Deadline: 12-Dec-2025
The Barack Obama Foundation’s Leaders Africa Virtual Leadership Development Program is a six-month initiative designed to empower 35 emerging African leaders with values-based leadership skills. Participants engage in weekly virtual sessions, monthly community groups, and one-on-one coaching to strengthen their impact in local communities, across countries, and the broader region. Applications are open to individuals aged 24–45 with at least three years of leadership experience, with a deadline of December 12, 2025.
Overview
The Leaders Africa Program, launched by the Barack Obama Foundation, cultivates innovative, values-driven leaders who can create positive, sustainable change in Africa and beyond. This fully virtual, non-residential program provides participants with tools, mentorship, and peer networks to advance inclusive leadership practices and address pressing societal challenges.
Program Purpose
The program is designed to:
• Develop core values-based leadership skills
• Strengthen peer relationships and collaborative networks
• Equip leaders to drive tangible, innovative impact in their communities
• Highlight best practices from public, civil society, and private sector leaders
• Foster a growing network of changemakers across Africa and globally
Participants gain frameworks, reflective practices, and actionable strategies to translate insights into long-term community impact.
Program Structure
The program runs for six months, from September 2026 to May 2027, with structured weekly and monthly sessions.
Weekly Virtual Sessions
• Conducted via video calls as the main learning space
• Expert-led discussions, leadership frameworks, and skill-building exercises
• Interactive small-group breakout sessions to practice leadership concepts
Monthly Community Groups
• Facilitated peer-learning groups for reflection and dialogue
• Discussion of case studies of prominent African leaders
• Opportunity to exchange insights and foster long-lasting relationships
Individualized Coaching
• One-on-one leadership coaching tailored to personal and professional growth
• Support for goal-setting, self-awareness, and actionable strategies
• Guidance on applying program learning to real-world challenges
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Age: 24–45 years old as of September 1, 2026
• Experience: Minimum three years of leadership in public, civil society, or private sectors
• Residency/Citizenship: Citizen, permanent resident, or resident of any African country or territory for at least five years
• Language: Professionally proficient in English
• Restrictions: Cannot run for electoral office during the program; no legal or regulatory barriers to U.S.-based programming if in-person sessions occur
Applicants’ work should focus on improving local communities, national initiatives, or regional impact across Africa and demonstrate commitment to continuing these efforts.
Why It Matters
The program strengthens Africa’s next generation of leaders by:
• Enhancing leadership skills for inclusive and sustainable change
• Providing mentorship and peer networks to scale impact
• Offering practical frameworks and reflective tools for decision-making
• Fostering collaboration across sectors and borders
• Building a continent-wide network of innovative changemakers
How to Apply / How It Works
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Confirm eligibility based on age, experience, and residency
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Prepare an application highlighting leadership achievements, values-based approach, and impact
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Submit the application online before December 12, 2025, at 12 p.m.
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Selection notifications expected in June 2026
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Participate in weekly virtual sessions, monthly community groups, and coaching sessions
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Apply program insights to ongoing initiatives and leadership projects
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Complete all program activities by May 2027
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Failing to demonstrate three years of leadership experience
• Missing residency, citizenship, or language requirements
• Overlooking program restrictions on electoral participation
• Providing vague or incomplete information on community or regional impact
• Underestimating time commitment for weekly sessions and coaching
FAQ
1. How many participants are selected?
35 emerging African leaders.
2. Is the program fully virtual?
Yes, all sessions and coaching are conducted online.
3. What is the time commitment?
8–12 hours per month, including weekly sessions and monthly coaching.
4. Who can apply?
Individuals aged 24–45 with at least three years of leadership experience residing in any African country or territory.
5. Are English skills required?
Yes, professional proficiency in English is mandatory.
6. Can participants run for elections during the program?
No. Participants must refrain from electoral campaigns through May 2027.
7. When does the program start and end?
Begins September 2026 and concludes May 2027, with scheduled breaks.
Conclusion
The Leaders Africa Virtual Leadership Development Program equips emerging leaders with the skills, mentorship, and networks necessary to drive meaningful and sustainable change across Africa. Through values-based leadership training, collaborative peer learning, and one-on-one coaching, participants are prepared to expand their impact locally, nationally, and regionally.
For more information, visit The Barack Obama Foundation.
