The WIA Young Leaders Programme, launched by WIA Philanthropy in partnership with global organisations such as KPMG and Havas, continues to position itself as one of the most influential leadership development initiatives for young African women. Since its inception in 2021, the programme has focused on identifying, training, and amplifying the voices of emerging women leaders who are actively shaping a more dynamic, innovative, and inclusive Africa. At its core, the initiative is designed to address one of the continent’s most persistent challenges: the underrepresentation of women in senior leadership roles across business, governance, media, and entrepreneurship. By providing structured leadership training, mentorship, and global exposure, the programme helps participants unlock their full potential and accelerate their professional growth. A Comprehensive Leadership Development Experience The WIA Young Leaders Programme is more than a fellowship—it is a multi-dimensional leadership journey. Selected participants benefit from a carefully curated combination of training, visibility, and high-level networking opportunities. The programme includes: Board-level leadership training and career development coaching Media training to strengthen communication and public presence Customized coaching sessions tailored to individual leadership needs Mentorship from international leaders across industries High-level networking opportunities with CEOs, ministers, journalists, entrepreneurs, and public figures Learning expeditions to major global economic hubs for real-world exposure This blend of experiences ensures that participants not only develop technical leadership skills but also gain the strategic networks required to influence decision-making at the highest levels. Who Can Apply? The programme targets African women aged 25 to 40, although flexibility may be considered based on experience. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong leadership potential, resilience, and a clear commitment to Africa’s development. Eligibility criteria include: Being born in an African country or having African parentage Demonstrated leadership capacity and professional achievement Multilingual ability (preferably in English, French, or Portuguese) Strong engagement in social or economic development initiatives A vision aligned with driving positive change across the continent The programme prioritizes women who are already making tangible contributions in their fields and are ready to scale their impact. Visibility, Mentorship, and Global Exposure One of the most distinctive features of the WIA Young Leaders Programme is its strong emphasis on visibility and storytelling. Participants are actively promoted through WIA’s communication channels and media networks, giving them a platform to amplify their work and influence. Each selected participant is also paired with an experienced international mentor, offering personalized guidance on leadership challenges, career progression, and strategic decision-making. In addition, the programme includes a learning expedition, typically organized in a major global economic capital, allowing participants to engage directly with international institutions, corporations, and innovation ecosystems. Building a Pan-African Leadership Network Since its launch, the programme has built a growing network of 43 alumnae, many of whom now hold influential roles across Africa and globally. These alumnae represent a diverse range of sectors including finance, public policy, entrepreneurship, media, and international development. This alumni network continues to serve as a powerful ecosystem of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and opportunity creation for future cohorts. Exclusive Insights: Why the WIA Young Leaders Programme Stands Out The WIA Young Leaders Programme stands out because it goes beyond traditional leadership training by integrating visibility, influence, and access to decision-making spaces. Many leadership programmes focus solely on skill development, but WIA combines training with real-world exposure to power structures where decisions are made. Elite access to leadership spaces: Participants interact directly with CEOs, ministers, and global influencers, which accelerates career trajectory. Media positioning as a leadership tool: Unlike many programmes, WIA intentionally builds participants’ public profiles, helping them become recognized voices in their sectors. Cross-sector leadership development: The programme is not limited to one industry, enabling participants to build interdisciplinary leadership skills. Mentorship at international scale: Each participant receives one-on-one mentorship from global leaders, creating personalized growth pathways. Pan-African identity building: The programme strengthens a shared identity among African women leaders, fostering continental collaboration. Pipeline for decision-making roles: Many alumnae transition into senior leadership, policy advisory, or entrepreneurial roles after completion. Soft power development: Participants learn how to influence narratives, not just participate in systems. Long-term ecosystem impact: The alumnae network functions as a leadership pipeline that continues to generate opportunities across Africa and beyond. Ultimately, the programme is not only shaping individual careers but also contributing to a broader transformation of leadership culture across the African continent. 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 that is 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. 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 LEARN MORE & APPLY