The 2026 Umholi We Africa (UwA) Fellowship is currently accepting applications. This fully-funded, year-long program offers promising young African leaders an opportunity to build careers centred on making meaningful change and serving their communities.
Read more about Opportunities
Participants in the 2026 Umholi We Africa (UwA) Fellowship are placed in influential government and policy positions where they work directly with cabinet ministers, parliamentary representatives, and high-ranking public officials within their own countries.
The program annually selects distinguished alumni from the African Leadership Academy and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for strategic positions supporting their nations’ top public sector leaders.
Participants engage in critical work, including research, policy evaluation, project oversight, communications, and strategic consultation—all while accessing premier leadership development and mentorship opportunities.
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Who Can Apply?
Candidates must:
- Be citizens of African nations.
- Have graduated from either the African Leadership Academy (ALA) or the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
- Possess at least an undergraduate degree.
- Have a minimum of four years of work experience.
- Show dedication to public service and ambition to pursue careers in political or policy leadership.
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Responsibilities
Selected participants will:
- Provide research, data gathering, policy evaluation, and strategic guidance to senior public officials.
- Support project development, financial planning, monitoring, and assessment within government or policy organisations.
- Prepare policy documents, reports, addresses, and communications content.
- Coordinate stakeholder meetings, community involvement initiatives, and public engagement programs.
- Take part in leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and continuous coaching through the AL for Governance network.
- Maintain standards of ethical leadership, transparency, and creative problem-solving in public service.
Closing Date: December 30, 2025
Click HERE to apply.
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