The Umholi we Africa Fellowship, a flagship initiative of the AL for Governance Network, is now accepting applications for its fourth cohort. Fully funded by the Effrusy Family Foundation, the fellowship advances a bold mission: strengthening youth representation in public leadership by placing talented young Africans in impactful government and policy roles across the continent. Since its launch in 2023, the program has created a platform for emerging leaders to develop hands-on experience while contributing to national development efforts in their home countries. About the Fellowship Umholi we Africa (UwA) was established to address the persistent underrepresentation of young people in African public institutions. By connecting high-potential youth leaders with senior policymakers, ministers, parliamentarians, and other influential public figures, the program creates meaningful pathways into governance, policy formulation, and public service. The fellowship is specifically designed for graduates of African Leadership Academy (ALA) and Mastercard Foundation Scholars. These individuals bring strong academic backgrounds, demonstrated leadership capacity, and a commitment to public impact. Through structured support and immersive work placements, UwA equips fellows with the skills needed to excel in public leadership while contributing to real-time policy and administrative tasks. To date, 30 fellows have served in leadership offices across the continent. Their contributions have ranged from legislative research and budget analysis to community engagement and strategic communication. Fellows gain an understanding of governance from the inside, enabling them to influence decision-making and develop as ethical leaders committed to public transformation. Fellowship Structure and Timeline The UwA Fellowship places selected candidates in their home countries to ensure cultural relevance, local impact, and a deeper connection to national priorities. Fellows serve for 12 months, with a possible extension to 18 months depending on performance and organizational need. Start Date: July 2026 Pre-Fellowship Training: May 2026 All positions are fully funded, and fellows receive a monthly stipend to support their participation throughout the program. Responsibilities of the Fellow Throughout the placement, the fellow will work closely with high-level public leaders. Responsibilities include: Supporting ministers, parliamentarians, and senior public leaders through research, data collection, and policy analysis. Assisting with strategic project planning, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation processes. Drafting policy briefs, speeches, reports, and official communication materials. Coordinating stakeholder consultations, community outreach, and sector engagements. Participating in structured leadership training sessions and receiving personalized coaching from the AL for Governance Network. This role requires a combination of analytical ability, ethical leadership, strong communication skills, and a commitment to public service. Fellows are expected to embrace a learning mindset while contributing actively to national priorities and governance initiatives. Ideal Candidate Profile The program seeks ethical, motivated young Africans who are passionate about governance, public service, and political or policy leadership. Strong candidates will demonstrate maturity, integrity, and the ability to collaborate within high-pressure environments. Eligibility Requirements To be considered for the UwA Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria: Be an African national. Be a graduate of African Leadership Academy (ALA) or the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Hold a minimum of a university degree. Possess at least four years of professional experience. Demonstrate a clear passion for public leadership, policy influence, or governance. These requirements ensure that fellows are equipped to contribute meaningfully to leadership offices while benefiting from the program’s intensive professional development components. Key Dates Applicants should take note of the following timeline: Applications Open: November 7, 2025 Applications Close: December 30, 2025 Interviews: January and February 2026 Early submission is encouraged to allow sufficient time for screening and follow-up. How to Apply Interested applicants must complete the following steps: Download the official application form via:https://lnkd.in/eCVrMMFm Submit the completed application form, along with a current CV and academic qualifications, through the ACN Careers Portal:https://lnkd.in/eyhaKiCH Only complete submissions will be considered. A Call to Africa’s Future Public Leaders The Umholi we Africa Fellowship represents more than a professional opportunity; it is a movement dedicated to cultivating a generation of ethical, visionary African leaders capable of driving institutional transformation. By joining this fellowship, successful candidates become part of a growing community committed to shaping public policy, strengthening democratic governance, and advancing national development across the continent. Young Africans who aspire to lead, serve, and contribute to building effective governance systems are encouraged to apply and take up this opportunity to influence Africa’s future. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.