Are you a young African leader with a passion for driving positive change in your community? The YALI West Africa Emerging Leaders Program is now accepting applications for its 51st cohort in 2024/2025.
This fully-funded fellowship provides an incredible opportunity to gain leadership skills, network with like-minded changemakers, and make a real impact.
About the YALI West Africa Emerging Leaders Program
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was launched in 2010 to invest in the next generation of African leaders.
The West Africa program, based at the Regional Leadership Center (RLC) in Accra, Ghana, trains young leaders from across the region to strengthen their leadership skills and better serve their communities.
During the intensive 5-week residential program, fellows take part in leadership training, coursework, mentoring, and networking.
The curriculum focuses on three tracks:
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Civic Leadership
- Public Management
Upon completing the program, fellows gain access to ongoing professional development opportunities, funding, and an incredible network of alumni across West Africa and beyond.
To date, nearly 5,400 young leaders have graduated from the YALI West Africa program.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the YALI West Africa Emerging Leaders Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Be a citizen and resident of one of the following countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, or Togo
- Have a strong track record of leadership in their community, organization, or business
- Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English
- Be available to participate in the entire 5-week program
Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously participated in a YALI program. Women, minorities and marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
The application for the 2024/2025 YALI West Africa Emerging Leaders Program is now open!
To apply, candidates must:
- Create an account on the YALI Network at https://yali.state.gov/
- Submit the online application, which includes:
- Biographical information
- Educational and professional experience
- Responses to essay questions
- English language proficiency
- A resume/CV
- Two letters of recommendation
Deadline
The application deadline is September 15, 2024. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. All applications must be submitted online through the YALI portal.
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated by an independent selection panel. Semi-finalists will be invited to participate in an interview. Final decisions will be made based on the written application, interview, and overall fit for the program.
All applicants will be notified of their status by December 2024. Selected fellows must be available to travel to Ghana for the full 5-week program in early 2025. The fellowship covers all program costs including travel, lodging, meals, and course materials.
Why Apply?
The YALI West Africa Emerging Leaders Program is a life-changing opportunity. Fellows gain world-class leadership training, professional development, and access to an unparalleled network of changemakers.
Many alumni have gone on to launch impactful ventures, advance their careers, and drive transformative change in their countries. Notable alumni include:
- Yvonne Ike, Managing Director & Head of Sub Saharan Africa at Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- Mahmud Johnson, Founder of J-Palm Liberia which produces consumer goods from palm kernels
- Jamila Mayanja, Founder of Smart Girls Uganda which provides STEM education to girls
By investing in the next generation of leaders, YALI is building a brighter, more prosperous future for West Africa.
If you have the passion, potential and commitment to create change, this fellowship could be the catalyst you need.
Apply now and become part of the YALI legacy!
Learn More
Have questions about the YALI West Africa Emerging Leaders Program? Check out these resources:
You can also connect with the YALI Network on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news and opportunities.
The future of West Africa is bright, and it starts with leaders like you.
Take the first step in your leadership journey and apply to the YALI West Africa Emerging Leaders Program today!
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