About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Umholi we Africa (UwA) Fellowship 2026–2027: 18-Month Public Leadership Programme for Young African Professionals
The Umholi we Africa (UwA) Fellowship is an 18-month public leadership programme established by African Leadership Academy’s AL for Governance. The fellowship equips talented young African professionals with practical experience in public service, governance, policy development, and political leadership.
Through placements in ministerial offices, government institutions, legislative bodies, and intergovernmental organisations, fellows gain exposure to public leadership and institutional decision-making.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will gain:
Practical experience in public service and governance.
Exposure to policy development and political leadership.
Professional experience in government institutions and intergovernmental organisations.
Opportunities to develop leadership and policy skills.
Experience working within public institutions through specialised fellowship placements.
Fellowship Tracks
The programme offers three placement tracks:
Executive Track: Focuses on executive institutions and public administration.
Legislative Track: Provides exposure to legislative institutions and processes.
Multilateral Track: Offers experience within intergovernmental organisations.
Programme Details
Programme: Umholi we Africa Fellowship
Organiser: African Leadership Academy’s AL for Governance
Duration: 18 months
Experience level: Mid-level
Application deadline: 31 October 2026
Eligible applicants: Citizens of African countries
Women and persons with disabilities: Strongly encouraged to apply
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
Be an African Leadership Academy (ALA), African Leadership University (ALU), and/or Mastercard Foundation Scholar or alumnus/alumna.
Be a citizen of an African country.
Be aged 35 or younger at the time of application.
Hold at least a university degree or equivalent qualification.
Have a minimum of four years of full-time professional experience.
Demonstrate an interest in public service, governance, policy, mining or natural resource governance, or political leadership.
Be willing to commit to the full-time fellowship and relocate when required.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates should consult the official African Leadership Academy website for application instructions and further details.
Application deadline: 31 October 2026.
Official website: https://www.africanleadershipacademy.org/
Note: The direct application link, stipend or salary details, and specific placement locations were not included in the supplied announcement. Confirm these details through the official programme channels before applying.
How to apply