Apply Now: The Youth in Leadership Innovation Challenge is Here!

July 14, 2026
Four colleagues sit around a table with a laptop and projector in a bright office.

Calling All District Councils!

Does your District Council believe that innovation can transform public service delivery?

Are you ready to empower young people to develop innovative solutions to challenges affecting your district?

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malawi, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MOYSC), is inviting all District Councils to participate in the Youth in Leadership Innovation Challenge, a national initiative that places young people at the centre of solving local development challenges through innovation.

Who Can Apply?

We are looking for District Councils that:

  • Believe in innovation can improve service delivery and local development.
  • Work with young people through internships, employment, volunteer programmes, or youth leadership structures.
  • Are willing to coordinate and mentor a multidisciplinary team of 5–8 young people to participate in the challenge.
  • Are committed to fostering youth leadership, creativity, and problem-solving within their district.

Why Participate?

Successful teams of young people will have the opportunity to:

  • Access up to $20,000 to bring your project to life.
  • Develop practical solutions to real development challenges.
  • Receive training in innovation, design thinking, and problem-solving.
  • Work closely with District Councils and development partners.
  • Access mentorship from experts and innovators.
  • Showcase winning ideas at the national level.

The Challenge Tracks:

  • Track 1: Citizen-Centred Service Delivery: Revolutionise how your community interacts with local government. Think about feedback apps, service directories, or complaint management systems.
  • Track 2: Youth Participation & Accountability: Amplify the voices of young people. Propose projects that promote civic engagement, transparency, and youth involvement in decision-making.

Who can apply?

All district councils

How to Apply:

  1. Form your team: Gather a group of 5-8 motivated individuals aged 10-35.
  2. Develop your idea: Brainstorm a low-cost, high-impact solution for one of the challenge tracks.

Applications are now open! Apply through your councils!

Deadline: 28 July 2026

Don't miss this opportunity to lead the change you want to see. UNDP Malawi and MOYSC can't wait to see your innovative ideas!