The Youth in Digital Health Network (YiDHN), a flagship initiative of Africa CDC, is pleased to announce the Youth Digital Health Champions (Y-DHC) program a unique opportunity for emerging African leaders to shape the future of digital health across the continent. Application Deadline: September 14, 2025 | 11:00 PM GMT+3 Program Duration: 12 months About the Program YiDHN was launched to promote youth-driven innovation and participation in digital health governance, literacy, and policy development. Through structured platforms for capacity building, advocacy, collaboration, and policy engagement, the initiative harnesses the talent and energy of African youth to advance universal health coverage and sustainable health innovation. The Y-DHC program will identify, connect, and spotlight exceptional young leaders who are actively contributing to digital health transformation in their communities. Champions will serve as advocates, role models, and collaborators, working alongside Africa CDC and its partners to drive meaningful change in digital health ecosystems. Eligibility Criteria To apply, you must meet the following minimum requirements: Age: 18–35 years old at the time of application Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an African Union Member State. Africans in the diaspora are also encouraged to apply Language Proficiency: Fluency in at least one of the AU official languages — English, French, Arabic, or Portuguese. Ability to engage on cross-lingual platforms is a plus Engagement in Digital Health: You must be actively involved in at least one of the following areas: Health-tech entrepreneurship or innovation Research and academia Public health programs utilizing digital tools Policy, governance, or advocacy Capacity building and digital literacy initiatives Selection Criteria Applicants will be evaluated based on the following: 1. Leadership and Initiative (45%) We’re seeking individuals who have demonstrated leadership in digital health through impactful initiatives, personal projects, or organizational roles. Strong preference will be given to those whose work aligns with at least one YiDHN focus area: Digital literacy and skills development Youth engagement in health governance Innovation scale-up and funding access Multi-stakeholder collaboration 2. Impact and Innovation (25%) Applicants should show a track record of delivering results or pioneering innovative digital health solutions. Even early-stage projects are welcome — as long as they demonstrate potential for local impact and scalability. 3. Motivation and Growth Potential (30%) Candidates should demonstrate a passion for advancing digital health and a clear commitment to contributing to YiDHN initiatives, including webinars, capacity-building sessions, and policy forums. What You’ll Gain As a Youth Digital Health Champion, you’ll receive a wide range of benefits to support your personal and professional growth: Visibility & Recognition Your profile and work will be featured across Africa CDC and YiDHN platforms Recognition at national, regional, and continental levels Access to High-Level Events Participate in exclusive YiDHN webinars and policy dialogues Selected Champions will attend the Africa HealthTech Summit – AHTS 2025 Community & Networking Join a vibrant network of like-minded youth from across Africa Collaborate on joint digital health initiatives and advocacy campaigns Capacity Building & Policy Engagement Priority access to training programs and leadership workshops Opportunities to contribute to regional digital health policy discussions Support for Scaling and Expansion Potential access to seed funding, mentorship, and coaching Invitations to fellowships, innovation challenges, and accelerator programs Application Process To apply, submit the following by September 14, 2025 at 11:00 PM GMT+3: Completed Application Form: https://bit.ly/YDHCapplicationForm CV/Resume: Max 2 pages (PDF format) One Letter of Recommendation: From a professional, academic, or organizational contact Optional: Include links to any relevant projects, media features, or publications Key Dates Applications Open: August 29, 2025 Application Deadline: September 14, 2025 (11:00 PM GMT+3) Selected Champions Announced: September 20, 2025