The Women in Africa young leaders program is a highly competitive, fully funded leadership initiative launched in 2021 to identify and empower exceptional young African women who are already making an impact in their fields. It focuses on developing the next generation of female leaders by providing advanced training, mentorship from global experts, and access to high-level networks including CEOs, policymakers, and industry leaders. Participants also gain international exposure through a learning expedition and increased visibility through media platforms.
The aim of the program is to promote gender equality, strengthen leadership capacity, and equip African women with the tools and opportunities needed to drive inclusive growth and transformation across the continent
Who is WIA
The Women in Africa Philanthropy or WIA s a pan-African non-profit foundation focused on empowering and advancing African women leaders and entrepreneurs. Established in 2016, it works to support economic development and inclusive growth across the continent by providing women with access to training, mentorship, funding opportunities, and influential networks. Its core mission is to amplify the impact of women who are already driving change by connecting them to the knowledge, visibility, and partnerships they need to scale their influence.
Program benefits
The WIA young leaders program comes with numerous benefits including:
- High-level Networking with CEOs, ministers, journalists, public figures, accomplished business leaders, and entrepreneurs.
- Training program with board training, media training, career coaching, women’s leadership, customized training based on individual needs.
- Visibility through WIA’s communication channels and media presence.
- Each awardee is assigned a mentor (an international leader profile).
- Leadership expedition in the third quarter with a business trip organized in a major global economic capital.
Eligibility
Qualified candidates must:
- Be an African female
- Be aged 25 to 40 years
- Francophone, Anglophone, Lusophone – Ideally speaking several languages
- Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to Africa
- Be actively engaged in a professional, entrepreneurial, research or leadership role
How to apply
Interested applicants are to apply online via the website linked below.
Selection criteria and program stages
- Candidates are carefully reviewed based on their academic achievements, career success, leadership abilities, and commitment to making a positive impact. The selection committee narrows down the pool to a shortlist of outstanding individuals.
- Shortlisted candidates proceed to a final interview stage, where they meet with a panel of 12 international jury members. These interviews allow candidates to showcase their ambitions, leadership potential, and personal journeys.
- Once the selection process is complete, the new cohort of WIA Young Leaders is officially announced online and in the press. This public announcement celebrates the achievements and potential of these outstanding young African women and introduces them to a global audience.
Application deadline
The application deadline is on May 3rd, 2026.
For more details visit the Women in Africa young leaders program official site.
