Melton Foundation Africa Global Citizenship Video Essay Competition 2025

Melton Foundation Africa, in partnership with Global Goals Week, invites young people across Africa aged 18 to 30 to share their ideas on how the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) can be harnessed to build a better future for their countries and the continent as a whole.

Global Goals Week is a time when people and organizations worldwide come together to accelerate action, share solutions, and renew commitments toward achieving the SDGs. As we mark both this global moment of collective action and the 10th anniversary of the SDGs, we call on young African Change Makers to reflect, imagine, and propose bold solutions under three powerful themes.

Submissions should be video essays rooted in the realities of Africa, inspired by the vision of the SDGs, and guided by the spirit of Global Citizenship.

Melton Foundation Africa Global Citizenship Video Essay Competition Benefits

Winners will each receive a $250 gift card

Certificate of achievement

The video will be featured on Melton Foundation Africa website and social media, and recognition as a Global Citizen.

Requirements for Melton Foundation Africa Global Citizenship Video Essay Competition

Young African aged 18-30 (as of September 30, 2025).

Applicant must reside in and be originally from any African country.

Submissions must be individual.

Selection Process

Competition Guidelines & Criteria

The video essay should be 2-3 minutes long, recorded in English, and submitted as an MP4, MOV, or AVI file.

Each entry must have a clear title, be original, creative, and engaging making strong use of storytelling and Visuals 

Entries will be judged on authenticity, creativity, clarity, and relevance, emphasizing personal experience, strong storytelling, clear structure, and connection to the theme and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Submissions must include a high-resolution photograph, a valid government ID for age verification, and LinkedIn or Instagram usernames alongside the video.

Application Deadline

September 14, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Melton Foundation on meltonfoundation.typeform.com to apply

Submit a 2–3-minute video essay based on your preferred theme and stand the chance to be selected

Themes of the Essay Video 

Theme 1: Reimagining Africa

Reflect on Africa’s development through the lens of the SDGs. Propose bold and practical ways young people can reshape the continent’s future, focusing on identity, purpose, and the power of youth to take action.

Theme 2: Beyond Borders, Beyond Barriers

Explore how young people can build a shared tomorrow through collaboration across communities, countries, and cultures. Highlight the role of partnerships, technology, and shared learning in moving Africa forward.

Theme 3: Young Africans as Global Citizens

Reflect on how young Africans can act as Global Citizens, balancing local realities with global responsibilities. Consider how youth can lead change in their communities and beyond during this SDG Decade of Action.