Apply Now: African Academy for Women in Political Leadership 2026 | Fully Funded

The African Academy for Women in Political Leadership 2026 is a groundbreaking continental initiative aimed at transforming political leadership across Africa by empowering women to take on influential governance roles.

Spearheaded by United Nations Development Programme in partnership with African School of Governance, African Union Commission, and African Women Leaders Network, this fully funded programme equips women with the skills, networks, and strategic capacity to lead at national and continental levels.

About the Programme

The Academy is a high-impact leadership initiative designed to build a strong pipeline of women leaders across Africa. It is:

• Anchored in African leadership and ownership
• Designed as a continental public good
• Built through collaboration with key stakeholders
• Focused on practical and transformational leadership training

It aims to break systemic barriers and create opportunities for women to thrive in politics and governance.

Why This Programme Matters

Women remain underrepresented in political leadership across Africa due to structural barriers and limited access to networks.

This programme addresses these gaps by:

• Building leadership capacity
• Providing access to mentorship and high-level networks
• Strengthening political and strategic skills
• Promoting inclusive and ethical governance

Programme Structure

The programme runs for four weeks (blended format):

Virtual Learning Phase

• Expert-led sessions
• Strategic and theoretical training
• Pan-African peer engagement

Residential Convening (Kigali, Rwanda)

• Intensive in-person training
• Networking with top African leaders
• Collaboration and leadership development

Mentorship & Coaching

• Guidance from experienced political leaders

Applied Leadership Practice

• Real-world simulations and practical exercises

Curriculum Focus Areas

Participants will gain skills in:

• Political leadership and governance
• Strategic communication
• Coalition building and legislation
• Campaign strategy and financing
• Ethical and inclusive leadership

Fully Funded Benefits

• Full tuition coverage
• Travel costs to Kigali
• Accommodation during the programme
• Access to mentorship and leadership networks
• Participation in all programme activities

Who Should Apply

1. Electoral Cycle Leaders

• Women preparing for elections (12–36 months)
• Candidates, campaign strategists, or elected officials

2. Sitting Political Leaders

• Ministers, legislators, governors, mayors
• Senior political party leaders

3. Young Women Leaders (21–35)

• Emerging leaders with strong political interest

Special consideration:

• Women with disabilities
• Women from fragile or transitional environments

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a female citizen of an African Union member state
• Be at least 21 years old
• Show active political engagement or strong ambition
• Provide formal endorsement from a recognized institution or authority
• Commit fully to the programme

Selection Process

• Highly competitive and merit-based
• Regionally balanced

Cohort Details:

• Maximum of 30 participants
• Representation from all African regions
• Max of 2 participants per country
• At least 40% young women (21–35)

Required Documents

• Endorsement or nomination letter
• CV (max 2 pages)
• Personal statement (max 1,000 words)

Application Deadline: May 15, 2026

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.