Scholarship Overview
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
People Also Checked: YSEALI Academic Fellows Program 2027: Complete Application Guide for Southeast Asian Leaders (Fully Funded)
Overview
The African Union Commission’s Infrastructure and Energy Department, supported by the African Union Development Agency–NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), is running a continental logo competition for young African creatives. The winning design will become the official visual identity for the AU Theme of the Year 2027, which focuses on the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), digital transformation, and Africa’s integration journey.
This is not merely a design exercise. The competition places young Africans at the centre of shaping continental priorities, recognising that youth are active contributors to Africa’s future—not just beneficiaries.
People Also Checked: PAIE Scholars Program 2026: AI Research Training for African & Asian Scholars
What the Theme Represents
The 2027 theme brings together three interconnected priorities:
- SAATM: Launched in 2018, this flagship Agenda 2063 project creates a unified, liberalised air transport market across Africa
- Digital transformation: New technologies including AI, digital identity, cybersecurity, and space technologies are reshaping connectivity under the AU Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030)
- AU at 25: The African Union’s quarter-century journey toward integration and shared prosperity
Your logo must capture a continent in motion—connected through people, infrastructure, and technologies—while reflecting Africa’s rich diversity and shared identity.
People Also Checked: Leading for Humanity 2027: Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation Leadership Programme (Fully Funded)
Prizes and Recognition
The competition offers substantial rewards beyond cash:
- First place: USD 5,000
- Second place: USD 2,000
- Third place: USD 1,000
- Certificate of recognition for all winners
- Official acknowledgement through African Union platforms
- Training opportunities
- Winner’s special opportunity: Participation in the AU Summit where the winning logo is officially unveiled
The winning concept will be refined with the applicant in consultation, following AU branding guidelines, for official use throughout 2027.
Eligibility Requirements
The competition is open to:
- Citizens of all African Union Member States
- Aged 18–24 on the submission deadline (23 October 2026)
- Individual applicants only—no team submissions
- Students, designers, artists, digital creatives, and innovators welcome
- No formal qualifications required
Not eligible: Members of the evaluation process, AU personnel, contractors, and their immediate family members.
Technical and Originality Requirements
Your submission must meet strict standards:
- Original work created specifically for this competition—not previously published or submitted
- Must not reproduce the AU emblem, existing logos, national symbols, or use stock/third-party material
- Design must work in colour, monochrome, small sizes, and on light/dark backgrounds
- Wordmark must allow adaptation into AU working languages
- Shortlisted applicants must provide editable vector source files (SVG, EPS, .ai) within 3 working days of request
Required Submission Package
Prepare these documents carefully:
- Completed application form (name, nationality, date of birth, contact details, brief profile)
- Proof of nationality and age
- Presentation PDF containing: primary logo, colour version, black and white version, reversed version, plus 3 mock-ups
- High-resolution preview: PNG or JPEG, minimum width 3000px
- Concept note (maximum 500 words) explaining your idea, symbolism, colour choices, and adaptability
- Signed originality, intellectual property, and AI declaration
Critical formatting rule: Remove your name, signature, photo, and social media handles from the logo presentation. Applicant information belongs only in the application form.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Visit the official competition webpage to download all competition documents
- Read all requirements thoroughly before beginning your design
- Create your original logo and prepare all required versions
- Compile your complete submission package in the specified formats
- Remove all identifying information from your design presentation
- Submit through the official channel accessible from the competition webpage
- Retain the automated acknowledgement as proof of submission
Deadline and Time Zone
Application deadline: 23 October 2026, 23:59 EAT (UTC+3)
Applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region should note that East Africa Time is one hour ahead of Central Africa Time (CAT). Plan accordingly to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Why Zimbabwean and SADC Creatives Should Apply
This competition offers rare visibility at the highest continental level. For designers from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and neighbouring countries, the AU Summit invitation provides networking access typically unavailable to emerging creatives. The training opportunities and AU platform recognition can open doors to regional contracts and international exposure.
Your design could define how African integration is visually communicated across the continent in 2027. With no formal qualification requirements, the competition values creative vision over institutional credentials—levelling the playing field for self-taught designers and artists from under-resourced educational environments.
Official scholarship page: https://ofa.org
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships