Continental Bridging Initiative
AU EU Youth Action Lab
A cross-continental programme building the next generation of civic leaders equipped with democratic watchdog skills, digital governance tools, and a commitment to ethical AI.
About the Programme
Bridging Africa and Europe through youth leadership
The AU EU Youth Action Lab is a structured cross-continental programme developed by SPES Institute in partnership with youth organisations, civil society actors, and academic institutions across Africa and Europe. It is designed to close the gap between young people and the governance structures that shape their lives, particularly in the domain of artificial intelligence, digital rights, and public accountability.
The programme equips participants with practical skills in democratic watchdog methods, civic technology, and AI governance. Participants learn to monitor institutions, use digital tools for accountability, and engage constructively with policymakers, becoming active agents of ethical governance in their communities.
The AU EU dimension is central to the programme's design. By connecting young leaders across two continents, the Lab creates a permanent network of civic advocates who can share knowledge, amplify each other's work, and collaborate on cross-border governance challenges.
Programme Goals
What the Lab aims to achieve
Civic Leadership
Develop a cohort of young leaders capable of driving democratic accountability and ethical AI governance
Watchdog Capacity
Train participants in evidence-based monitoring, documentation, and reporting on AI deployments and governance failures
Digital Tools Literacy
Build competency in civic technology platforms, open data tools, and digital advocacy methods
Cross-Continental Networks
Create lasting partnerships between African and European youth organisations and institutions
AI Governance Participation
Enable young people to engage directly with AI policy processes at national and international levels
Ethical AI Literacy
Ensure participants can critically evaluate AI systems and their implications for rights, equity, and accountability
How It Works
Programme design and format
Foundation
An intensive orientation covering AI ethics, digital governance frameworks, and the principles of democratic accountability. Delivered online with synchronous and asynchronous components.
Skills Development
Practical training in watchdog methods, civic technology tools, data literacy, and advocacy strategy. Participants work in cross-continental teams on real-world governance challenges.
Action Projects
Teams design and implement their own accountability or governance projects, supported by mentors from SPES Institute and partner organisations. Projects are presented to a panel of experts and practitioners.
Network and Alumni
Graduates join a permanent alumni network with ongoing access to mentorship, resources, events, and collaboration opportunities across Africa and Europe.
Eligibility
Who this programme is for
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Young people aged 18–35
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Students, graduates, and early-career professionals
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Youth organisation leaders and civil society activists
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Individuals working in or interested in AI, governance, digital rights, or civic advocacy
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Participants from across Africa and Europe (AU and EU member states)
Affiliations
Partners
The AU EU Youth Action Lab is developed in partnership with youth organisations, civil society networks, and academic institutions. Partnership details will be listed here as agreements are formalised.
Get involved
Applications for the next cohort of the AU EU Youth Action Lab will open shortly. If you are a young leader, a youth organisation, or an institution interested in participating or partnering, we want to hear from you.