Deadline: December 30, 2025
The Umholi we Africa Fellowship 2025 is now open for applications, offering an exceptional opportunity for young African professionals committed to public service and governance. This fully funded 12-month fellowship places emerging leaders directly within influential government and public-sector institutions across Africa. The Umholi we Africa Fellowship 2025 equips fellows with hands-on policy experience, leadership development, and deep exposure to governance systems.
Designed to empower ethical, analytical, and mission-driven changemakers, this programme supports participants to contribute to national transformation while building strong networks across the continent.
About the Opportunity
The Umholi we Africa Fellowship is a year-long, fully funded leadership experience that embeds fellows within high-impact public-sector offices in their home countries. Fellows work alongside ministers, senior policymakers, members of parliament, and other influential government actors.
Participants engage in a wide scope of governance-related functions, including:
- Policy analysis and research
- Public-sector project planning and management
- Strategic advisory tasks
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
- Governance, reform, and institutional strengthening
Throughout the fellowship, participants also receive intensive mentorship, leadership coaching, and training delivered through the AL for Governance network.
This opportunity is designed to develop a new generation of Africa-centred, values-driven public leaders committed to transparent and effective governance.
Eligibility
To qualify for the 2025 fellowship cycle, applicants must:
- Be African nationals
- Be graduates of either:
- African Leadership Academy (ALA), or
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme
- Hold at least a university degree
- Have a minimum of four years’ professional experience
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to public service, leadership, governance, or policymaking
- Possess strong analytical, interpersonal, and research skills
- Show interest in civic leadership, institutional transformation, and ethical governance
Benefits / Award Details
Selected fellows will receive:
- A fully funded 12-month placement in a public-sector leadership role
- Direct experience working at senior levels of government
- Access to leadership training and capacity-building workshops
- Mentorship and coaching from experienced governance leaders
- Opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development priorities
- A strong network of young African leaders across the continent
Application Requirements / Documents
Applicants will be required to provide:
- A completed online application form
- Details on professional experience and academic background
- Motivation responses demonstrating interest in public service
- Evidence of leadership capacity and readiness
- Any additional information requested by the programme portal
Timeline / Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 December 2025
Applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid last-minute delays.
How to Apply
All candidates must complete the official online application form through the programme’s dedicated portal. Applicants should prepare thoughtful responses that reflect their commitment to governance and public leadership.
Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Review of applications for eligibility and alignment
- Evaluation of leadership potential and professional experience
- Assessment of motivation for public service
- Possible interviews or additional screening steps
Final selections will be made based on demonstrated capacity, readiness for public-sector leadership, and commitment to Africa’s development.
Additional Information / Terms
- Fellows must be available for the full 12-month period
- Placements occur in the fellow’s home country unless otherwise arranged
- The fellowship is fully funded; no financial contribution is required
- Conditions and placement details vary based on host public-sector institutions
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