The African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) invites applications for its 2025 Youth Policy Lab, an initiative aimed at equipping young Africans with the skills, exposure, and experience necessary to actively engage in the policymaking process. This initiative is designed as a unique platform where participants step into the shoes of decision-makers, simulate governance challenges, and design practical, evidence-based policy solutions to some of Africa’s pressing development issues.
The Youth Policy Lab merges the innovation of hackathons with the rigor of policy design, ensuring that participants not only generate ideas but also learn how to transform them into actionable solutions. The Lab targets young people aged 18 to 35 across various African countries, providing them with mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and visibility before policymakers and institutions.
With mentorship support, teamwork dynamics, and a continent-wide digital campaign, the Lab enhances participants’ capacity in policy analysis, problem-solving, leadership, and innovation. This initiative is more than a competition; it is an immersive training ground that builds the next generation of African leaders and amplifies youth voices in decision-making spaces where they are often underrepresented.
Structure and Participation Process
The ACET Youth Policy Lab follows a structured and immersive approach to ensure participants gain hands-on experience. Successful applicants will be organized into small teams, presented with real policy scenarios, and given time and mentorship to develop solutions. The process unfolds in the following stages:
Team Formation and Policy Themes
Selected participants will be grouped into teams of three, creating six teams in total. Each team will receive a shared annual theme that reflects real governance and policy challenges across the continent. Within that theme, they will work on a specific policy scenario requiring innovative and practical solutions.
Mentorship and Guidance
Each team will be assigned a mentor who will provide expert guidance throughout the process. Mentors will help participants brainstorm, refine ideas, and approach challenges critically while balancing innovation with feasibility. The mentorship process ensures that the final outputs are grounded in evidence and relevant to the policy landscape.
Virtual Collaboration and Proposal Development
The program runs virtually, with participants expected to commit to online collaboration over a one-month period. During this phase, teams will develop a three-page policy proposal that outlines the problem, the proposed solution, and practical recommendations. This collaborative work requires regular engagement, open communication, and effective time management among team members.
Presentation and Final Pitch
The process culminates in a live virtual pitch session, where teams will present their policy proposals before a panel of expert judges. The judges will evaluate the proposals based on innovation, feasibility, evidence-based analysis, and potential for real-world impact. This pitch simulates the experience of presenting ideas in high-level policy and governance settings, giving participants exposure to public speaking and advocacy.
Roles and Responsibilities
Participation in the Youth Policy Lab involves distinct responsibilities that prepare individuals for practical governance and policymaking experiences. The roles are structured around the participant experience, mentorship engagement, and the evaluation process.
Role of Participants
Participants serve as the central actors in the Policy Lab. Their responsibilities include:
- Engaging fully in team activities and discussions throughout the program.
- Conducting background research on their assigned policy scenario to inform solution development.
- Collaborating with teammates to brainstorm, design, and refine a policy proposal.
- Developing a concise, evidence-based three-page proposal that responds directly to the policy challenge.
- Preparing and delivering a virtual pitch to expert judges during the final session.
- Demonstrating commitment by dedicating 6–8 weeks of consistent engagement to the program.
Role of Mentors
Mentors are experienced professionals who guide and support participant teams. Their responsibilities include:
- Offering technical expertise and feedback during the brainstorming and proposal development phases.
- Ensuring that teams remain focused on the evidence base of their proposed solutions.
- Facilitating productive discussions while encouraging creativity and innovation.
- Providing mentorship that strengthens participants’ problem-solving and leadership skills.
Role of Judges and Evaluators
The panel of expert judges is responsible for assessing the quality and feasibility of the policy proposals. Their responsibilities include:
- Reviewing the submitted proposals based on clarity, evidence, and practicality.
- Engaging with participants during the pitch session through questions and feedback.
- Identifying solutions that have the strongest potential for real-world application.
- Highlighting areas where proposals could be strengthened for broader policy relevance.
Benefits of Participation
The ACET Youth Policy Lab offers significant opportunities for personal and professional growth. By taking part in this program, participants will:
- Gain first-hand experience of what it means to design and advocate for policy solutions.
- Develop critical skills in leadership, teamwork, research, and policy analysis.
- Build a portfolio that enhances their resume and future career opportunities.
- Connect with a growing network of peers, mentors, and professionals across Africa.
- Have their voices amplified to institutions, donors, and policy experts at national and continental levels.
- Participate in a transformative experience that blends theoretical learning with practical application.
Eligibility Criteria
The ACET Youth Policy Lab is open to young Africans who meet the following conditions:
- Applicants must be aged between 18 and 35.
- Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in governance, policy, or development.
- Applicants must be able to commit sufficient time and energy to the program over a 6–8 week period.
- Applicants should have the willingness to collaborate and work effectively with peers across different countries and professional sectors.
- Proficiency in either English or French is required.
- Applicants must currently reside in one of the following countries: Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, or Niger.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is September 12, 2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare and submit their applications before the deadline to ensure consideration.
Application Process
Applicants are required to apply through the designated application platform. The application process typically involves filling out an application form, providing personal details, and expressing interest in governance, policy, and development. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted directly with further details about the next steps in the selection process.
