Applications are now open for the Yiaga Africa West Africa Regional Community Organizing Institute (COI) 2026, a fully funded leadership and community organizing programme for young changemakers across West Africa.
Organized by Yiaga Africa with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the institute is designed to equip emerging leaders with practical skills in community organizing, policy advocacy, democratic participation, and non-violent social change.
Successful applicants will also have the opportunity to connect with activists and development professionals from across the West African region.
About the Yiaga Africa West Africa Regional Community Organizing Institute (COI) 2026 Programme
The West Africa Regional Community Organizing Institute (COI) 2026 brings together young leaders who are passionate about strengthening democracy, promoting civic participation, and driving sustainable development in their communities.
Participants will undergo intensive training facilitated by experienced community organizers and subject-matter experts. The programme focuses on building leadership capacity, strengthening advocacy skills, and creating a network of young professionals committed to positive social change across West Africa.
Importantly, all participation costs will be covered by Yiaga Africa, making the programme accessible to qualified applicants regardless of their financial background.
Who Can Apply?
Before applying, interested candidates should ensure they meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
1. Be a mid-career practitioner.
2. Be actively working in democracy, governance, development, or rule of law.
3. Be a citizen or resident of one of the following West African countries:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cape Verde
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)
Liberia - Mali
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
4. Be under 30 years of age.
5. Be fluent in English or French.
Yiaga Africa also strongly encourages female applicants and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to apply.
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What Participants Will Gain
The institute offers a unique opportunity for participants to develop practical leadership and community organizing skills while expanding their professional networks.
Successful applicants will benefit from:
1. Fully funded participation in the programme.
2. Training led by experienced community organizers and democracy experts.
3. Practical learning in community organizing and civic engagement.
4. Skills in policy advocacy and non-violent social change.
5. Training on power mapping and movement building.
6. Networking opportunities with approximately 30–35 young activists from across West Africa.
7. Exposure to regional perspectives on democracy and development.
Application Deadline
14th July, 2026
How to Apply for Yiaga Africa West Africa Regional Community Organizing Institute (COI) 2026
Interested and qualified applicants should submit their applications through the official application link provided by Yiaga Africa.
Young leaders play a vital role in shaping democratic institutions and promoting sustainable development across Africa.
The Community Organizing Institute provides participants with practical tools, regional exposure, and professional networks that can strengthen their ability to mobilize communities, influence public policy, and lead impactful initiatives in their respective countries.
If you are passionate about civic engagement, leadership, and community development, this programme offers an excellent opportunity to build your capacity alongside like-minded changemakers from across West Africa.
Participation in the programme requires applicants to be available for the entire duration of the institute in August 2026. Only eligible applicants who successfully complete the selection process will be invited to participate. Applications should be submitted only through the official application link provided by Yiaga Africa.
You can also check out more opportunities you are eligible to apply for on the Federal Government Initiative Category, Latest Grant Collection Category, and Job and Career Opportunity Desk.
