The Obama Foundation Leaders Africa program seeks to build a growing network of innovative and values-based changemakers who will drive positive change in their communities, the continent, and the world.
During the Obamas’ tenure in the White House, they traveled across the African continent and witnessed incredible stories of young African leaders carrying the baton for change. Since then, they’ve formed partnerships to expand opportunities and create new connections for passionate leaders, beginning with the inaugural Leaders Africa program in 2018.
Leaders Africa is a six-month, non-residential, virtual leadership journey for 35 emerging leaders from across the continent focused on exploring values-based leadership skills and building deep relationships with fellow cohort members.
The virtual Leaders Africa program seeks to identify exceptional leaders in public, civil society, and the private sector who have a clear issue-focus and who can illustrate the impact of their work. Our objective is to build a network of values-based leaders, who create positive, innovative change in their communities, throughout Africa, and around the world.
Eligibility Criteria
The program currently invites individuals residing in the following African nations and territories to apply:
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Africa: All nations and territories on/in the continent.
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Citizenship/Residency: You meet one of the criteria below:
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Citizen of an African nation or territory OR
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Permanent resident of an African nation or territory OR
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Have lived in an African nation or territory for at least the last 5 years, regardless of citizenship or permanent residence status
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Geographic Focus: Your work is geographically focused on creating positive change for local communities, an African nation or territory, and/or the broader African region. You demonstrate a strong commitment to continue to focus your work in Africa.
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Leadership Experience: You can demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant experience in your issue area.
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Age: You will be between 24 and 45 years of age on August 26, 2024.
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Language Proficiency: You are professionally proficient in spoken and written English.
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Political Campaigns: You will refrain from participating in an electoral campaign as a candidate for political office from the time of application submission until the end of the program.
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Program Commitment: You can commit to fully participating in the entire duration of the six-month program. Official program dates are yet to be determined but will fall somewhere between August 26, 2024 and May 1, 2025. You must be able to attend between 8 and 12 hours of required virtual programming each month, as well as attend required leadership coaching sessions and engage in community group discussions throughout the program duration.
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Jurisdiction and Ability to Participate in a U.S.-Based Program. The Foundation is based in the United States. To participate in the Program, you must be under no legal or regulatory restrictions that would limit your participation in virtual Foundation programming or travel to the US for in-person programming (if any).
Application Process
The application for the 2024 Leaders Africa program opens on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
