Call for Applications: Best Youth Initiatives Award – 60th Youth Day Edition

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC) has officially launched Call for Applications No. 001/2026 for the selection of the best youth initiatives as part of activities marking the 60th edition of Youth Day in Cameroon.

This national initiative aims to recognize and reward outstanding young Cameroonians whose projects and civic actions are making a measurable impact in their communities and beyond.

Background and Rationale

As part of its mandate to promote republican values, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment, MINJEC is organizing the second edition of the Best Youth Initiatives Award.

This call is open to young Cameroonians both within the country and in the Diaspora who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and commitment through viable initiatives in entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and volunteerism.

Categories of Awards

Applicants will compete in two main award categories:

Best Young Creative Entrepreneur Award

For young people who have:

• Established a viable business or economic initiative

• Developed an innovation, invention, or creative project with social, cultural, or economic impact

Best Young Model Citizen and Volunteer Award

For young people distinguished in:

• Promoting republican values and national symbols

• Fighting incivility, hate speech, misinformation, and fake news online

• Advancing civic education and social cohesion

• Leading community and public interest actions

• Contributing to humanitarian, environmental, educational, peace, or solidarity efforts at national or international levels

Eligibility Criteria

For Individuals

Applicants must:

• Be of Cameroonian nationality

• Be between 15 and 35 years old at the time of application

• Reside in Cameroon or in the Diaspora

• Be registered on the National Youth Observatory (NYO) platform

• Hold a Biometric Youth Card (BYC)

• Lead an operational initiative running for at least 12 months with verifiable results

For Legal Entities

Eligible entities must be:

• An association, NGO, or any legally constituted structure run by youths

Required Application File

Each application must include:

1. A letter of motivation addressed to the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education

2. A completed application form (available at MINJEC offices or online via www.minjec.gov.cm)

3. A photocopy of National ID card or birth certificate (less than 3 months old)

4. A concise Curriculum Vitae (CV)

5. A written description of the initiative or engagement (maximum 2 pages)

6. A digital portfolio (USB drive or secure download link) containing:

   • A video presentation of the project (maximum 3 minutes)

   • High-definition photos

   • Any other proof of the initiative’s impact

7. A map showing the location of the initiative’s headquarters or the candidate’s residence

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance, economic viability, and measurable impact (30%)

• Originality, innovation, and creativity (20%)

• Personal commitment and sustainability of the action (20%)

• Social, community, or national impact (20%)

• Civic and ethical values upheld by the candidate (10%)

Selection Process

The selection will proceed in stages:

1. Pre-selection at the Subdivisional level

2. Pre-selection at the Divisional level

3. Pre-selection at the Regional level

4. Final National Selection by a national jury

Applications from youth in the Diaspora will first be reviewed by an ad hoc technical committee before final national jury selection.

Submission Deadline and Procedure

Final Deadline: Tuesday, 03 February 2026 at 3:30 p.m. (15:30) sharp

Where to Submit

• Youth residing in Cameroon: Submit physically and digitally at the relevant local Youth Affairs and Civic Education Delegations

• Youth in the Diaspora: Submit digitally via email to decin@minjec.gov.cm

All application files must clearly bear the mention:

“For the selection of the best youth initiatives, as part of the celebration of the 60th edition of Youth Day.”

Additional Information

For further guidance, candidates may contact MINJEC services or send inquiries via email to decin@minjec.gov.cm.

This call was officially signed in Yaoundé on 23 January 2026 by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou.

The Cameroon National Youth Council encourages all eligible young leaders, innovators, and community changemakers to apply and showcase the positive impact of youth in nation building.