The Community Solutions Program (CSP) 2027, run by IREX with the U.S. Department of State, is open to experienced community leaders in 15 African countries. Selected participants spend about three to four months in the United States, then lead a nine-month project back home. Applications close on 24 November 2026. The program page prints no closing date, so confirm it in the application portal before you start.
Community Solutions Program 2027 at a glance
| Application deadline | 24 November 2026 (time zone not stated) |
| Who can apply | Citizens of an eligible country, aged 27 to 39, with at least five years of community work, living and working in their home country |
| African countries | Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Tunisia, Uganda |
| Program | About 3 to 4 months in the U.S. with a 12-week practicum, then a nine-month SCALE-Up Project at home |
| Covered | Most expenses, including J-1 visa support, round-trip travel, a monthly allowance and health coverage |
| Cost to apply | No application fee is mentioned |
| Apply at | csp.irex.org |
Who can apply from Africa?
You must be a citizen of one of the countries listed above, between 27 and 39 years old when you apply, with at least five years of work on community issues that produced measurable local benefits. You must live and work in your home country at the time of application. African leaders based abroad for study, training or research do not qualify. You also need high spoken and written English, eligibility for a U.S. J-1 visa, and no U.S. citizenship or permanent residence. IREX states that the U.S. Department of State sets eligibility and that no exceptions are made, so a country outside the list cannot apply.
What does the program include?
- A U.S. fellowship of about three to four months, including a 12-week practicum with a host organization and regional field visits.
- Innovation and Applied Skills Labs on regional economic development, leadership tools and emerging technologies.
- A nine-month SCALE-Up Project at home, adapting at least one U.S. model, tool or partnership approach.
- Most expenses covered, including J-1 visa support, round-trip travel, a monthly allowance (no amount stated) and accident and sickness coverage.
Planning dates for the 2027 cohort are orientation on 2 to 5 August, practicum from 9 August to 29 October and an end-of-program workshop on 1 to 4 November 2027, subject to confirmation.
How to apply
- Check your country and every requirement on the IREX application information page.
- Read the application instructions.
- Apply online at csp.irex.org and disclose any use of AI tools. Answers must reflect your own experience.
- Send questions to apply.csp@irex.org.
Advice from the Africapreneurs team
- Show results, not job titles. Each of your five years should point to a measurable benefit for a named community.
- Design the SCALE-Up Project around a local economic growth problem you already know. The program asks you to adapt a U.S. model at home.
- Arrange an English assessment early. Semi-finalists without a TOEFL score of 520 (paper) or 213 (computer-based) must take an approved test.
- Submit several days before 24 November, because the portal may close without a stated hour.
FAQ
Which African countries are eligible?
Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda and Uganda, plus Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia in the Middle East and North Africa group.
Can I apply if I live abroad?
Not if you are abroad for study, training or research. You must live and work in your home country when you apply.
Does it cost anything to apply?
The IREX page mentions no application fee.
What must I do after the exchange?
Return home for at least two years and carry out your SCALE-Up Project.
Sources
IREX: Community Solutions Program application information
