Next Gen Initiative 2026/2027 | Leadership Fellowship for Emerging African Women Leaders

The Next Gen Initiative, the flagship leadership programme of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development, is inviting applications from promising young African women leaders for its inaugural 12-month fellowship. The programme is designed to equip emerging women leaders with practical leadership experience, mentorship, exposure and networks needed to pursue meaningful public leadership and drive positive change across Africa.

Next Gen Initiative Fellowship 2026

The 12-month fellowship combines leadership development, mentorship, immersive learning and hands-on public leadership placements alongside Amujae Leaders. Selected fellows will gain practical exposure to public leadership while strengthening their leadership capabilities and developing the skills required to create lasting social impact.

Participants will also receive a monthly stipend to support their participation throughout the fellowship.

Programme Highlights

• Programme: Next Gen Initiative
• Organization: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development
• Level: Leadership Fellowship
• Duration: 12 months
• Target: Emerging African women leaders
• Age Requirement: 25–35 years as of October 1, 2026
• Education: Undergraduate degree
• Experience: At least 3 years of relevant, consistent professional experience
• Eligible Countries: Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone
• Funding: Monthly stipend
• Focus: Public leadership, governance, development, gender, health, policy and social impact
• Mentorship: Opportunity to learn from Amujae Leaders
• Format: Leadership development, immersive learning and practical public leadership placements

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the programme’s stated requirements, including:

1. Be 25–35 years old as of October 1, 2026.
2. Be a citizen of Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Nigeria or Sierra Leone.
3. Hold an undergraduate degree.
4. Have at least three years of relevant and consistent professional experience.
5. Demonstrate leadership potential, integrity and commitment to public service.
6. Show a clear interest in developing a long-term leadership trajectory.
7. Demonstrate a commitment to creating positive change in their community, country or across Africa.

Relevant professional backgrounds may include public policy, law, development, gender, health, governance and related fields.

Areas of Interest

Applicants can select up to three areas they are passionate about, including:

• Climate and Environmental Sustainability
• Governance and Public Administration
• Gender Equality and Women’s Rights
• Technology and Digital Innovation
• Politics and Electoral Leadership
• Agriculture and Food Systems
• Justice and Human Rights
• International Development
• Economic Development
• Youth Development
• Peace and Security
• Local Government
• Entrepreneurship
• Education
• Health

Also Read: EAC Scholarship Programme at USIU-Africa 2026 |An Elite Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in Kenya

What Does the Fellowship Offer?

👩🏿‍💼 Leadership Development

Fellows will strengthen their leadership abilities and gain perspectives needed to navigate public leadership.

🤝 Mentorship

Participants may be matched with an Amujae Leader, providing an opportunity to learn from an experienced African woman leader.

🌍 Pan-African Exposure

The programme aims to develop leaders capable of contributing to positive change in their countries and across the African continent.

💼 Practical Experience

Fellows will participate in immersive learning and hands-on public leadership placements.

💰 Monthly Stipend

Selected participants will receive a reasonable monthly stipend for the duration of the 12-month fellowship to support their participation.

🔗 Professional Networking

The fellowship provides opportunities to expand professional networks and connect with leaders within the broader leadership ecosystem.

Application Requirements

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Curriculum Vitae — maximum 2 pages
• Professional photograph
• Proof of highest qualification
• One recommendation letter from a former supervisor or professor
• Personal and professional information
• LinkedIn profile, if available
• Responses to leadership and impact questions

The application also asks candidates to explain their leadership journey, motivation, desired impact, long-term public leadership ambitions and the skills they hope to develop.

Also Read: NM-AIST Master’s Scholarships 2026/2027 | Powerful Fully Funded EAC Scholarship Programme in Tanzania

Leadership Questions

Applicants will be asked questions such as:

• Tell us about yourself and your leadership journey.
• Why do you want to join the Next Gen Initiative?
• What impact do you hope to make in your country or across Africa?
• Why do your chosen areas of interest matter to you?
• Where do you see yourself in the next 5–10 years?
• What leadership skill or experience do you want to strengthen?
• What do you hope to learn from an Amujae Leader?
• Describe a time when you stepped up to solve a problem without formal authority or an experience that changed how you understand leadership.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Because this is a leadership-focused programme, applicants should avoid simply listing qualifications. Instead, demonstrate evidence of leadership, initiative, service and impact.

When answering the application questions:

Be specific: Give real examples rather than general statements.

Show impact: Explain what changed because of your work.

Demonstrate leadership: Leadership does not necessarily require a formal title. Community initiatives, workplace projects, advocacy and problem-solving can all demonstrate leadership.

Connect your vision to Africa: Clearly explain how your long-term goals can contribute to your community, country or continent.

Show self-awareness: Explain what you have learned from your experiences and what leadership skills you still want to develop.

Documents to Prepare

Before starting the application, candidates should have their documents ready:

📄 Updated two-page CV
📸 Professional photograph
🎓 Proof of highest qualification
✉️ Recommendation letter from a former supervisor or professor

Applicants should also prepare concise examples of their leadership experience, community impact and future public leadership goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Next Gen Initiative for?

It is designed for emerging African women leaders who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to public service and positive social change.

How long is the fellowship?

The fellowship runs for 12 months.

Is there financial support?

Yes. Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the fellowship.

Which countries are eligible?

For the inaugural cohort, eligible citizens are from Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

Do I need an undergraduate degree?

Yes. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree.

How much work experience is required?

Applicants should have at least three years of relevant and consistent professional experience in areas such as public policy, law, development, gender, health, governance or a related field.

Is mentorship included?

Yes. The programme includes mentorship, and fellows may be matched with an Amujae Leader.

What is the purpose of the programme?

The initiative aims to prepare the next generation of African women public leaders by providing exposure, experience, mentorship and support to help them advance their leadership journeys.

Final Note

The Next Gen Initiative presents an opportunity for eligible African women to develop practical leadership skills, build meaningful networks and gain exposure to public leadership. Candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements and ensure that all required documents and application responses are complete before submitting the form.

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