Ashoka Young Changemakers Program 2026 for Young Nigerian Changemakers

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Applications are open for Ashoka Young Changemakers Program 2026. Ashoka Young Changemakers are a carefully selected network of young people who have found their power to create change for the good of all, and who are engaging their peers and the entire society in realizing a world where everyone is a changemaker. If you or someone you know fits this description, consider joining our community of leaders.

This is a co-leadership program for young people who are leading social impact initiatives in areas including but not limited to climate action, healthcare, education, gender, diversity-equity-inclusion, minority rights, ICT, agriculture and economic sustainability.

Ashoka Anglophone West Africa is seeking young people in Nigeria who have found their power to create change for the good of all, and who are engaging their peers and the entire society in realizing a world where everyone is a changemaker. This is an opportunity for young people to step up and change the world with Ashoka!

Ashoka Young Changemakers Benefits

Membership to a select network of powerful young people and social entrepreneurs from various countries.
Invitation to participate in community events and peer learning sessions with other young changemakers and leading social entrepreneurs to help you advance your leadership and changemaking competencies.
Features in different media outlets and opportunities to share your story on reputed platforms and with partner groups.
Mentorship and support to implement your ideas to create an ‘Everyone a Changemaker’ culture in your school/community/city.
Opportunities to brainstorm and collaborate with the most influential next-generation leaders of your country in various arms of government, media, business, education systems, and philanthropies.

Selection Criteria

Under 21 years of age; Resides in Nigeria; Nigerian ;
- Candidates should not be above 20 years by December of the year of nomination
A Changemaker
- Has launched their idea – He or She has deeply empathized with a problem and from that understanding developed their own original idea for addressing it.
- Has a team – He or She has built a team around this idea. He or She leads by helping others lead, helping them realize they can create positive change.
- Has changed their world – He or She helped improve people’s lives and the environment around them. He or She is always committed to the good of all.
Willing to co-lead the global Everyone a Changemaker movement
- He or She is a co-leader – He or She believes that everyone needs to take initiative and solve problems, everyone needs to find their power as changemakers. He or She is eager to help their peers and everyone in their school/community/country to find their power.

Selection Process

Stage 1: Online Nomination and Screening
- Nominate yourself or someone you know through the online form. Reflect on your journey as a Changemaker and access inspiring ideas to advance your initiative.
Stage 2: National Review
- Interact with the Ashoka team in your country. Learn more about the co-leadership opportunities for you to contribute and useful insights to help you accelerate the growth of your leadership and changemaking competencies.
Stage 3: International Review
- Interact with a Senior Leader from the Ashoka team and with young changemakers from our global network. Understand Ashoka better, and gain expert insights to advance your changemaking journey.
Stage 4: Selection Panel
- Attend an in-person or virtual discussion and selection panel, that would include top social entrepreneurs, journalists and other leaders. Meet other top young changemakers and discuss ideas to influence youth culture in your country and to co-lead the “Everyone a Changemaker” movement.