’s youth.

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2.1 Rules and requirements

The rules and requirements for this short essay contest are outlined below:

The short essay subject is “The Africa We Want”. Participants are invited to submit their
innovative ideas through a short essay format – the ideas or proposals should be those that can potentially have positive societal impact currently, or those that will transform the African continent in years to come through action/s that need to be taken now.

The essays will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

1. Content and relevance in terms of Africa’s development;
2. Innovation and creativity;
3. Potential for implementing the idea on a large scale using Africa’s own resources.

Entry dates, deadlines and announcement of winners

Winners will be announced in April 2019 at the ‘Championing of Agenda 2063 for
#TheAfricaWeWant’ advocacy event in Johannesburg, South Africa. We urge all entrants residing outside South Africa to therefore have their passports ready, as the top five winners will be invited to the prize-giving ceremony in Johannesburg!!

The winners will all be notified prior to the event by email or phone number provided in the submission.

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Eligibility

Contestants must be aged between 15 and 35 years by the contest deadline. Only one proposal per contestant will be accepted. Contestants must be African citizens; non-African citizens are not eligible to participate in the contest. All youths (between the ages of 15 and 35) and especially girls, women and people living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to participate.

Essay instructions

Type the essay on A4 paper size, 2-3 pages maximum. Handwritten essays are accepted and should be on A4 paper size, 2-3 pages maximum. Please include your name on the essay.

LANGUAGE: Essays can be written in any of the African Union (AU) official languages namely: Swahili, English, French, Arabic and Portuguese.

2.2 Submitting your entry

If sending by EMAIL: Scan your entry documents to a .jpg or .pdf format and attach them to the email. Please send the email to essay@nepad.org

If sending by POST: Address the mail to: NEPAD Agency, 230, 15th Road Randjespark, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

* If posting your entry, please be sure to paperclip all of your documents together, including the essay.

The finalists will be invited to a high level platform in April 2019, called ‘Championing
of Agenda 2063 for #TheAfricaWeWant’ in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This contest opens on 21 January 2019 and closes at midnight on 28 February 2019. Essays must be received by 11:59PM GMT on 28 February 2019 OR postmarked by 28 February 2019 if sent by post.

Click here to download the ENGLISH entry form

Click here to download the FRENCH entry form

To get more, join Diplomacy Opportunities Facebook Group, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram 

Read more on African Union / NEPAD Africa Youth Essay Competition website

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