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Note: applications for partially funded and fully funded sponsorship would be expiring soon.
Youthspark Future Economy Summit 2026
A global gathering of high-potential young leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers shaping the future economy across Africa and beyond.
CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION
Select your preferred summit destination and apply for the 2026 Youthspark Future Economy Summit experience.
Kigali, Rwanda
Experience innovation, leadership conversations, entrepreneurship, and future economy collaboration in one of Africa’s fastest-growing innovation hubs.
- 25 – 29 AUGUST, 2026
Note: Application fee to be reviewed to $35 in 7 days
Marrakesh, Morocco
Join emerging leaders and changemakers in Marrakesh for a transformative summit experience focused on enterprise, innovation, and global collaboration.
- 20 – 24 October 2026
Note: Application fee to be reviewed to $35 in 7 days
Bangkok, Thailand
Connect with global youth leaders, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem builders in Bangkok through immersive sessions, networking, and future-focused learning.
- 24 – 28 November 2026
Note: Application fee to be reviewed to $35 in 7 days
About the Experience
The Youthspark Future Economy Summit 2026 is a high-impact global youth experience designed to explore how young people can lead the transformation of the future economy through innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, collaboration, and technology.
Hosted across three international destinations — Rwanda, Morocco, and Thailand — the summit brings together ambitious young leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, policymakers, educators, and changemakers from across Africa and beyond.
Participants will engage with the big questions shaping tomorrow’s economy: jobs, technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability, policy, skills, digital transformation, and inclusive growth.
This is more than an event. It is a launchpad for bold ideas, practical learning, and cross-sector collaboration that equips young people to become active builders of the future economy.
Why This Summit Matters
Across Africa, a new economy is emerging, driven by:
Digital Innovation
Green Growth
Youth Entrepreneurship
Creative Industries
Future-ready Skills
Regional and Global Connectivity
Young people are not just preparing for this future, they are already creating it. The Youthspark Future Economy Summit 2026 exists to amplify that momentum by connecting vision with action.
Who Should Attend
This experience is designed for:
- students and recent graduates
- young professionals
- entrepreneurs and startup founders
- innovators and creators
- youth leaders and community organizers
- policy enthusiasts and researchers
- educators and career development professionals
- ecosystem builders, investors, and development actors interested in youth-driven growth
Program Highlights
Participants will engage in a dynamic and practical learning journey featuring:
keynote conversations on the future economy
interactive workshops and masterclasses
innovation and entrepreneurship sessions
policy and leadership dialogues
networking with peers and industry leaders
cross-cultural exchange and collaboration
future-of-work and skills labs
ecosystem exposure to Rwanda’s innovation landscape
EVENT DESTINATIONS
Youthspark Future Economy Summit 2026
Kigali, Rwanda
25-29 August, 2026
Marrakesh, Morocco
20–24 October 2026
Bangkok, Thailand
24–28 November 2026
In-person
info@youthsparkpanafrica.org
Eligibility And Selection Criteria
We welcome applications or registrations from individuals who are:
Passionate about youth leadership, innovation, and economic transformation
Interested in the Global future of work, enterprise, and development
Eager to collaborate across sectors and countries
Committed to learning, leadership, and action
Available to attend the event in any of the 3 destinations, on the scheduled dates
Open to participants globally
What Participants Will Gain
By joining the experience, participants will gain:
- practical insights into the future economy
- exposure to innovative ideas and business models
- access to a diverse network of emerging leaders and budding entrepreneurs
- new perspectives on entrepreneurship, employability, and policy
- leadership development and confidence-building opportunities
- tools for designing impact-driven initiatives
- a certificate of participation
- opportunities for continued collaboration after the event
Participation Categories
The Youthspark Future Economy Summit 2026 offers 2 categories of funding – FULLY FUNDED and PARTIALLY FUNDED to support participants in covering all event logistics.
A nominal non-refundable application fee of $19.99 applies to the FULLY and PARTIALLY FUNDED applicants.
Submitting an application does not guarantee automatic selection. All applications are thoroughly reviewed by an independent selection panel through a competitive and merit-based evaluation process
Details on application categories, sponsorship opportunities, and registration packages are below;
FULLY FUNDED
- Round-trip
- Airport Transfers
- 4 Nights accommodation (shared)
- Full board Meals
- Global AI-Leadership Certification
- Youthspark Toolkits
- Invitation Letter
- Full Access to all Event Sessions, Activities and Tours
PARTIALLY FUNDED
- 4 Nights accommodation (shared)
- Full board Meals
- Global AI-Leadership Certification
- Youthspark Toolkits
- Invitation Letter
- Full Access to all Event Sessions, Activities and Tours
SELF FUNDED
(Confirmed Slot)
- 4 Nights accommodation (shared)
- Full board Meals
- Global AI-Leadership Certification
- Youthspark Toolkits
- Invitation Letter
- Full Access to all Event Sessions, Activities and Tours
All applicants for the Fully Funded and partially funded will go through the same selection process. Our team of independent expert will make fair and transparent selection based on the skills, experiences and motivation demonstrated in your application.
What Will Happen at the Experience?
