Is academic research moving into the world of digital content – reels, carousels and stories – to stay relevant and connect with today’s youth? CAPSI is taking on that challenge with a bold initiative to transform research into creative content that speaks directly to young people across the continent.
The Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI Africa), based at Wits Business School in Johannesburg, is a pan-African hub for research, teaching, and convening on philanthropy and social investment. Established within Wits University, CAPSI plays a central role in generating knowledge, engaging stakeholders, and shaping debates on development and giving across the continent.
One of its most ambitious undertakings to date is a landmark study on dignified and fulfilling work for Africa’s youth. The project brings together 17 autonomous researchers and institutions from across the continent to examine how the nonprofit sector contributes to creating meaningful employment opportunities for young people.
It is the first comprehensive review of its kind, highlighting trends, evidence gaps, and policy directions, while amplifying the voices and agency of youth themselves.
To extend this research beyond academia, CAPSI Africa has launched the Pan-African Youth Competition. The initiative challenges youth-led teams and organisations (ages 18–35) to transform the study’s findings into creative, accessible, and shareable outputs — from digital stories to reels, podcasts, and campaigns — that can inform and inspire their peers. The aim is to make complex research relatable, mobilise young audiences, and spark action.
The competition carries a total prize of US$128,000, with US$32,000 awarded to one winning team from each region: Southern, East, North, and West Africa. In addition to funding, winners will receive mentorship, visibility, and platforms to showcase their work across the continent.
Professor Bhekinkosi Moyo, Director of CAPSI, explains: “This competition provides African youth with resources and a platform to tell stories that matter in their own voices. It’s not just about research findings, but about shaping narratives, sparking creativity, and influencing policy across Africa.”
CAPSI is calling for applications now. Applications close on Wednesday, 15 October 2025. For young creatives, this is more than a prize, it’s an opportunity to shape the future of work narratives in Africa.
Read more about the research here: https://capsi.co.za/research-reports/
Apply to the competition here: https://capsi.co.za/call-for-competition/
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.