funding: Fully funded (Yiaga Africa covers all participation costs)
location: West Africa
host: Yiaga Africa (with National Endowment for Democracy support)
duration: Regional Community Organizing Institute held August 2026
source-url: https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/07/03/regional-community-organizing-institute-2026/
apply-url: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMniiVITD-si8LcSe9x8e3hqW9j_ruVdeBxy_ZLjQ1IIhulg/viewform
The Yiaga Africa Regional Community Organizing Institute 2026 is a training and capacity development program that brings together approximately 30-35 mid-career practitioners from West Africa. The program is hosted by Yiaga Africa with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy and aims to support new civic activists and deepen solidarity between community organizers. The program will run for a duration of approximately 4 weeks, starting in August 2026.
Overview
The West Africa Regional Community Organizing Institute is a direct response to increasing demand to support new civic activists and deepen bounds of solidarity between community organizers in Francophone West Africa.
- Program Curriculum draws inspiration from Harvard Kennedy School’s “Leadership, Organizing and Action” course
- Sessions will cover topics such as political and community organizing, effective policy advocacy, and non-violent change
- Training module will include new themes such as negotiation, transnational organizing, and running effective civic organizations
- Strengthen the technical capacities of youth and women-led organizations in community engagement and promotion of democratic values and principles
Eligibility
Applicants must be from and currently reside in one of the West African countries and be no more than 30 years of age at the start of the training in August 2026.
- Must be actively working in the field of democracy and development
- Must have a solid command of written and spoken English or French
- Applicants from civil society, political society, community and student leaders are encouraged to apply
Benefits
- Fully funded participation, with all costs covered by Yiaga Africa
- Opportunity to learn from experienced trainers and network with other community organizers
- Strengthen technical capacities in community engagement and promotion of democratic values and principles
How to Apply
The application process involves submitting an application form, which contains sections such as applicant information and essay questions.
- Applicants must submit their applications by the deadline of July 14, 2026
- Applications must be submitted in English or French
- Female applicants and persons living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for applicants?
Applicants must not be more than 30 years of age at the start of the training in August 2026.
What is the language requirement for the program?
Applicants must have a solid command of written and spoken English or French.
What is the duration of the program?
The program will run for a duration of approximately 4 weeks, starting in August 2026.
What costs are covered by the program?
Yiaga Africa will cover the costs of participation associated with attending the Institute.
Can applicants from outside West Africa apply?
No, applicants must be from and currently reside in one of the West African countries.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is July 14, 2026.