African Development Bank (AfDB) The Africa of my Dreams Writing Contest 2018

African Development Bank launches Africa of my Dreams contest for young Africans to make their voices heard and accelerate Africa’s industrialization.

Application Deadline: 26th March 2018

Eligible Countries: African countries

To Be Taken At (Country): Winners get a free trip to South Korea to attend AfDB Group‘s Annual Meetings.

About the Award: What does the Africa of your dreams look like? What hopes and dreams do you have? How do you envision the future?

As an African organization serving Africans, the African Development Bank’s dream is to build today a better future for Africa tomorrow. Our goal is to unlock the potential of Africa’s youth. We envision a continent that is dynamic, prosperous and led by the visionary leadership of its largest demographic asset – the youth. 

The Bank recognizes the energy, creativity and innovative thinking that many of our youth bring to the table.

Ahead of our Annual Meetings, that will be held on the theme “Accelerating Africa’s Industrialization”, in Busan, Korea, in May 2018, we have launched a writing competition for young Africans aged 20-29.

All you have to do is write an article (no longer than 1,000 words) on the Africa of your dreams, based on any of the following sub-themes.

• Smart Cities and Urban Development
• The Internet of Things
• Agriculture as a Business
• 4^th Industrial Revolution
• ICTs and the video game industry
• Inclusive and sustainable industrial development
• Integrating Africa through Entertainment
• Blockchain and cryptocurrency
• The future of entrepreneurship
• Health innovation

Type: Contest

Eligibility: Participants must meet ALL of the below requirements:

• Must be 20 years of age, and legally allowed to travel internationally.
• Must hold a valid passport, or be able to obtain one prior to attending the Annual Meetings.
• Must be a citizen of one of the 54 African countries.
• Must not be older than 29 years old as of May 31, 2018 to enter the Contest;
• Entries must be submitted in English or French (the African Development Bank’s official languages).

o  Young Media Practitioners: Must submit an unpublished piece no longer than 1,000 words, related to the contest’s theme.

o  Young Contestants: Must submit an essay, article or creative writing piece, no longer than 1,000 words, related to the contest’s theme.

In addition to their submitted pieces, participants will be required to submit a proof of identity – passport, birth certificate or national icard.

Value and Number of Awards: Four winners will receive an all-expense paid trip to attend the Korea event. Winners in each category will also take home a laptop computer, and runners-up will get tablets.

How to Apply: Apply Here

Visit the Program Webpage for Details

Award Providers: African Development Bank (AfDB)