In the dynamic landscape of international relations, the Africa-Europe Youth Awards 2025 represents more than just a grant or a prize; it is a critical moment for young leaders to step into the spotlight and redefine the future of bi-continental cooperation. Launched by the Africa-Europe Foundation (AEF) under the banner of the #RoadToLuanda25 campaign, this special initiative is designed to recognize, fund, and amplify the efforts of youth-led organizations that are fostering meaningful partnerships between Africa and Europe.
The importance of youth in shaping the future
The #RoadToLuanda25 campaign culminates in the 7th AU-EU Summit in Luanda, Angola, in November 2025. As this pivotal moment approaches, the AEF is deliberately shining a light on the contributions of young people, whose innovative projects and fresh perspectives are essential for building a more equitable and collaborative future. Young leaders are uniquely positioned to address the complex challenges facing both continents, from climate change and sustainable growth to digital transformation and civic engagement. These awards provide a platform for these voices to be heard at the highest levels of political and social dialogue.
A call for meaningful action
The awards are not for abstract concepts, but for tangible action. The AEF is looking to make visible the real, impactful work being done by youth-led organizations. This includes a wide range of activities and projects:
- Grassroots organizing: Initiatives that address community-level challenges, from local climate resilience to fostering peace.
- Digital campaigns: Social media and digital storytelling projects that engage broad audiences and promote cross-continental understanding.
- Creative output: Storytelling, video production, and other creative formats that raise awareness about the Africa-Europe partnership.
- Cross-continental collaboration: Projects that actively involve young people from both African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) member states in a shared vision.
Strategic benefits for awardees
For successful applicants, the awards offer a range of powerful benefits that go beyond simple financial assistance:
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- Recognition and visibility: Winners are showcased as leaders in international cooperation, gaining significant exposure through the Africa-Europe Foundation’s communications and events. This recognition can elevate an organization’s profile and open doors to new partnerships.
- Capacity-building and mentorship: The AEF and its partners provide tailored training and guidance, helping young organizations to professionalize their operations and enhance their strategic impact.
- Financial grants:
- Standard Grants of €5,000: These micro-grants directly support initiatives that promote awareness and engagement on the Africa–Europe Partnership.
- Special Visibility Awards of up to €10,000: Two high-impact initiatives that demonstrate exceptional digital mobilization and media presence will receive this special grant.
- Networking and influence: Awardees gain opportunities to engage directly with policymakers, experts, and fellow youth leaders, inserting their voices into high-level discussions and influencing the future of bi-continental relations.
Eligibility and how to apply
To be considered for the Africa-Europe Youth Awards, an organization must be:
- Youth-led: The organization’s governance and management must be run by young people (aged under 36, in alignment with AU and EU standards).
- Registered: The organization must be formally registered in an African Union (AU) or European Union (EU) member state.
- Focused on Africa-Europe cooperation: The initiative must demonstrably work towards strengthening the partnership between the two continents, whether on a local, national, or cross-continental level.
The application is a simple online process that requires submitting an organizational profile, a concept note, an impact plan, a budget summary, and proof of legal registration. Applications must be submitted in English by the deadline of September 1, 2025.
The Africa-Europe Youth Awards 2025 serve as a testament to the idea that young people are not just beneficiaries of policy—they are its architects. This is a call to action for all young leaders who are ready to take their projects to the next level and contribute to a stronger, more collaborative Africa-Europe partnership. It is your moment to showcase your impact, secure the support you need, and inspire a new generation of change.
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