Participants will take part in a rich, forward-looking program designed to combine inspiration with action. The experience will feature:
future economy conversations with thought leaders
collaborative breakout sessions
entrepreneurship and innovation showcases
youth policy dialogues
skills-building workshops
strategic networking moments
solution-oriented discussions on Africa’s next growth frontier
The goal is not only to discuss the future economy, but to help participants find their place in it and shape it.
Key Themes
The Future of Work and Youth Employment
Innovation, Startups, and Digital Entrepreneurship
Green Economy and Climate-Smart Growth
Financial Inclusion and Digital Trade
Creative Economy and New Career Pathways
Leadership, Policy, and Inclusive Growth
Skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Africa’s Youth as Builders of the Future Economy
Objectives of the Program
The Youthspark-Rwanda Future Economy Summit 2026 aims to:
- inspire young people to lead in emerging economic sectors
- equip participants with future-ready skills and perspectives
- connect youth with industry, policy, and innovation ecosystems
- encourage entrepreneurship and solution-driven thinking
- strengthen regional and global collaboration
- spotlight Rwanda as a hub for youth innovation and future-facing development
- build momentum for long-term youth-led impact
Our previous speakers, and mentors and partners
Meet the innovators, business leaders, policymakers, educators, and ecosystem builders helping shape the future economy.
H.E Rosemary Mbabazi
Rwanda High Commissioner, Ghana
Dr. J.N Abdallah
Minister of Youth, Rwanda
Hon. Paula Ingabire
Minister of ICT and Innovation, Rwanda
Ezekiel Solesi
CEO, LIMBSimple
Grace Ihejiamaizu-Paul
Founder, Opportunity Desk
John Obidi
Founder, Headstart Africa
Milton Tutu
Founder, Blurpe
Shyaka Michael
Commissioner, Political Integration & International Relations, PAM, Rwanda
Barr. Favour Ibekwe
Founder, Legally Informed
Uke Enun
CEO, Gonomad
Vivens Uwiyezimana
CEO, Umurava
Dr. Blessing Obiuzu
Management Consultant
Our line up of speakers lineup will feature voices from entrepreneurship, technology, policy, education, finance, and youth leadership across Africa and beyond.
WHY THESE DESTINATIONS?
Each destination was carefully selected to provide participants with a unique cultural, economic, and leadership experience.
🇷🇼 Rwanda represents innovation, policy reform, entrepreneurship, and Africa’s rapidly growing digital economy.
🇲🇦 Morocco offers a rich blend of culture, enterprise, tourism, and strategic global connectivity.
🇹🇠Thailand provides participants with exposure to global collaboration, international networking, tourism, and emerging market innovation.
Together, these destinations create a global summit experience designed to inspire the next generation of leaders and future economy builders.
Frequently Asked Questions
The program is designed for students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, youth leaders, and other stakeholders interested in the future economy and youth-driven transformation.
Applicants can apply for:
- Rwanda
- Morocco
- Thailand
depending on their preferred destination and event dates.
No. Applicants can select their preferred destination during the application process.
Yes. The non-refundable application fee is $19.99 for all destinations.
The $19.99 fee covers the application and administrative processing cost for the Youthspark Future Economy Summit selection process. This may include reviewing applications, verifying submitted information, managing communications, and coordinating the selection process.
It does not automatically cover travel, accommodation, visa, meals, or summit participation costs unless specifically stated under a funding category.
No. The $19.99 application fee is non-refundable.
Once your application is submitted and processed, the fee cannot be refunded, whether or not you are selected.
No. Paying the application fee does not guarantee selection.
All applications will go through a review and selection process. Selection is based on eligibility, application quality, available slots, and the criteria set by the organizers.
No. Depending on the final participation model, the experience may welcome participants from Rwanda, across Africa, and selected international communities.
Yes, participants will receive a certificate of participation upon successful attendance.
Sponsorship or support opportunities may be available for selected participants and partners. Full details will be announced on the official program page.
The program will explore themes such as entrepreneurship, digital innovation, future of work, green growth, financial inclusion, leadership, and inclusive economic development.
Organizations, institutions, and ecosystem actors interested in partnership, sponsorship, or collaboration can contact the organizing team directly.
Yes, applicants may indicate interest in both fully funded and partially funded opportunities, if the application form allows it.
However, final placement will be determined by the organizers based on your application strength, eligibility, available sponsorship support, and funding category availability.
The number of selected participants will depend on available slots, sponsorship capacity, and the final selection criteria for the summit.
Only shortlisted or successful applicants will be contacted through the official communication channels.
Results will be announced after the application review and shortlisting process is completed.
Applicants are advised to regularly check their email and official YouthSpark communication channels for updates regarding selection announcements.
If you are not selected, you may still be considered for future YouthSpark opportunities, programs, or summits.
Please note that the application fee remains non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful
A passport may not be required at the initial application stage unless clearly stated in the application instructions.
However, if you are applying for an international summit opportunity, it is strongly recommended that you have a valid passport or begin the process of obtaining one, as it may be required for travel, visa processing, and final confirmation if selected.
No. Visa support is not guaranteed unless explicitly stated by the organizers.
Where applicable, selected participants may receive supporting documents such as invitation letters or confirmation letters. However, visa approval is solely determined by the relevant embassy or immigration authority.