By Dickson Bandera
The European Union (EU) has opened applications for young Zimbabweans to join the Team Europe Youth Sounding Board (YSB) for the 2026–2028 cohort, a flagship platform designed to give the country’s youth a stronger voice in shaping EU programmes and initiatives in Zimbabwe.
The announcement was made by the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe, which expressed its commitment to enhancing youth participation, inclusivity, and empowerment in the country’s socio-economic development.
The Youth Sounding Board brings together 25 dynamic young men and women from all ten provinces — representing both urban and rural communities, including persons with disabilities — to advise the EU Delegation and EU Member State Embassies on policies and programmes that impact young people.
According to the EU, the selected board members will serve voluntarily for two years, providing guidance on key areas such as climate-smart agriculture, green economic growth, human development, governance, human rights, gender equality, and women empowerment.
“This initiative aims to ensure that the voices of young Zimbabweans are not only heard but are integrated into the EU’s development cooperation strategies,” the EU Delegation said in a statement.
The application process will remain open for four weeks, giving eligible youth an opportunity to apply and be part of the 2026–2028 cohort.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be Zimbabwean nationals or permanent residents aged between 18 and 30 years at the close of the application period. They must not hold leadership positions in political parties and should demonstrate a passion for youth empowerment and socio-economic development.
The EU emphasized its commitment to diversity, urging youth from all backgrounds, including marginalized and underrepresented communities, to apply.
Roles and Benefits
YSB members will work closely with EU decision-makers to ensure that youth perspectives are reflected in EU-supported initiatives. The position, though voluntary, offers participants valuable exposure to international cooperation, policy engagement, and leadership development.
Members are expected to dedicate around 60 days per year to their duties, including both online and field activities. While the role is unremunerated, the EU will cover all reasonable expenses related to participation.
Since its inception, the Youth Sounding Board has contributed significantly to shaping youth-centered EU projects in Zimbabwe, influencing decisions that align with the aspirations and priorities of the country’s young population.
The EU Delegation said it looks forward to receiving applications from passionate young Zimbabweans “ready to make a difference in their communities and contribute to the nation’s development journey.”
