Applications are expected to open soon for the Obama Foundation Africa Leaders Fellowship 2027, a prestigious six-month virtual leadership development programme designed to empower emerging African leaders who are creating positive change in their communities. The programme brings together 35 exceptional leaders from across Africa to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and collaborate with fellow changemakers working in public service, civil society, and the private sector.

Since its launch in 2018, the Obama Foundation Leaders Africa programme has supported innovative, values-driven leaders committed to advancing sustainable development and social impact across the African continent.

Fellowship Summary

Host Organization: Obama Foundation
Programme Type: Leadership Fellowship
Programme Duration: Six Months
Study Mode: Virtual (Non-Residential)
Number of Fellows: 35
Eligible Applicants: Emerging African Leaders
Location: Africa (Virtual)
Application Status: Applications Expected to Open for 2027–2028 Cohort

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

Six months of leadership development
Weekly live virtual leadership sessions
Individual leadership coaching
Monthly peer-learning community groups
Networking with outstanding African leaders
Leadership and values-based training
Access to global experts and facilitators
Collaboration opportunities with changemakers across Africa
Membership in the Obama Foundation Leaders Network
Professional and personal development support

Programme Components

Weekly Virtual Sessions

Participants attend live online sessions several times each month featuring:

Leadership frameworks
Expert speakers
Interactive discussions
Skill-building workshops
Small-group breakout sessions

Monthly Community Groups

Fellows participate in peer-learning groups that encourage:

Leadership reflection
Case study discussions
Collaborative learning
Strong professional relationships

Individual Leadership Coaching

Each fellow is paired with a professional leadership coach who provides personalized guidance to help participants:

Build self-awareness
Clarify leadership goals
Develop action plans
Strengthen leadership effectiveness
Unlock their full potential

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should generally:

Be a citizen of an African country or territory; or
Be a permanent resident of an African country or territory; or
Have lived in an African country or territory for at least the previous five years.
Be between 24 and 45 years of age.
Demonstrate professional proficiency in English.
Have at least three years of relevant leadership experience.
Be actively working to create positive change in Africa.
Demonstrate a commitment to continuing their work across the African continent.
Be able to participate fully in virtual programme activities.
Be eligible to participate in U.S.-based programming should in-person activities be organized.
Agree not to participate as a candidate in an electoral political campaign during the programme.

Eligible Sectors

The programme welcomes leaders from:

Public Sector
Civil Society
Non-Profit Organizations
Social Enterprises
Private Sector
Community Organizations
Innovation
Entrepreneurship
Education
Health
Climate
Human Rights
Governance
Youth Development

Required Documents

Applicants may be required to submit:

Completed online application
Updated CV or résumé
Personal information
Leadership experience details
Description of community impact
Professional references (if requested)
Supporting documentation requested during selection

How to Apply

Visit the Obama Foundation Leaders application portal.
Create an online applicant profile.
Complete the application form.
Provide information about your leadership experience and impact.
Upload any required supporting documents.
Submit your application before the published deadline.
Await notification if shortlisted.

Why Apply?

The Obama Foundation Africa Leaders Fellowship provides emerging leaders with the opportunity to:

Strengthen values-based leadership
Expand professional networks across Africa
Learn from globally recognized experts
Receive personalized coaching
Collaborate with high-impact changemakers
Join an influential alumni network
Increase the impact of their work in their communities and beyond

Programme Duration

The fellowship runs for approximately six months, with weekly virtual sessions, monthly peer-learning groups, and ongoing leadership coaching throughout the programme.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort are closed. The Obama Foundation has announced that applications for the 2027–2028 Leaders Africa Programme will open in a future application cycle. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the official programme page for updates.

Conclusion

The Obama Foundation Africa Leaders Fellowship 2027 is one of Africa’s leading leadership development programmes for emerging changemakers. Through world-class leadership training, individualized coaching, peer collaboration, and access to an influential network of leaders, the fellowship equips participants with the skills and relationships needed to create lasting impact across Africa.

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