The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Youth Leaders Program 2026/2027 (Fully Funded)

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About KOICA Youth Leaders Program

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in partnership with Hallym University, is inviting applications for the KOICA Youth Leaders Program (2026–2027), a leadership, digital transformation, AI, and entrepreneurship development initiative for young professionals across West Africa. The program targets participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire and combines online learning, in-country training in Ghana, and an opportunity for top performers to participate in a fully funded training program in South Korea.

• Sponsor Organisation: KOICA

Benefits of KOICA Youth Leaders Program

• World-class training from Korean and African experts
• Networking with youth leaders from five West African countries
• Leadership and entrepreneurship development
• Exposure to AI and emerging technologies
• Accommodation during local training in Ghana
• Opportunity to be selected for a fully funded study visit to South Korea
• Participation in KOICA’s international alumni and networking ecosystem

KOICA Youth Leaders Program Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be between 19 and 34 years old
• Be working in the public sector, private sector, or academia
• Have an interest in leadership, innovation, AI, and digital transformation
• Possess English communication skills
• Be available for training in Ghana
• Be eligible for Ghana and South Korea visa issuance

Priority consideration will be given to:

• Applicants with a degree or at least two years of work experience
• Women applicants
• Youth from rural communities
• Public policy practitioners
• Early-stage startup founders and technology innovators

Application Date and Process

– For KOICA Documents: 

• Application Submission and Initial Screening by the regional KOICA Office

• Shortlisted candidates(twice the final number) recommended to the University

a. KOICA application form must be submitted to the official email account of the regional KOICA office 

b. Application for KOICA YLP(2026-2027) must be clearly stated in the email subject line.

c. Application form must be submitted in PDF format with the applicant’s signature.

d. A letter of recommendation must be submitted in PDF format with the recommender’s signature. 

e. A copy of passport must be submitted in PDF format

– For University Documents: Official email. [email protected]

• Second-round Document Review and Final Selection

• Email support and response for curriculum and program related inquiries

• Immigration and departure support for final selected participants

a. The applicant selection timeline and final announcement of successful candidates will be notified individually via email

b. Applicant strongly advised to regularly check their email after submitting the application.

c. Final selected participants must submit a medical check-up certificate issued in 2026 via email (submission deadline to be announced later)

Required documents to be Submitted to the regional KOICA office 

1. KOICA Ghana Office: Google Form for Public Sector / Google Form for Private Sector
2. KOICA Cameroon Office:  [email protected]
3. KOICA Côte d’Ivoire Office:  [email protected]
4. KOICA Nigeria Office:  [email protected]
5. KOICA Senegal Office:  [email protected]

1) KOICA Application Form 

2) A Letter of Recommendation (or a referral) from the government / workplace / school / public organization / NGO / Professional organization, community leader of the applicant.

3) A copy of Passport (please check the expiration date)

4) Agreement on Provision of Personal Information to a Third Party.

Application Deadline

17 June, 2026

Opportunity Application

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