The African Leadership Institute (AFLI) has officially opened nominations for the Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship Class of 2027, one of Africa’s most prestigious leadership development programmes. The fellowship seeks approximately 25 exceptional young leaders from across the continent who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and a commitment to driving positive change in Africa.
Nominations close on 20 September 2026 at midnight (Johannesburg time). Direct applications are not accepted—eligible candidates must first be nominated.
Fellowship Overview
- Programme: Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship 2027
- Host: African Leadership Institute (AFLI)
- Location: Pan-African leadership programme
- Number of Fellows: Approximately 25
- Application Route: Nomination only
- Nomination Deadline: 20 September 2026
- Class Announcement: January 2027
Since 2006, the Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship has developed a powerful network of influential African leaders across business, government, civil society, academia, entrepreneurship, and the creative sectors. The programme equips fellows with leadership tools, strategic thinking, ethical decision-making skills, and a lifelong pan-African support network.
AFLI’s vision is to nurture leaders who are expected to rise to significant leadership positions over the next 5–10 years while actively contributing to Africa’s social, economic, and institutional transformation.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Candidates must meet the following core eligibility criteria:
- Be 30–39 years old during the eligibility period.
- Be an emerging leader with exceptional leadership potential.
- Demonstrate a strong record of achievement and impact within their professional field.
- Be committed to contributing to positive transformation across Africa.
- Be nominated by another individual or organization.
Only one nomination is required for a candidate to become eligible to apply.
Important: Direct Applications Are Not Accepted
The fellowship operates through a nomination-first process.
The process is straightforward:
- A nominator submits the candidate’s details.
- AFLI reviews nominations.
- Eligible nominated candidates receive access to the official fellowship application.
- Final fellows are selected through a rigorous competitive process.
No login or account is required to submit a nomination.
Why Apply?
The Archbishop Tutu Fellowship offers much more than leadership training. Fellows join an influential network of African leaders while participating in intensive learning experiences designed to strengthen:
- Ethical and values-based leadership
- Strategic decision-making
- Pan-African collaboration
- Systems thinking and institutional leadership
- Personal resilience and executive effectiveness
Graduates become part of the AFLI Fellowship network, connecting with accomplished leaders across multiple sectors throughout Africa.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Nominations open | Now open |
| Nomination deadline | 20 September 2026 |
| Fellowship applications | By invitation after nomination |
| Class of 2027 announced | January 2027 |
How to Nominate a Candidate
Individuals wishing to nominate an outstanding African leader should complete the official nomination form before the deadline. Remember that only nominations are accepted; candidates cannot submit direct fellowship applications independently.
