The Nelson Mandela Essay Prize Competition 2026 is now accepting applications! Organized by Academics Stand Against Poverty (ASAP) alongside ASAP East and Southern Africa, and in partnership with the University of Zambia’s Graduate School of Business and the University of Lusaka (UNILUS), this inaugural competition aims to engage young African scholars in addressing critical continental issues. With South Africa poised to chair the G20 and the African Union’s new role as a permanent member, this initiative provides an essential platform for African perspectives to influence global conversations.
Essays may focus on one or more of the following priority areas, presenting specific, actionable proposals:
Climate change resilience: e.g., developing policy frameworks to ensure equitable access to climate adaptation technologies for vulnerable African communities.
Economic empowerment: e.g., Designing microfinance models that address regulatory capture and promote democratic economic participation in rural areas.
Healthcare systems: e.g., Proposing reforms to intellectual property laws to improve access to essential medicines in underserved African regions.
Education: e.g., Creating programs to educate youth on global governance structures and encourage civic engagement in international policy-making.
Digital transformation: e.g., Analyzing the impact of trade agreements on digital inclusion and proposing more balanced policies for technology transfer to African nations.
Gender equality: e.g., researching the effects of austerity measures on women’s economic participation and advocating for gender-responsive economic policies.
Peace and security: e.g., developing strategies to address forced migration and statelessness as drivers of conflict in African regions.
Awards:-
- Cash prizes from a USD $5,000 pool for up to three-fourths of the winning essays.
- An optional one-year ASAP fellowship offering mentoring, internships, and networking.
- The opportunity to present winning essays at the Yale Global Justice Program conference.
Deadline:- 14-06-2026
