Deadline: May 15, 2026
Applications are open for the UNDP African Academy for Women in Political Leadership 2026. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the African School of Governance (ASG), the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), have opened applications for the inaugural cohort of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, a continental programme designed to build the next generation of women who govern Africa.
Thirty women will be selected for a fully funded, four-week blended programme combining virtual learning with a residential convening in Kigali. Nominations are now open to government institutions, political parties, AU member state bodies, and civil society organisations across all five African regions.
The four-week blended programme combines high-impact virtual learning, an immersive residential convening, mentorship from senior African leaders, and applied leadership practice. The curriculum covers:
- Political leadership and governance
- Strategic communications
- Coalition-building and legislative processes
- Campaign and political financing
- Ethical leadership and inclusive governance
Costs
- All programme costs, including tuition, travel, and accommodation for the residential convening, are fully covered for selected participants.
Eligibility
Applications are open to women who are currently holding, or credibly pursuing, elected or appointed political office anywhere in Africa. Eligible profiles include:
- Electoral Cycle Leaders: Women from countries scheduled for presidential or parliamentary elections within the next 12–36 months, including declared candidates, parliamentary candidates, senior campaign strategists, and MPs seeking re-election or higher office.
- Sitting Political Leaders: Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament or Senate, Speakers and Deputy Speakers, Mayors and Governors, and senior political party leaders such as Secretaries General and Women’s League Leaders.
- Young Women Leaders: Women aged 21–35 with strong political leadership potential, including aspiring candidates at the local and national level and emerging leaders within political parties or public institutions.
The Academy strongly encourages nominations of women with disabilities and women from fragile or transitional political contexts.
Baseline Eligibility
- Female citizen of an African Union Member State
- Aged 21 or older at the time of nomination
- Demonstrated active engagement in political leadership or political ambition
- Formal endorsement from a government institution, recognised political party, or relevant political authority
- Commitment to full participation in the programme and to post-Academy alumni engagement and peer mentoring
Application
Government ministries, political parties, AU member state institutions, and civil society organisations are invited to submit nominations. Self-nominations supported by an institutional endorsement are also welcome.
Each nomination package must include:
- An official nomination or endorsement letter, signed by an authorised senior official, political party leader, or recognised stakeholder
- The nominee’s curriculum vitae (maximum two pages)
- A personal statement from the nominee (maximum 1,000 words)
For more information, visit UNDP African Academy for Women in Political Leadership.
