About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
PAYF 2026 is a continental youth policy and engagement platform that brings together young people and key stakeholders to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and develop practical approaches to Africa's youth development priorities.
The Forum will bring together:
Young leaders and youth-led organisations
African Union Member States
AU organs and institutions
Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
Civil society organisations
Private sector representatives
Development partners and researchers
Discussions will contribute to strengthening youth participation in continental policy processes while reflecting on 20 years of implementation of the African Youth Charter.
Call for Session Proposals
The African Union is seeking innovative, inclusive and solutions-oriented session proposals that align with the Forum's theme and contribute to meaningful dialogue on youth development in Africa.
Selected proposals will form part of the official PAYF 2026 programme, giving successful organisers an opportunity to facilitate discussions around issues affecting young people and contribute to continental conversations on youth policy and action.
Expected Outcomes
PAYF 2026 is expected to contribute to several continental outcomes, including:
Development of a Common African Position on the Future of African Youth Development
A roadmap for strengthening and advancing the African Youth Charter
Increased collaboration among youth organisations, governments and development partners
Practical policy recommendations driven by young Africans
Who Can Submit a Proposal?
Proposals are encouraged from:
Youth-led organisations
Young professionals and innovators
Civil society organisations
Academic and research institutions
Private sector organisations
Regional and international partners working on youth development
Proposals should demonstrate clear relevance to the Forum's theme while promoting participation, inclusion and actionable solutions.
Information Required
Applicants should prepare the following information before completing the submission form:
Session title and description
Names of speakers and panelists
Professional titles or designations
Email addresses of speakers and moderators
Short biographies
Organisational affiliations, where applicable
Having this information ready can make the submission process easier.
Forum Details
ItemDetailsEventPan African Youth Forum (PAYF) 2026Dates16–20 November 2026LocationAfrican Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaThemeReflecting, Reimagining, and Repositioning the African Youth CharterOrganiserAfrican Union Commission – Women, Gender and Youth Directorate
Data Protection and Privacy
The African Union Commission will use information submitted through the application for reviewing, evaluating and administering PAYF 2026 session proposals.
If a proposal is selected, information such as speaker names, biographies, affiliations and session descriptions may be included in official programme materials and event communications.
Applicants should obtain the consent of all proposed speakers before submitting their personal information.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the official Call for Session Proposals form and review the Concept Note, Draft Agenda and Draft Issues Paper before submitting their proposal.
For enquiries, applicants can contact the African Union Commission at:
How to apply