The African Leadership Initiatives for Impact (ALII) is inviting applications for the One Africa Young Leaders Fellowship 2026, an intensive Pan-African leadership programme taking place from 1 to 8 November 2026 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The inaugural fellowship is being organised as part of African Youth Month 2026 under the theme “Bridging Intergenerational Leadership for One Africa’s Shared Future.”
The programme will bring together 60 young African leaders for a one-week residential experience focused on leadership development, intergenerational dialogue, knowledge exchange, networking and collaboration. The fellowship is designed for young Africans who are already making meaningful contributions within their communities, organisations, professions, businesses, movements or wider society.
About the One Africa Young Leaders Fellowship
The One Africa Young Leaders Fellowship aims to create a platform where emerging African leaders can connect with experienced leaders and peers from different parts of the continent. Through discussions, learning sessions and networking opportunities, fellows will explore the challenges and opportunities influencing Africa’s present and future.
Participants will have opportunities to exchange experiences, share ideas and develop relationships that can support continued collaboration beyond the fellowship. The programme particularly seeks individuals who demonstrate purpose, innovation, community commitment and a forward-looking approach to African development.
The fellowship also emphasises the importance of intergenerational leadership. By bringing together young leaders and established African voices, the programme seeks to encourage knowledge transfer, constructive dialogue and collaborative approaches to building a peaceful and prosperous continent.
Key Programme Information
- Programme: One Africa Young Leaders Fellowship 2026
- Theme: Bridging Intergenerational Leadership for One Africa’s Shared Future
- Dates: 1–8 November 2026
- Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Application Deadline: 10 October 2026
- Selection: Rolling basis
- Number of Fellows: 60
Geographical Representation
A total of 60 fellows will be selected, with places allocated across Africa’s regions and Tanzania. The geographical representation is structured as follows:
- Southern Africa – 10 fellows
- Western Africa – 10 fellows
- Northern Africa – 10 fellows
- Central Africa – 10 fellows
- Eastern Africa – 10 fellows
- Tanzania – 10 fellows
This structure is intended to encourage broad continental representation and create opportunities for participants to engage with perspectives from different African regions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the fellowship’s eligibility requirements. Candidates should:
- Be an African citizen aged between 15 and 35 years.
- Currently serve as a leader in a senior management position within an institution, company or organisation, or represent citizens in decision-making structures.
- Have demonstrated experience contributing to or leading initiatives that promote a peaceful and prosperous society.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in One Africa’s Shared Future.
The fellowship is therefore aimed at individuals who have demonstrated leadership through practical involvement in their communities, organisations, professional environments or wider society.
Programme Costs and What Is Covered
The One Africa Young Leaders Fellowship is a self-funded programme. Successful applicants will be responsible for their own international or domestic travel costs to and from Tanzania.
Selected fellows will pay a participation fee of:
- USD 400 for non-Tanzanian participants
- TZS 500,000 for Tanzanian participants
The participation fee is only payable after selection and must be settled two weeks before the programme. Applicants are not required to make any payment during the application process.
The participation fee covers local transportation, meals, eight nights of accommodation, fellowship training, a certificate of participation, tourism activities, and airport pick-up and drop-off.
Why the Fellowship Is Valuable
The programme offers young African leaders an opportunity to strengthen their leadership networks while engaging with peers and leaders from different generations and regions. Participants can gain exposure to new perspectives, exchange practical experiences and establish relationships that may support future Pan-African initiatives and collaborations.
The residential format also provides an opportunity for fellows to engage directly with other participants in an environment centred on learning, dialogue and relationship building.
How to Successfully Apply
Eligible applicants should carefully review the fellowship requirements and provide accurate information demonstrating their leadership experience, community contribution and commitment to Africa’s shared future. Applications should clearly communicate the applicant’s achievements, current leadership responsibilities and potential contribution to the fellowship community.
Applicants should also submit their applications before the 10 October 2026 deadline, noting that selection is conducted on a rolling basis.
Important Application Information
No payment is required during the application process. Applicants should only make the participation payment if they are officially selected for the fellowship.
