UONGOZI Institute Youth Leadership Competition for African Students 2025

The Youth Leadership Competition is organised as a component of the African Leadership Forum (ALF) to provide a space for the youth of Africa and the next generation of leaders in the region to contribute to important discussions on leadership and sustainable development.

In each contest, African citizens between the age of 18 and 25 are asked to write about their perspectives on leadership as it relates to a theme tied to the ALF.  

The essays are rigorously evaluated on the basis of originality, organisation, creativity, appropriateness to contest theme and the use of language. The winners get the opportunity to participate in the ALF plenary session and receive their awards at a prize-giving ceremony – in the presence of distinguished delegates from the forum.

Essay Topic: If you were an African leader, how would you accelerate the implementation of SDGs on the continent?

• Table of Content
• About UONGOZI
• UONGOZI Institute Youth Leadership Competition
• Aim and Benefits of UONGOZI Institute Youth Leadership Competition
• Requirements for UONGOZI Institute Youth Leadership Competition Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for UONGOZI Institute Youth Leadership Competition
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About UONGOZI

“Uongozi” means leadership in Kiswahili, and inspiring and strengthening leadership is the core purpose of our organisation. Based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, UONGOZI Institute is dedicated to supporting African leaders to attain sustainable development for their nations and for Africa. We seek to inspire leaders and promote the recognition of the important role of leadership in sustainable development. We believe that: Leadership is the key to achieving sustainable development The development of a leader requires specialised grooming An African model of leadership is v... continue reading

UONGOZI Institute Youth Leadership Competition

Aim and Benefits of UONGOZI Institute Youth Leadership Competition

• Up to five winners will be selected. Winners will be asked to create posters to visually describe their ideas. The posters will be showcased at the ALF.
• Winners will receive their awards at a prize giving ceremony to be held during the ALF Gala Dinner. The ceremony will be attended by senior leaders from across Africa, representing public, private and third sectors.
• A grand prize of USD $2,000 will be awarded to the overall winner, and they will be asked to read their essay at the dinner event.
• Selected winners residing outside Uganda will be required to have valid travel documents for travel. UONGOZI Institute will cover the costs related to their travel, including visa fees, air ticket and accommodation.

Requirements for UONGOZI Institute Youth Leadership Competition Qualification

• Young Africans between the age of 18 and 25.
• All essays must be typed. The minimum length is 500 words, and the maximum is 700 words. The format shall be of single spaced, Arial font size 11 with page margins of 1 inch (2.54 cm) for each margin, and sent as a Microsoft Word document.

Interview date, Process and Venue for UONGOZI Institute Youth Leadership Competition

• Applicants must also submit a written statement of originality and ownership of intellectual property rights. Download a template here. 
• Essays will be judged on the basis of originality, creativity, use of language and appropriateness to contest theme.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details,visit UONGOZI Institute webpage