Top 100 Young African Leaders of Impact
One hundred young Africans whose leadership is producing real, measurable change in their communities, their countries and beyond. Ten in each of ten categories, chosen by independent judges.
Nominations open on 15 November 2026 and close on 20 January 2027.
Recognising leadership that changes lives
Every year the Young Global Leaders Network recognises one hundred young Africans who lead in the service of others. Their work is already making a difference, and the recognition puts it in front of the people, partners and funders who can help it go further.
Honourees are chosen on merit, by independent judges, against criteria published before nominations open. Nobody pays to be nominated, considered or honoured.
Who can be nominated
- Aged 18 to 45 on 20 January 2027, when nominations close.
- African by nationality or heritage, living in Africa or anywhere in the world.
- Leading work that is their own, has been running for at least a year and can be shown with evidence.
- Membership of YGLN is not required and gives no advantage.
The categories
Each category aims for gender balance, with at least four women among its ten honourees where enough eligible women apply, and no more than three honourees from one country.
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Technology, Science and Innovation
- Education and Skills
- Health and Wellbeing
- Climate, Agriculture and Environment
- Governance, Public Service and Policy
- Diplomacy, Peace and International Affairs
- Law, Justice and Human Rights
- Community Service and Social Impact
- Media, Arts, Culture and Sport
From nomination to recognition
1 · Nominate or apply
Anyone can nominate a young leader, or apply for themselves. A nominee is emailed a private link and completes the application, with two referees and evidence of their work.
2 · Eligibility
The YGLN secretariat checks every application against the rules.
3 · Independent judging
Three judges per category score each application without seeing one another's marks, and step aside where they have a conflict of interest.
4 · Shortlist and verification
The highest scoring applications in each category are shortlisted, and their evidence, identity, age and references are checked.
5 · Final selection
A selection panel confirms ten honourees in each category, and its decision is final.
What the judges look for
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| ImpactThe measurable difference the work has made. | 30% |
| LeadershipHow they lead and grow others. | 15% |
| ServiceBenefit to the community rather than to themselves. | 15% |
| InnovationOriginality in how the problem is tackled. | 10% |
| SustainabilityWhether the work will last and can grow. | 10% |
| IntegrityConduct, values and the trust of others. | 10% |
| InspirationThe example they set for other young Africans. | 10% |
What honourees receive
- The title Top 100 Young African Leaders of Impact 2027, with a certificate and a digital badge.
- A profile on this website, and a feature across our social media.
- 30% off the Young African Leaders Summit 2027 (YALS 2027) registration fee at the standard rate.
- 30% off their first year of membership of the Young Global Leaders Network.
- Public recognition at the Young African Leaders Summit 2027 in Accra, 25 to 27 November 2027.
The 2027 timeline
- 15 November 2026Nominations and applications open
- 20 January 2027Nominations and applications close
- After the closing dateEligibility checks, judging, shortlist and verification
- To be announcedHonourees announced
- 25 to 27 November 2027Recognition at the Young African Leaders Summit in Accra
Know a young leader who deserves this?
Nominations open on 15 November 2026.
Questions? Write to membership@yglnetwork.com. How we use the details in nominations and applications is set out in our Privacy Policy.