Umholi we Africa Fellowship 2027

The Umholi we Africa (UwA) Fellowship is a 12-month, fully funded leadership programme designed for exceptional African graduates from the African Leadership Academy (ALA) or the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This fellowship places fellows in high-impact government and policy roles, supporting ministers, MPs, and senior public leaders in their home countries. Fellows engage in tasks like research, data collection, policy analysis, project management, and communications, while receiving leadership training and mentorship. The programme aims to bridge the gap between youth and governance in Africa by fostering ethical leadership and institutional transformation.

What it offers

• Fully funded placement in government or policy institutions in the fellow’s home country.
• Strategic roles supporting high-level public leaders, including research, policy analysis, project management, and communications.
• Leadership training, mentorship, and coaching through the AL for Governance network.
• Firsthand experience in governance and policymaking, contributing to national development.
• Access to ethical leadership values, such as accountability and innovation in public service.

Who can apply

• African nationals who are graduates of the African Leadership Academy (ALA) or the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
• Must hold a minimum university degree and have at least 4 years of professional experience.
• Must demonstrate a strong commitment to public service and ethical leadership, with a passion for governance, policymaking, or political leadership.

What you'll do

• Support high-level public leaders in research, data collection, policy analysis, and strategic advisory tasks.
• Assist in project planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation within government or policy institutions.
• Draft policy briefs, reports, speeches, and communication materials.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations, community engagement, and public outreach.
• Participate in leadership training, mentorship, and ongoing coaching through the AL for Governance network.

How to apply

• Download and complete the application form (exact steps not detailed in the source).
• Submit by 31 October 2026 (exact submission instructions not provided).
• Application evaluation occurs June 2027, with pre-fellowship training in January–February 2027.

Good to know

• The fellowship is exclusive to graduates of ALA or Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
• Fellows must be based in their home country during the fellowship period.
• The programme focuses on ethical leadership, accountability, and innovation in public service.
• No explicit mention of language requirements or required documents beyond the application form.

Key dates: Applications open 4 September 2026, close 31 October 2026.