Deadline: January 30, 2026
The Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded leadership programme designed to strengthen public health leadership across Africa. The fellowship equips experienced public health professionals with advanced leadership, strategic, and management skills required to drive impactful health programmes and policies across the continent.
The Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership 2026 is implemented under the leadership of Africa CDC and targets senior professionals who are already shaping health systems and outcomes in African Union Member States.
Fellowship Overview
The Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership is a high-level capacity-building programme focused on developing a new generation of transformative public health leaders. Fellows will engage in a blended learning experience combining in-person residential sessions and virtual leadership modules.
The programme is structured to enhance leadership effectiveness, systems thinking, policy influence, and programme management while addressing real-world public health challenges facing Africa.
Who Should Apply
This fellowship is open to senior and mid-to-senior level public health professionals from African Union Member States who meet the following criteria:
- Must be a citizen of an African Union Member State
- Must hold a postgraduate degree in a public health-related field such as (but not limited to):
- Public Health
- Medicine
- One Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy and Management
- Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Mental Health
- Health Economics
- Animal Health or related disciplines
- Must have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience after obtaining a master’s degree
- Must be in full-time employment in a health-related role within a public or private institution in Africa
- Must demonstrate strong leadership capacity, influence, and a proven track record in public health practice or policy
Fellowship Benefits (Fully Funded)
The Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership 2026 is fully funded. Selected fellows will receive:
- Full coverage of international and local travel costs for programme activities
- Daily subsistence allowances during in-person sessions
- Health and travel insurance for the duration of residential modules
- Access to all learning materials and required digital tools
- Participation in both virtual and in-person leadership development sessions
Fellowship Structure and Learning Experience
Fellows will participate in:
- Intensive leadership training delivered through a blended learning model
- Practical leadership and management modules focused on real public health systems
- Peer learning and collaboration with public health leaders from across Africa
- A leadership challenge project addressing a critical public health issue
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents as part of their application:
1. Employer Support Letter
A formal letter from the employer confirming support and approval for the applicant to be released to fully participate in the fellowship programme.
2. Letters of Recommendation
Two professional letters of recommendation from referees who can attest to the applicant’s leadership capacity, experience, and impact in public health.
3. Personal Statement (Maximum 400 Words)
The personal statement should clearly outline:
- Leadership experience and professional achievements
- Vision for advancing public health outcomes in Africa
- Motivation for applying to the fellowship
- Commitment to leadership growth and service
4. Leadership Challenge Project Proposal (Maximum 400 Words)
The proposal must include:
- Project title
- Description of a specific public health challenge
- Population affected and why the issue is significant
- Proposed strategy or intervention
- Expected outcomes and potential impact
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by an independent selection panel composed of experts from the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, and global partners. Selection is merit-based and guided by principles of inclusivity, diversity, and gender balance, with particular attention to underrepresented groups.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 January 2026
- Notification of Successful Applicants: Around 30 April 2026
- Programme Start Date: June 2026
Why Apply for the Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership 2026
This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to:
- Strengthen high-level leadership and strategic decision-making skills
- Influence health policy and programme implementation across Africa
- Join an elite network of public health leaders and change-makers
- Design and implement a leadership project with real-world impact
Support for Proposal Drafting and Review
Need help with your personal statement or leadership challenge project?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review support to strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.
