Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa Programme
Obama Foundation
Six-month, fee-free virtual leadership programme for 35 emerging African leaders aged 24-45 with 3+ years' experience in public, civic or private sectors. Weekly virtual sessions, peer groups and 1:1 coaching. 2026-27 applications closed 12 Dec 2025; 2027-28 call to be announced.
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Eligibility
- Who can apply
- Africa
- Education required
- None
- Age
- from 24 up to 45 (Between 24 and 45 years of age on 1 September of the programme year)
- Work experience
- 3+ years
- Fields
- Leadership, Public policy, Social sciences
- Language
- Professionally proficient in English
- Residency
- Citizen or permanent resident of an African country/territory, or lived in an African country/territory for at least the last 5 years
- Also required
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in your issue area
- Work geographically focused on positive change for communities, an African nation/territory or the wider Africa region
- Must not run as a candidate in an electoral campaign during the programme term
- Able to attend weekly virtual sessions
About this opportunity
The Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa programme is a six-month, non-residential, virtual leadership journey for 35 emerging leaders creating positive change for communities, nations or the wider Africa region. It combines weekly virtual video calls (typically Wednesdays 6 pm Central Africa Time), monthly community groups and individual coaching, averaging 8-12 hours per month. The 2026-27 cohort runs from September 2026 to May 2027.
Applicants must be 24-45 on 1 September of the programme year; be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country, or have lived in Africa for the last five years (Ghana qualifies); have at least three years of relevant experience; be professionally proficient in English; and not stand for election during the programme. No fees, but no stipend or grants. Two references are required. The 2026-27 application closed 12 December 2025.
- Level
- Early career, Any level
- Where
- Online
- Duration
- Six months, virtual (2026-27 cohort: week of 1 Sept 2026 to 1 May 2027); 8-12 hours per month
- Number of awards
- 35 leaders per Africa cohort
- Difficulty
- High · about 3 weeks to prepare
Funding
Fully funded
- training
No fees to participate; no stipend, grants or financial support for participants' work; 2026-27 programme entirely virtual (no travel)
What you will need
- Essays
- Other documents
Online application with written responses; names and email addresses of two references.
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