Ashoka Africa Young Changemakers: Climate Challenge 2024

About The Ashoka Africa Young Changemakers

Applications are now open for the 2024 Ashoka Africa Young Changemakers climate challenge. Ashoka’s Changemakers Challenge’ in collaboration with the Anglo American Foundation is calling on young people aged 16 – 25 across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana to unleash their agency and innovation in tackling climate change through ideas and existing initiatives. Join us in shaping a more sustainable world and making a lasting impact on our planet’s future!

Eligibility Criteria For The Ashoka Africa Young Changemakers

Participants of the Ashoka Africa Young Changemakers must meet the following eligibility criteria:

#1. Participants Age

Applicants must be between 16 – 25 years old at the time of application, and not older than 25 by the end of the entry period on 30 July 2024 at 11:59 p.m. SAST.

#2. Residency

Applicants must be a resident of one of the following 4 Southern African countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana & Namibia.

#3. Language

Entries will only be accepted in English (Challenge communication & content will be delivered in English).

#4. General

Limit one entry per person/team. Primary country of impact must be one or more of the four countries: Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia or Botswana.

Applicants must be the founder or co-founder of the initiative their application represents.

Applications must be:

Idea-stage initiative (participant has an idea on how to solve a problem they have identified and has a plan of action) or, 

An existing initiative that is being implemented at any stage of development (participant has proof of concept by having piloted and done first few activities/ has established activities / is scaling).

Winners under 18 are required to be accompanied by one adult chaperone to the in-person event and must be approved by their parent or legal guardian.

Awards and Recognition Of the Ashoka Africa Young Changemakers

Participants of the Ashoka Africa Young Changemakers challenge will benefit from the program in the ways listed below;

All eligible applicants will receive: Ashoka & Anglo American Foundation networks feedback on their entries.
Optional peer feedback via the Challenge online platform, including the opportunity to view, review, and connect with other YACC Challenge applicants.
Access to information and learning sessions.

Networking opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, and experts in the field.
Access to online resources on changemaking and social entrepreneurship.

Early Entry Standout

All those who apply by the Early Entry Deadline will receive feedback to improve their application before the final deadline of July 30, 2024. With whooping $100 awarded to each of 3 selected winners, if your application is submitted by 30 May 2024.

Semi-finalists Take Home

Semi finalists of the Ashoka Africa Young Changemakers challenge will go home with the following;

Opportunity to refine applications based on feedback from reviewers.
Access to roundtable offerings with like-minded peers.

Feature on Ashoka’s communication and social media platforms.

Finalists Take Home

The Ashoka Africa Young Changemakers finalists will go home with the following;

Access to roundtable offerings with like-minded peers.

Feature on Ashoka’s communication and social media platforms.

Winners of the Ashoka Africa Young Changemakers

If you eventually become the winner, prepare your bag for the following;

$1000 for each of the 10 selected winners.

Invitation and hosting at the in-person celebratory event in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Access to storytelling and networking opportunities.
Opportunity for mentoring from seasoned social entrepreneurs.