AFSI Next Generation
Pan-African Student Assembly
Elected student leaders commit their own student bodies to action on skills, work-based learning and the green and digital transition, and speak at the Indaba's opening.
- Who can apply
- Elected leaders of university and TVET college SRCs, national and regional student unions, and international student associations. Members must hold an active, formal student governance position.
- Places
- 20 to 30 elected student leaders, about 15 in person. Targets: at least 8 countries, 4 AU regions, 30% Francophone, 50% women and 5 TVET leaders.
- When and where
- Virtual pre-assembly on 18 February 2027, 14:00 to 16:00. Day Zero Assembly on Sunday 21 March 2027, 13:00 to 17:00, in person in Gauteng with an online link.
- Languages
- English.
- What it produces
- The Student Leadership Statement, read at the Day One Opening Ceremony, and the Youth Commitment Register, published within 14 days and tracked at 6 and 12 months.
What you do
Take part in the virtual pre-assembly, bring a regional input, work in Assembly working groups on Day Zero, make one dated commitment on behalf of your student body, adopt the Student Leadership Statement, elect a spokesperson and elect the Youth Rapporteur.
What you get
- A seat in the Assembly, in person in Gauteng or online
- Your Statement read at the Day One Opening Ceremony
- Continental travel for about ten members only if the Student Assembly Partner sponsorship (R200 000 or more) is sold by 15 December 2026
How to apply
- Student bodies receive invitation letters from 2 November 2026.
- The student body nominates its elected leader on the nomination form.
- Nominations close 30 November 2026 (7 December for outside South Africa if needed).
- Provisional places are confirmed on 15 December 2026; members are confirmed on 19 February 2027.
How people are selected
The Special Programmes Coordinator and the Programme Manager, against the representation targets.
Key dates
From the call to the Indaba and beyond.
- Nominations open
- Nominations close (7 Dec for outside South Africa if needed)
- Provisional places; decision on travel sponsorship
- Virtual pre-assembly, 14:00 to 16:00
- Members confirmed
- Assembly on Day Zero, 13:00 to 17:00
- Youth Commitment Register published
- Six and twelve month reports on the commitments
Questions
Things people ask.
Will my flights be paid?
The Assembly is hybrid by design. Continental travel for about ten members is added only if the Student Assembly Partner sponsorship is sold by 15 December 2026.
Can I take part online?
Yes. Online members join the Day Zero Assembly by link.
What do I commit to?
Each member makes one dated commitment on behalf of their student body. Progress is reported at 6 and 12 months.
Calls open 2 November 2026