Apply for the Umholi we Africa Fellowship (2025/2026 Cohort)

Application Deadline: December 30, 2025

The Umholi we Africa (UwA) Fellowship is a prestigious leadership program for young Africans passionate about public service and governance. Fellows are placed in strategic government or policy institutions to support senior leaders in areas such as policy research, data analysis, project planning, and communications.

About the Umholi we Africa Fellowship
This premier leadership pathway, the Umholi we Africa (UwA) Fellowship, is designed to nurture the next generation of ethical, mission-driven African public leaders.

Strategic roles within ministers’ offices, parliamentary bodies, and senior public sector leadership teams in their home countries are where outstanding graduates from the African Leadership Academy and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program are placed each year through the fellowship. While engaging in research, policy analysis, project management, communications, and strategic advisory, fellows receive world-class leadership training and mentorship, thereby contributing directly to national development.

What Fellows Do
A fellow’s responsibilities encompass

• Conducting research, gathering data, performing policy analysis, and offering strategic advice to support high-level public leaders.
• Supporting project planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation activities within governmental or policy-making bodies.
• The preparation of various materials, including policy briefs, reports, speeches, and communications.
• Organizing stakeholder consultations, community engagement initiatives, and public outreach programs.
• Engagement in the AL for Governance network’s leadership training, mentorship, and ongoing coaching.
• Championing the core values of ethical leadership, accountability, and innovation in public service.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be nationals of an African country.
• A completed university degree is required.
• The fellowship is available to alumni of the African Leadership Academy or Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
• Applicants should possess a deep interest in public service or governance.

What You will Gain

• Hands-on professional experience within public sector institutions.
• Access to structured mentorship and leadership development training.
• Direct insight into the functioning of policy and governance systems.
• A platform to create tangible impact in Africa’s developmental journey.

To apply, click here

This fellowship presents an ideal pathway for emerging African leaders who are prepared to make significant contributions to governance across the continent. For more information visit official website.