Deadline: February 8, 2026
Applications are open for the Elevate Africa Fellowship 2026. The Elevate Africa Fellowship (EAF) is a prestigious mid‑career pan‑African leadership program for professionals with a sustained track record of driving positive change across Africa. Designed for leaders with 10–15 years of experience, EAF helps fellows refine leadership capabilities and amplify their contributions to Africa’s development.
At its core, the Fellowship is rooted in the belief that Africa’s transformation requires experienced leaders who understand systems, have credibility in their fields, and are positioned to influence institutions, communities, and discourse. EAF equips mid‑career African professionals with the leadership clarity, networks, and platforms needed to elevate Africa’s story and accelerate sustainable development.
By participating in this fellowship, you will contribute to:
- Leadership Development: Build leadership capacity grounded in African realities.
- Redefining Narratives: Strengthen positive African-led storytelling.
- African Solutions: Promote locally grounded, scalable solutions.
- Global Network: Connect with leaders across sectors and regions.
- Thought Leadership: Produce ideas that shape policy and practice.
Benefits
- Advanced leadership development grounded in African realities.
- Mentorship and coaching from sector experts and practitioners.
- Expanded pan-African networks across governance, business, media, gender, health, and climate.
- Platforms to sharpen leadership thinking and amplify sector-shaping ideas.
- Support to design and advance a capstone project aligned with sector impact.
- Visibility and positioning as African thought leaders and change agents.
- Lifelong membership in the Elevate Africa Alumni Network.
Costs
- Selected Fellows will cover international flight cost, while Elevate Africa will cover local travel, accommodation and other associated Fellowship cost.
Eligibility
- Commitment to Community Development: Demonstrated dedication to social change and community development, showcasing a passion for improving the lives of others. You are a strong advocate in a connected and collaborative Africa.
- Must be of African descent. You can be a resident outside of Africa but demonstrate commitment to the continent.
- Demonstrated leadership in professional or community settings, with a clear track record of making a positive impact. Your conviction, identity, values, and passions exemplify transformative leadership.
- Ideal fellows are mid-career professionals aged 30-45 with 10-15 years of experience and a solid track record of leadership and excellence. Ideal sectors include Governance & Public Policy, Business & Entrepreneurship, Media & Storytelling, Gender & Social Inclusion, Health, and Climate Action. Professionals outside these sectors can apply if they have a track record of growth, impact, and excellence.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment. You demonstrate an ability to think in systems and dream big.
- Candidates should exhibit a desire to grow as leaders and contribute to their communities and sectors through the fellowship experience.
- Candidates demonstrate how they contribute to influencing, shaping, and promoting positive narratives about the continent.
Application
Applications will be assessed based on the candidate’s professional experience, leadership potential, commitment to social change, and alignment with the fellowship’s objectives.
For more information, visit Elevate Africa Fellowship.
