The WIA Young Leaders Programme is one of the most prestigious leadership initiatives designed specifically to identify, empower, and elevate young African women who are already making an impact across various sectors. Organized by Women in Africa Philanthropy, this highly competitive and fully funded program seeks to cultivate a new generation of influential women leaders who will shape the future of the African continent.
Women in Africa (WIA) Philanthropy is a foundation that aims to accelerate women’s leadership and entrepreneurship across Africa by providing access to knowledge, networks, and opportunities. The program partners with globally recognized institutions and companies such as Dior, Lazard, and KPMG to deliver world-class experiences and opportunities to selected participants.
WIA Young Leaders Programme Benefits
- High-level networking opportunities with CEOs, government ministers, global business leaders, and influential journalists
- Personalized mentorship with an international mentor providing strategic guidance, career development support, and leadership insights
- Advanced training programs including board-level training, media and communication coaching, leadership and career development sessions, and customized training tailored to individual needs
- Global visibility through media exposure, promotion through WIA platforms, and recognition as top African women leaders
- International learning expedition including a fully funded trip to a major global city (often Paris), participation in high-level workshops, meetings with global leaders and innovators, and exposure to international best practices
WIA Young Leaders Programme Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be between 25 and 40 years old (flexibility possible based on exceptional experience)
- Must be born in an African country OR have at least one parent born in an African country
- Open to candidates living in Africa or abroad; African diaspora applicants are fully eligible
- Ideally Anglophone, Francophone, or Lusophone; multilingual candidates are strongly preferred
- Must demonstrate strong leadership potential, proven impact in their field (entrepreneurship, policy, research, etc.), and active involvement in Africa’s development
- Expected to embody humility, empathy, resilience, vision for Africa’s future, and ability to take on high-level responsibilities
How to Apply for WIA Young Leaders Programme
- Visit the official application page at https://wia-philanthropy.com/wia-young-leaders/
- Complete the online application form with personal information, nationality, languages, educational background, professional experience, and motivation
- Optionally upload a CV
- Submit your application before the deadline of 3 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the WIA Young Leaders Programme. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
Who can apply for the WIA Young Leaders Programme?
All women aged 25 to 40, born in an African country or having parents born in an African country, are eligible. The program is open exclusively to women who are citizens of an African country, regardless of their country of residence. Applicants may live in Africa or abroad, provided they demonstrate a strong commitment to contributing positively to the development of the African continent.
Can members of the African diaspora apply?
Yes. Candidates who are citizens of an African country but currently living abroad are welcome to apply. Applicants may indicate their African nationality, any additional nationality, and their current country of residence.
What information will I need to provide in the application form?
Applicants will be asked to provide personal information (name, contact details, date of birth), nationality and country of residence, languages spoken, educational background, professional experience, current organization or initiative, leadership experience and impact, motivation for joining the program, and vision for Africa. Applicants may also upload a CV (optional).
How should I choose my sector?
Applicants should select the sector that best reflects their main professional activity or initiative. If their work spans several sectors, they may indicate a secondary sector. Sectors include Technology, AI & Digital Innovation; Finance, Investment & Fintech; Health & Life Sciences; Agriculture & Food Systems; Climate, Energy & Environment; Creative Industries; Industry, Manufacturing & Engineering; Infrastructure, Construction, Transport & Logistics; Entrepreneurship & Business Services; and Public Sector, NGOs & International Organizations.
What type of profiles are you looking for?
The program seeks high-potential leaders who are already demonstrating impact in their professional or entrepreneurial activities. This includes founders and entrepreneurs, executives and professionals, researchers and innovators, policy leaders and public sector professionals, and leaders in civil society and international organizations. Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to Africa, and a clear vision for the future.
How many Young Leaders are selected each year?
Each year, 10 Young Leaders are selected through a highly competitive selection process.
What are the main selection criteria?
Applications are reviewed by a jury based on several criteria, including leadership trajectory, demonstrated impact, commitment to Africa, clarity of vision for the future, and potential to benefit from and contribute to the WIA network.
Can I apply if I have applied before?
Yes. Candidates who applied in previous years are welcome to apply again.
What happens after I submit my application?
Applications are reviewed through several stages: eligibility screening, pre-selection review, jury evaluation, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted if additional information is required.
What do selected Young Leaders gain from the program?
Selected participants join a pan-African community of high-potential leaders and gain access to a network of senior African and international leaders, opportunities for visibility and recognition, participation in curated discussions and initiatives, and connections across sectors and countries.
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