Young leaders are key drivers of sustainable development, innovation, and community transformation. Across Africa, youth-led initiatives are increasingly shaping economic opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems, and supporting inclusive community development. Recognizing the powerful role young people play in shaping the future, Rays of Hope, in partnership with Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) and the Mastercard Foundation, has launched the Youth Leadership Program 2026–2027.
This initiative, part of the Going Beyond – Partnering for a Youth-Led Future Project, is designed to empower young graduates with leadership, digital, and entrepreneurial skills so they can drive meaningful social and economic change within their communities.
The program offers an immersive experience combining training, mentorship, and community engagement. Selected participants will receive comprehensive leadership training and then return to their communities to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses, particularly women-led enterprises.
With a focus on peer-to-peer learning, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion, the Youth Leadership Program aims to equip young people with the tools needed to strengthen local economies while building their own career opportunities.
Application Deadline: 24 March 2026
About the Youth Leadership Program
The Youth Leadership Program is a structured initiative designed to transform young graduates into community facilitators, coaches, and social impact leaders. Through intensive training and community deployment, participants will gain practical skills that prepare them to support local economic development while strengthening their leadership capacity.
Participants will undergo three weeks of intensive training, followed by a six-month community placement where they will apply their newly acquired knowledge to empower their peers and local entrepreneurs.
The program specifically focuses on strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with a strong emphasis on supporting women entrepreneurs, who represent 70% of the program’s target beneficiaries.
By equipping youth with the ability to share digital skills, business knowledge, and leadership strategies, the initiative creates a ripple effect that strengthens entire communities.
The Going Beyond Project
The Youth Leadership Program is implemented under the Going Beyond – Partnering for a Youth-Led Future Project, a major initiative led by Digital Opportunity Trust in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation.
The project aims to scale DOT’s evidence-based peer-to-peer youth leadership model, enabling young leaders to deliver programs that foster entrepreneurship and digital inclusion in their communities.
The initiative will operate across four African countries:
-
Côte d’Ivoire
-
Malawi
-
Zambia
-
Tanzania
Over a five-year period, the project will expand youth-led leadership initiatives across the continent and gradually transfer the responsibility for delivering programs directly to young leaders themselves.
By investing in youth leadership, the project aims to create a sustainable network of empowered young professionals capable of driving economic development and community innovation.
Program Structure
The Youth Leadership Program is designed as a multi-phase learning and deployment experience that combines training, mentorship, and hands-on community work.
Phase 1: Leadership and Skills Training
Selected participants will attend an intensive three-week training program where they will develop key competencies required for their leadership role.
Training topics include:
-
Leadership and community facilitation
-
Digital skills and digital entrepreneurship
-
Basic business development skills
-
Communication and coaching techniques
-
Self-confidence and professional development
-
Career development strategies
The training prepares participants to act as program facilitators, mentors, and community changemakers.
Phase 2: Community Deployment
After completing the training, youth leaders will return to their communities and begin a six-month deployment where they will work directly with local entrepreneurs and young people.
During this phase, youth leaders will:
-
Deliver training sessions to peers and entrepreneurs
-
Provide coaching and mentorship to small business owners
-
Promote digital literacy and business skills
-
Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship within their communities
This hands-on phase ensures that participants apply their learning in real-world settings while generating tangible impact.
Key Benefits of the Youth Leadership Program
The Youth Leadership Program provides participants with numerous professional and personal development opportunities.
Comprehensive Leadership Training
Participants receive structured training that strengthens their leadership abilities, entrepreneurial mindset, and digital competencies.
Career Development Opportunities
The program includes career development support and employment linkages that help participants expand their professional opportunities.
Community Impact
Youth leaders will directly support the growth of local MSMEs by sharing practical knowledge and tools that improve business sustainability and growth.
Membership in a Pan-African Youth Network
Participants will join the DOT Youth Community, a vibrant network of more than 5,000 youth leaders across Africa.
This network provides access to future collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and international programs.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements to participate in the Youth Leadership Program.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Nationality or Residency
Candidates must be Malawian nationals or legal residents of Malawi.
Educational Background
Applicants must be recent graduates from accredited universities or colleges and possess one of the following:
-
Certificate
-
Diploma
-
Bachelor’s degree
Graduates from credible Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs may also be eligible.
Applicants must have graduated within the last six months to five years.
Location Requirement
Applicants must currently live in one of the following communities:
-
Ndirande
-
Bangwe
-
Machinjiri
-
Chilomoni
-
Chileka
-
Kabula
-
Lunzu
-
Mpemba
-
Zingwangwa
-
Limbe
Availability
Applicants must be fully available for the eight-month program duration, from May 2026 to December 2026.
Skills and Equipment
Applicants must:
-
Have access to a smartphone or laptop
-
Possess basic computer skills
-
Communicate fluently in the local language
-
Demonstrate strong leadership potential and commitment to community development
Employment Status
Applicants should be unemployed or underemployed at the time of application.
No prior professional experience is required.
Inclusion and Equal Opportunity
The Going Beyond Project is committed to promoting inclusion and equal opportunity for young people.
The program strongly encourages applications from:
-
Young women
-
Youth with disabilities
-
Young people from rural communities
-
Youth living in poverty
-
Displaced young people
To support participants with childcare responsibilities, the program will also provide on-site childcare services for those who demonstrate a need.
Recruitment TimelineThe recruitment and deployment process will follow the timeline below:
-
Call for Applications: 9 March 2026
-
Application Deadline: 24 March 2026
-
Announcement of Finalists: April 2026
-
Induction and Training of Trainers: May 2026
-
Contracting and Official Deployment: May 2026
-
Placement Start Date: May 2026
-
Placement End Date: December 2026
Application Requirements
Applicants must prepare the following documents before starting the online application process:
-
Scanned copy of National ID
-
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume
-
Scanned copy of higher education certificate
-
Cover letter
Selection Process
The selection process consists of three stages designed to identify committed and motivated youth leaders.
Stage One
Selected applicants will participate in the three-week training program.
Stage Two
Participants will then be selected for the six-month community deployment, where they will serve as Youth Leaders.
Stage Three
Youth Leaders will receive ongoing career development training and mentorship from Rays of Hope and its local and international partners.
The program aims to ensure a fair and accessible selection process. Applicants requiring accommodations during interviews or assessments are encouraged to contact the organizers.
Discover more opportunities here
