Deadline: December 3, 2025
The FES Young Leaders Training Programme 2026 is a comprehensive leadership development initiative designed to strengthen political participation and promote democratic values among emerging leaders. This programme provides young people with the skills, knowledge and platform needed to become influential actors within their communities, civil society organisations, trade unions and political parties. The FES Young Leaders Training Programme 2026 stands out as one of the most impactful capacity-building opportunities for young Cameroonians committed to driving social change.
About the Opportunity
The Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) is offering a dedicated training programme aimed at empowering young leaders who demonstrate strong engagement in political or social spheres. Rooted in the values of social democracy—freedom, justice and solidarity—the programme seeks to enhance the leadership potential of participants through structured modules and hands-on learning.
A total of 25 young leaders will be selected for the 2026 cohort. The training will consist of eight (8) intensive sessions, each lasting two days (Thursday and Friday), delivered monthly from March to October 2026. Depending on the session, training will be conducted in person or online via Zoom.
Topics include:
- Political leadership
- Strategic communication
- Democratic values
- Operational and managerial tools for organisational effectiveness
Eligibility
To qualify for this programme, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
- Reside in Cameroon.
- Be available to attend all eight sessions between March and October 2026.
- Hold a university degree or be in the process of completing their first degree.
- Demonstrate active political or social involvement.
- Be involved in an organisation/project, trade union or political party.
Benefits / Award Details
Selected participants will receive:
- High-quality leadership and political training delivered by experienced facilitators.
- Exposure to a multi-perspective understanding of political processes and democratic participation.
- Skills in communication, organisation, advocacy and leadership strategy.
- Access to a strong network of young leaders across Cameroon.
- Opportunities to strengthen engagement within their respective institutions and communities.
Application Requirements / Documents
Applicants will be required to complete the official online form and provide:
- Personal and educational information
- Details of political, social or organisational involvement
- Motivation for applying
- Relevant supporting details as requested in the form
Timeline / Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 3 December 2025
- Shortlisting Phase: January 2026
- Interviews: January–February 2026 (held either in Yaoundé or online)
- Training Period: March – October 2026 (eight 2-day monthly sessions)
How to Apply
Eligible applicants must complete the official online application form through the programme’s designated portal.
Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Initial screening of submitted applications
- Shortlisting of qualified candidates
- Interview stage conducted in January–February 2026
Only 25 applicants will be chosen for the final cohort.
Additional Information / Terms
Training sessions may involve a combination of in-person and online engagements depending on the module’s requirements. Applicants should ensure full availability for all scheduled sessions.
Host Organisation
The initiative is hosted by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES), an organisation dedicated to promoting democracy, political education, human rights and social justice worldwide.
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