Applications are now open for the I AM NALA Fellowship 2027, a leadership and political empowerment programme designed for young African women who are shaping peace, justice and political change. The fellowship is being offered by Nalafem and will support young women leaders who have experienced displacement and are working to influence political, peacebuilding and decision-making processes. The fellowship will run from January to July 2027 and will engage 20 young African women political leaders, including displaced Africans in the diaspora. The programme is particularly focused on women who are refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), stateless or otherwise displaced because of political or climate-related crises and insecurity. Applications for the 2027 cohort close on 31 October 2026. What Is the I AM NALA Fellowship? The I AM NALA Fellowship is focused on strengthening the leadership and political influence of young African women working in areas connected to peace, justice, democracy and social change. The programme provides fellows with opportunities to strengthen their technical and leadership capacities while building relationships with other women leaders across Africa and the diaspora. Through the fellowship, participants can gain access to: Leadership capacity-building and technical support Mentorship from experienced senior leaders and experts Solidarity and alliance-building opportunities Training and masterclasses Opportunities to strengthen political influence Networking with other young African women leaders Support for women participating in peacebuilding and political processes Potential opportunities for in-person engagement The fellowship is intended for women who can contribute meaningfully to negotiations, decision-making, democratic transitions, reconciliation and peacebuilding in their countries of origin or host countries. Who Can Apply for the I AM NALA Fellowship 2027? The programme is specifically targeted at young African women aged 18 to 40 who have experienced displacement. Applicants must be refugees, internally displaced persons, displaced women or stateless women. Displacement may have resulted from political or climate-related crises, insecurity or other circumstances affecting their ability to remain in their original communities or countries. Nalafem has emphasized that this requirement is essential. Applicants who are not refugees, IDPs, displaced or stateless will not be considered. Eligible candidates may include young women who are: Leaders of a campaign or women’s group Members of an existing consortium or collective focused on alliance building Engaged in cross-conflict negotiations Young women politicians currently serving in political office Organisers and advocates working for social or political change Peacebuilders involved in conflict prevention, reconciliation or peace processes Candidates should also demonstrate leadership connected to one or more of the demands outlined in the Africa Young Women Beijing +25 Manifesto and embrace the values promoted by Nalafem. Values Promoted by the Fellowship The I AM NALA Fellowship is grounded in a set of values that place solidarity, equality and justice at the centre of women’s leadership. The values include: Solidarity Social Justice Dignity Equity Decolonial Feminist Pan-Africanism These principles are intended to guide the participation of fellows as they work with other young women leaders and engage in political, peacebuilding and social transformation processes. What Will Fellows Do? The fellowship will provide a structured learning and mentorship environment throughout the January–July 2027 period. Fellows will participate in bi-monthly online sessions, including training sessions, masterclasses and dialogues. These sessions will enable participants to learn alongside mentors and senior leaders with extensive experience across different institutions and organisations. The programme will focus on strengthening the practical skills required by women aspiring to or already holding political leadership positions. Potential areas of engagement include negotiation, decision-making, political leadership, democratic transitions, reconciliation, peacebuilding, advocacy and alliance building. The fellowship may also include potential in-person engagements, providing additional opportunities for networking, learning and solidarity among participants. Why This Fellowship Matters Young African women affected by displacement often face significant barriers to political participation and leadership. The I AM NALA Fellowship seeks to strengthen the ability of these women to participate in decisions that affect their communities, countries and the wider continent. By bringing together 20 young women leaders from different contexts, the programme can also create opportunities for cross-border solidarity and knowledge exchange. For women already leading campaigns, organisations, political initiatives or peacebuilding efforts, the fellowship can provide additional mentorship, technical knowledge and connections needed to expand their influence. How to Apply for the I AM NALA Fellowship 2027 Interested candidates should complete the full I AM NALA Fellowship application form provided by Nalafem. Before applying, prospective fellows should ensure that they meet the programme’s displacement requirement and other eligibility criteria. Applicants should also clearly demonstrate their leadership experience, involvement in peacebuilding or political processes, and commitment to the values promoted by the fellowship. The application deadline is 31 October 2026. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date to avoid missing the opportunity. Final Thoughts The I AM NALA Fellowship 2027 presents an opportunity for young African women affected by displacement to strengthen their leadership, build solidarity and develop the skills required to influence political and peacebuilding processes. With mentorship, technical support, training, masterclasses and access to a network of other women leaders, the programme is designed for women who are already contributing to political, social justice, peacebuilding or advocacy efforts. Eligible women aged 18–40 who are refugees, IDPs, displaced or stateless should consider applying before the 31 October 2026 deadline. APPLY NOW Explore More Fellowships Like This Here For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. 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