Application Deadline: 13 September 2026, 17:00 EAT
Applications are now open for the 2026 AfricaCDC Youth Pre-Conference. YPC 2026 will bring young Africans from across the continent together to help shape that future. Taking place immediately ahead of the 5th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2026), YPC 2026 is the official youth platform for the conference. It will connect young health professionals, students, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates, communicators and community leaders with one another and with Africa’s public health leadership.
The 2026 edition is anchored in Africa CDC’s Health Security and Sovereignty agenda and the CPHIA 2026 ambition to move from health dependency and vulnerability towards ownership and resilience. The focus is practical: who will
lead, what Africa will build, and how young Africans can help turn health sovereignty into action.
YPC 2026 is designed as a working platform for young Africans who are already contributing to stronger health systems and want to influence what comes next. Over two days, participants will exchange ideas, showcase solutions, build relationships and develop priorities that can inform CPHIA 2026.
Tracks
- Digital Health, Research and Innovation
- Building Africa’s Public Health Workforce
- One Health, Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Local Manufacturing and Health Sovereignty
- Youth Leadership on Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV
Requirements
- Be 18-35 years old at the time of application.
- Be a citizen of an African Union Member State.
- Be enrolled in at least an undergraduate programme, or have relevant educational, professional or community experience in public health or related fields.
- Relevant fields may include public health, medicine, nursing, community or environmental health, research, digital health and technology, health policy, public service, development, communications and journalism, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, social sciences or other disciplines contributing to Africa’s health security and sovereignty.
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to improving health, including through research, youth-led initiatives, advocacy, innovation, community engagement, professional practice or related activities.
- Be available to participate fully in YPC 2026 and CPHIA 2026.
- Be willing to contribute to peer exchange and the cultural life of the Youth PreConference.
Benefits
- Selected participants will join a pan-African community of young people helping shape the next chapter of public health on the continent.
- Influence the youth priorities and recommendations that will feed into CPHIA 2026.
- Engage African public health leaders, policymakers, researchers, innovators and practitioners.
- Showcase your work, research, ideas or community experience.
- Build relationships with peers from across African Union Member States.
- Develop new knowledge and connections across YPC workshops, dialogues and interactive sessions.
- Participate in YPC 2026 and continue into CPHIA 2026 from 23-27 November 2026
- Sponsorship: Sponsorship includes flight tickets, accommodation, meals, and CPHIA registration fee for selected young delegates.
How to Apply
Complete the online application form by 13 September 2026 at 17:00 East Africa Time (EAT). Applications may be submitted in English or French
Apply Now for the 2026 AfricaCDC Youth Pre-Conference
Submit:
- A completed online application form.
- A curriculum vitae (CV), maximum two pages.
- Passport biodata page
- Any additional information requested in the application form
Application Timeline
- Applications open 31 August 2026
- Application deadline 13 September 2026, 17:00 EAT
- Selected applicants contacted 2 October 2026
- Attendance confirmation deadline 9 October 2026
- YPC 2026 21-22 November 2026
- CPHIA 2026 23-27 November 2026
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the AfricaCDC Youth Pre-Conference
