The European Commission is inviting mid-career, high potential policy-makers, diplomats, and professionals from Africa to apply for the Young African Leadership Programme. This program is a tailor-made fellowship and training initiative aimed at catalyzing and fostering changes as envisioned in the Africa Agenda 2063 and in the Africa-EU Partnership. The programme is fully-funded with a grant of € 2,500 per month, thanks to the European Commission’s support. After a pilot cohort in Autumn 2021, Florence is expected to welcome subsequent cohorts of Young African Leaders every September.
About the Young African Leadership Programme
The Young African Leadership Programme provides policy experts from all regions in Africa a unique opportunity to enhance their professional and leadership skills while engaging with international experts. The Programme’s main objective is to establish new networks and create a strong cohort of leaders who are committed to driving change within their countries and the entire African continent, while addressing gender gaps and promoting inclusivity in leadership roles.
Selected participants will have the opportunity to take part in a dynamic academic environment at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, where they will engage in workshops, training and skills development sessions, conferences, and study visits throughout Europe. This experience will enable interaction with other fellows, policymakers, and the academic community at the EUI, creating an unforgettable and enriching experience.
The Young African Leadership Programme will follow a structured framework consisting of various components aimed at facilitating participants’ professional and leadership development.
The Programme will commence with Executive Training Seminars, where participants will engage with thematic issues. Subsequently, Professional Development Workshops will equip them with a set of leadership skills, tools and practical case studies to enhance their abilities.
To broaden their knowledge, participants will embark on Study Visits to EU institutions, relevant academia and international organisations. The aim is to provide participants with diverse perspectives on global governance.
Upon the completion of the Programme, participants will complete an individual written assignment and receive the YALP certificate of attendance. Additionally, they will gain access to a network of scholars and practitioners knowledgeable in relevant transnational governance, thereby expanding their professional networks.
Programme Benefits
The Young African Leadership Programme is an intense, fully-funded, three-month fellowship that takes place annually from September 1 to November 30. Selected policy experts from Africa will receive a monthly grant of € 2,500 throughout the duration of the programme.
Participants are required to live in Florence for the entire duration of the programme. The language of instruction is English, with the possibility of integrating French where applicable. The programme entails a rigorous training schedule, and as such, it is a full-time, fully-funded fellowship scheme.
The place of study is European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy.
Requirements for Qualification
In order to be eligible for the Young African Leadership Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Mid-career professionals, high potential policy-makers, diplomats, and individuals working in national and local authorities, regional, continental, international organizations and development partners, civil society organizations, academia, media, and private sector, in Africa are the intended audience.
- African nationals, who are mid-career or executives and who currently reside in Africa, are up to 35 years old, and are proficient in English.
- Women and people with special needs who are up to 40 years old may be exceptionally considered.
- Women from countries that were not part of the previous programme cohorts will be given priority, ensuring geographical balance.
- applicants must also be fluent in both written and spoken English.
- applicant must have at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
- applicant must have a Master’s Degree or higher qualification.
How to Apply
To begin the application process for the Young African Leadership Programme, you can visit the official webpage where you will find all the essential information required to guide you through the process.
Link to the webpage: https://www.eui.eu/apply?id=africanleaders