Africa Futures Fellowship
Africa’s premier leadership pipeline and an action incubator where Emerging African Leaders and Young professionals across the political, economic and social spectrum are Made, Mentored, and Mobilized.
The AFN Leadership Accelerator is a robust 3-month Pan-African Fellowship designed to equip competitively selected fellows, aged 25-40, with the Skills, Knowledge, Values, Networks, and Tools to lead transformative change in Africa.
A fully funded Leadership Fellowship open to African nationals between the ages of 25 and 40
Your Fellowship Advantage
Beyond training, the Futures Fellowship positions you at the center of a powerful ecosystem of leaders, mentors, and decision-makers.
Multi-Dimensional Leadership
High-Impact Mentorship
Continent-wide Network Access
Pathways to Decision-making Roles
Seed Funding & Strategic Partnerships
Lifetime Fellowship & Alumni Privileges
Ideal Applicant Criteria
Emerging Leaders & Professionals
Purpose-Driven Change Agents
Visionaries Committed to Africa’s Future
Applicant Support Desk
Eligibility Criteria
- Age Range: 25–40 years old at the time of application
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an African nation (residing on the continent or in the diaspora)
- Professional Status: Currently engaged in public service, entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, civil society, academia, media, technology, or any sector contributing to Africa’s development
- Track Record: Demonstrated leadership potential or evidence of impact through initiatives, roles, or community work
- Values Alignment: Commitment to ethical leadership, collaboration, and Pan-African development
- Availability: Able to fully commit to the 3-month hybrid program, including virtual sessions and in-person convening
- Language: Proficiency in English
Who We Are Looking For
Emerging Leaders & Professionals
Individuals actively shaping change within public institutions, private enterprises, startups, NGOs, academia, media, policy, sports, technology, the creative economy and all other existing sectors.
Purpose-Driven Change Agents
Applicants must demonstrate integrity, resilience, and a clear commitment to service. Whether through community projects, professional achievements, or institutional leadership, we value those who take initiative and get things done.
Visionaries Committed to Africa’s Future
We seek people who believe in Africa not just as a place of potential, but as a project of shared responsibility. Those who embrace intergenerational collaboration, respect local realities, and aspire to build systems that outlive them.
What Fellows Gain
Multi-Dimensional Leadership Development
Immersive modules covering governance, enterprise, innovation, diplomacy, systems change, and ethical leadership - preparing you to lead in any arena.
Mentorship from Africa’s Finest Minds
Direct access to seasoned leaders, founders, policymakers, academics, and influencers committed to your holistic growth.
Continent-Wide Network Access
Connect with a powerful community of peers and senior leaders across all 55 African countries, opening doors to collaboration and lifelong support.
Pathways to Decision-Making Roles
Position yourself for appointments, advisory roles, speaking platforms, and leadership opportunities at national and continental levels.
Seed Funding & Strategic Partnerships
Receive structured support, expert guidance, and potential partnerships to launch or scale your flagship initiative.
Lifetime Fellowship & Alumni Privileges
Stay plugged into exclusive opportunities, reunions, global exchanges, and ambassadorial representation long after the program ends.
Fellowship Program Structure
1. Foundation Phase:
Hybrid Learning & Leadership Labs Fellows begin with immersive hybrid modules covering leadership, ethics, governance, innovation, and systems thinking, complemented by peer dialogues and mentorship circles.
2. Action Phase:
Project Design & Execution Each fellow develops or scales a real-world initiative aligned with Africa’s development priorities, supported by expert mentors, strategic partners, and resource sessions.
3. Convergence Phase:
In-Person Residency & Graduation
Post-Fellowship
Fellows transition into the AFN Leadership Alumni Community with continued access to platforms, advisory roles, funding pathways, and speaking opportunities.
Post-Fellowship Pathways
- Policy Advisors & Public Officials — Shaping laws, reforms, and national strategies.
- Startup Founders & Business Leaders — Launching enterprises that solve real African challenges.
- CSO Directors & Movement Builders — Leading nonprofit organizations and citizen-led change.
- Media Influencers & Cultural Shapers — Using voice and creativity to shift narratives and mindsets.
- Pan-African Ambassadors for Change — Representing Africa on global platforms and strengthening continental solidarity.
Fellowship Duration
Total Length: 3 Months (Hybrid Format)
- Virtual Learning & Mentorship: 8 – 10 Weeks
- In-Person Residency: 2-weeks Leadership Bootcamp
- Continental Convening: The Africa Futures Forum (AFF)
- Post-Fellowship Alumni Engagement: Ongoing, Lifetime Access
Impact Tracking
I entered as a startup founder with an idea. I walked out with investors, continental partners, and a roadmap I didn’t know I needed. Social Enterprise Fellow
Social Enterprise Fellow
What stood out most was the access. You don’t just hear from leaders, you sit with them, you build with them.
Legislative Fellow
For the first time, activism felt strategic. I learned not just how to fight for change but how to build systems that sustain it.
CSO Fellow
This program helped me shift from content creation to narrative leadership. I now think like a nation-builder, not just a storyteller.
Media FellowLeadership Journals
Collaborate. Sponsor. Co-Create.
We advance Africa’s role on the global stage by building mutually beneficial alliances.
This fellowship didn’t just teach me leadership, it positioned me at the table where real decisions are made.
Public Policy Fellow Kenya