For many ambitious women across Africa, reaching the highest levels of corporate or political power can feel like a lonely journey. Even with great skills, the lack of a powerful network or a global stage often slows down the growth of talented female leaders. Finding a place that offers both expert Career Coaching and a chance to meet world-class decision-makers is rare, yet it is exactly what is needed to close the gender gap in leadership.
Join our Telegram Channel for Instant Scholarship Updates
The 2026 Women in Africa (WIA) Young Leaders Programme, supported by KPMG and Havas, is a prestigious Professional Development initiative for women who want to change the continent. This Fully Funded program is built to turn high potential women into global icons. By offering High Level Networking and an exclusive business trip, WIA ensures that African women are not just part of the room but are leading the conversation. It is a life-changing chance for anyone seeking a Leadership Fellowship that combines local impact with global exposure.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
2026 Women in Africa (WIA) Young Leaders Programme Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Women In Africa (WIA) Philanthropy |
| Partner Organizations | KPMG and Havas Paris |
| Target Audience | African Women (25 to 40 years) |
| Primary Benefit | Full Sponsorship and Learning Expedition |
| Program Type | Training and Mentorship |
| Gender Focus | Females Only |
| Application Deadline | May 3 2026 |
About the Initiative 2026
The WIA Young Leaders Programme is a strategic talent accelerator managed by WIA Philanthropy to elevate the voices of African women. Since 2021, this initiative has worked with global giants like KPMG and Lazard to provide board level training and social advancement opportunities. This is not a basic classroom course; it is an immersive experience where 10 selected leaders join an elite network of alumnae who are already making waves in finance, policy, and tech. The program is designed to give you the Visibility and the tools needed to handle high level responsibilities in an inclusive and innovative Africa.
Core Objectives of the Program
- To identify and support young women who show great Leadership Trajectory
- To provide high level Training in board governance and media relations
- To build a Pan African network that fosters collaboration across borders
Benefits of the 2026 Women in Africa (WIA) Young Leaders Programme
- Full Sponsorship covering international flights and accommodation
- Personalized Mentorship from international business leaders
- Exclusive Business Trip to a global economic capital (Learning Expedition)
- Expert Career Coaching and customized leadership modules
- Massive Visibility through WIA’s international media channels
Eligibility and Requirements of the 2026 Women in Africa (WIA) Young Leaders Programme
- Gender and Age: You must be a woman aged between 25 and 40 years old
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of an African country (diaspora is welcome)
- Language: Ability to speak English, French, or Portuguese is a plus
- Professional Status: You must be active in business, research, or a leadership role
- Character: You should demonstrate humility, empathy, and strong resilience
- Commitment: You must show a clear vision for the development of Africa
Step by Step Application Guide for the 2026 Women in Africa (WIA) Young Leaders Programme
Phase 1: Leadership Profile Audit
- Review your career path to highlight your most impactful Leadership Trajectory
- Collect proof of your professional achievements or entrepreneurial success
- Prepare a clean version of your CV, though it is optional, it helps your profile
- Make sure you have your national ID or passport ready to prove your African citizenship
Phase 2: Technical Application Setup
- Go to the official WIA Philanthropy portal or use the direct Typeform link
- Use a stable internet connection to avoid errors during the submission
- Ensure you have enough time to answer the detailed motivation questions
- Check that your email address is active for all future correspondence
Phase 3: Drafting Your Vision Statement
- Write a strong response about your vision for Africa’s future development
- Explain how the WIA network will help you scale your current social or economic impact
- Highlight your “self-made” background or any unique challenges you have overcome
- Be clear about why you need this specific Career Coaching and global exposure
Phase 4: Formal Submission
- Fill in all required fields including your sector (like Fintech, Health, or Agriculture)
- Upload your CV if you choose to include it to strengthen your application
- Double check your contact details before clicking the final submit button
- Save a screenshot of the confirmation page for your records
Phase 5: Selection and Interview Phase
- Wait for the May selection process where a committee reviews all academic and career records
- If shortlisted, prepare for a high level interview with a panel of 12 international jury members
- Monitor the official announcement in September 2026 to see the new cohort
- Get ready for the Learning Expedition in Paris planned for October or November 2026
Jamnet Expert Advice
- Use the SMART Method: Be Specific about your leadership goals, make sure your impact is Measurable, and stay Relevant to the WIA mission of inclusive growth.
- Apply the STAR Technique: When answering the application questions, describe a Situation you handled, the Task involved, the Action you took, and the positive Result.
- Main Emphasis: Focus heavily on your ability to work in a team and your commitment to public or private dialogue.
- Proactive Tip: Do not wait until the last day because the selection committee starts looking for high potential candidates as soon as applications open.
Deadline: May 3 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the 2026 Women in Africa (WIA) Young Leaders Programme
- Can I apply if I live in Europe or the US? Yes, as long as you are a citizen of an African country, you can apply from anywhere.
- Is there any cost for the program? No, the program is fully sponsored including flights and accommodation. You only pay for your visa.
- How many people are selected? Only 10 Young Leaders are chosen each year for this exclusive cohort.
- What age group is this for? It is for women between 25 and 40 years old, but they are flexible if you have great experience.
- Which sectors are eligible? All sectors including Tech, Finance, Agriculture, Health, and Public Policy are welcome.
- Do I need to be an entrepreneur? No, professionals, researchers, and civil society leaders are all encouraged to apply.
- What is the Learning Expedition? It is a business trip to a major city like Paris for networking and workshops.
- Is the CV compulsory? No, the application form says the CV is optional, but it is highly recommended.
- When is the final announcement? The new cohort is officially announced in September 2026.
- Do I need to speak French? It is helpful but not mandatory as they welcome English and Portuguese speakers too.
