Are you a young African changemaker working to help others transition from learning to earning? The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 offers a fully funded opportunity to amplify your impact and connect with global leaders.
This prestigious program, supported by the Z Zurich Foundation in partnership with One Young World, is designed to empower African youth leaders tackling social and economic barriers through education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 Overview
The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 will support 25 outstanding young African leaders to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town from 3-6 November 2026.
Beyond the summit, scholars will participate in a structured leadership development journey, including pre- and post-summit programs designed to strengthen their impact and expand their networks.
Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Organization | Z Zurich Foundation |
| Summit Location | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Scholarship Type | Leadership Program / Conference Participation |
| Partner Organization | One Young World |
| Eligible Applicants | Young African Leaders |
| Scholarship Value | Fully Funded (Travel, Accommodation, Meals, Summit Access) |
| Application Deadline | May 4, 2026 |
| Opening Date | March 16, 2026 |
| Number of Awards | 25 |
| Program Dates | November 3-6, 2026 |
What Is the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship All About?
The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship focuses on supporting young African leaders who are addressing one of the continent’s most urgent challenges: helping youth transition from education to sustainable livelihoods.
Africa has the world’s youngest population, yet many young people face structural barriers such as unemployment, limited access to quality education, and a lack of financial resources.
This scholarship aims to empower grassroots leaders who are already creating solutions within their communities, amplifying their work, strengthening leadership capacity, and enabling long-term impact.
Focus Areas of the Scholarship
Applicants must be working on initiatives that support youth facing barriers to economic opportunity. Key focus areas include:
Youth Employability
- Improving access to decent jobs
- Aligning education with labor market needs
- Supporting transitions from school to work
Youth Entrepreneurship
- Promoting self-employment and business creation
- Improving access to finance and business support
- Building sustainable income opportunities
Digital Inclusion & Future of Work
- Bridging the digital divide
- Building digital and future-ready skills
- Connecting youth to emerging job markets
Cross-Cutting Priorities:
Strong applications often address:
- Economic inclusion of marginalized or displaced youth
- Mental well-being and emotional resilience
- Climate-resilient and green livelihoods
- Safe and productive employment pathways
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be 18–35 years old by November 2026
- Be a national and resident of an African country
- Demonstrate impact aligned with social equity
- Lead an early-stage initiative without major corporate funding
- Run a registered non-profit organization with a verified bank account
- Hold a primary leadership role in the initiative
Additional Requirements:
Applicants must also:
- Commit to participating in pre- and post-summit programs
- Be willing to collaborate and engage with other global leaders
- Demonstrate strong leadership potential and community impact
Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars will receive a comprehensive, fully funded package, including:
- Full participation in the One Young World Summit 2026
- Hotel accommodation in Cape Town (November 1–6, 2026)
- Round-trip airfare
- Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Local transportation between summit venues
Additional Program Benefits
Beyond the summit, scholars will gain access to exclusive development opportunities:
- Pre-Summit Virtual Program (Sept-Oct 2026): Leadership training and preparation
- Pre-Summit Connection Day (Nov 2, 2026): In-person networking in Cape Town
- Post-Summit Debrief Session: Reflection and continued engagement
These components ensure sustained growth, collaboration, and long-term impact.
Selection Process
Candidates are evaluated based on:
- Demonstrated impact in their communities
- Innovation and scalability of their initiatives
- Leadership potential
- Alignment with the foundation’s social equity mission
Only 25 candidates will be selected, making the process highly competitive.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to apply for the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026:
Prepare Your Application
Document your initiative, achievements, and measurable impact.
Submit Your Application
Apply through the official One Young World or Z Zurich Foundation platform.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: March 16, 2026
- Deadline: May 4, 2026
Await Results
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with further instructions.
Why Attend the One Young World Summit?
The One Young World Summit is a globally recognized platform for young leaders driving change.
Participants benefit from:
- Access to global policymakers and industry leaders
- Leadership development and mentorship
- International networking opportunities
- Exposure to innovative solutions and collaborations
Official website for interested candidates: https://www.oneyoungworld.com/scholarship/z-zurich-foundation-scholarship-2026
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