The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African School of Governance, and the African Women Leaders Network, has opened applications for the inaugural African Academy for Women in Political Leadership. This fully funded continental initiative is designed to strengthen women’s political leadership and increase their representation in governance across Africa. The programme will select 30 women leaders for a high-impact learning experience combining virtual training and a residential convening in Kigali. It targets women who are already in political leadership roles or actively pursuing political office, with the aim of preparing them to lead at the highest levels of decision-making. Purpose of the Academy Women remain significantly underrepresented in political leadership across Africa. Even when they attain leadership positions, they often operate within systems that do not fully support or enable inclusive governance. The Academy was created to address this gap by equipping women with the skills, networks, and strategic tools needed to influence political systems and drive reform. It is positioned as a continental public good, rooted in African leadership and co-designed through consultations held in Kigali in 2025. Its broader goal is to build a new generation of women political leaders capable of shaping governance, policy, and institutional reform across the continent. Programme Structure and Learning Experience The Academy is a four-week blended programme combining online learning, in-person convening, mentorship, and practical leadership development. Participants will engage in intensive training covering: Political leadership and governance systems Strategic communication and public engagement Coalition-building and legislative processes Political campaigning and financing Ethical leadership and inclusive governance In addition to structured learning, participants will receive mentorship from senior African political leaders and take part in applied leadership exercises designed to reflect real political environments. Importantly, the programme is fully funded, covering tuition, travel, accommodation, and all related costs for the residential component in Kigali. Who Should Apply? Applications are open to women across all African Union member states who are either currently in political leadership or actively pursuing elected or appointed office. Eligible profiles include: 1. Electoral Cycle LeadersWomen preparing for elections within the next 12–36 months, including candidates, campaign strategists, sitting MPs seeking re-election, and individuals pursuing higher office. 2. Sitting Political LeadersCurrent officeholders such as ministers, parliamentarians, senators, governors, mayors, speakers, and senior political party officials. 3. Young Women Leaders (Aged 21–35)Emerging leaders with demonstrated political ambition or leadership potential, including those active in political parties, civic movements, or public institutions. The programme strongly encourages applications from women with disabilities and those from fragile or transitional political contexts. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following requirements: Be a female citizen of an African Union member state Be at least 21 years old at the time of nomination Demonstrate active political engagement or clear political ambition Receive formal endorsement from a government institution, political party, or recognised authority Commit to full participation in the programme and post-programme alumni engagement Selection Process Selection will be competitive and merit-based, conducted by a joint panel comprising UNDP, AUC, AWLN, and ASG representatives. The final cohort will reflect: Regional balance across all five African regions (maximum two participants per country) At least 60% of participants from countries with upcoming elections (12–36 months) At least 40% representation of young women aged 21–35 Linguistic diversity across Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone, and Arabophone regions Balanced representation across executive, legislative, and party leadership roles This approach ensures inclusivity, fairness, and strategic continental representation. Application Requirements Applicants must be nominated by government institutions, political parties, AU bodies, or civil society organisations. Self-nominations are accepted if supported by formal institutional endorsement. Each application must include: An official nomination or endorsement letter A CV (maximum two pages) A personal statement (up to 1,000 words) outlining leadership experience, motivation, and vision Why This Programme Matters Political leadership structures across Africa continue to face gender imbalance, limiting the inclusion of women in decision-making processes. This Academy directly responds to that gap by investing in women who are already shaping or preparing to shape political systems. It provides: Advanced leadership training tailored to political realities Access to mentorship from experienced African leaders A pan-African network of women political actors Practical tools for campaigning, governance, and reform By combining training with real-world political context, the programme strengthens both individual leadership capacity and broader democratic governance systems. Final Thoughts The African Academy for Women in Political Leadership represents a significant investment in the future of governance across the continent. By empowering women who are already active or emerging in politics, the initiative seeks to reshape leadership structures and strengthen democratic institutions. With a deadline of 15 May 2026, eligible candidates are encouraged to apply or be nominated. This programme is not only about training leaders—it is about accelerating a new generation of women who will actively define Africa’s political future. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. 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