2026 applications are open
Start your Top100 application.
Four routes into a network of young leaders across 31 countries — the awardee cohort, ambassadorship, partnership, and volunteering. Every application is reviewed by a real team.
- Countries in the network
- 31
- Ways to enter
- 04
- Cohort now open
- 2026
Application routes
Four ways in. Pick yours.
Most people apply for the awardee cohort — but the network also runs on ambassadors, partners, and volunteers.
Route 01 · Top100 Awardee
Apply for the Top100 awardee cohort.
Share your leadership story, academic details, and impact so the Top100 team can review your nomination.
- Admin reviewed. Applications go straight to the team that manages awardee intake and approvals.
- Built for impact. Tell us what you have built, changed, or led, not just your grades.
- Community first. Approved applicants join a network of peers, mentors, and opportunities.
Most applicants start here- 02Open the Ambassadorship application
Ambassadorship
Become the local face of the network and help activate leadership conversations where you are.
Campus activation · Community outreach · Event hosting
- 03Open the Partnerships application
Partnerships
We work with brands, institutions, and impact teams that want to back Africa’s next generation of leaders.
Co-created campaigns · Brand visibility · Impact partnerships
- 04Open the Volunteering application
Volunteering
Join community events, editorial support, research, and activation work that helps the network run smoothly.
Events support · Storytelling · Community care
What happens after you submit
No black box. Each route follows the same three-step review.
Step 1
Complete the form
Pick your route and finish the application in one sitting — profile, story, and contact details.
Step 2
Team review
Every submission lands in the Top100 review queue and is checked for fit, context, and completeness.
Step 3
Hear back
Approved applicants get onboarding and member access. Partners get a direct reply, not a form receipt.