How To Apply for the Fully Funded ‘Umholi we Africa’ Fellowship 2026

Applications are open for Cohort 5 of the Umholi we Africa (UwA) Fellowship, a fully funded leadership programme designed to equip young African professionals with practical experience in public service, governance and policymaking.

The fellowship is organised by AL for Governance and Africa Career Networks, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. It provides selected candidates with opportunities to work alongside ministers, members of parliament and senior public-sector leaders in their home countries.

The 12-month programme aims to develop a new generation of ethical African leaders by exposing fellows to the policymaking process, public administration and institutional development.

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful applicants will gain hands-on experience in government and policy institutions while developing the skills needed to contribute to national development.

The programme offers professional placements, leadership training, mentorship and coaching. Fellows may support public-sector leaders with research, data collection, policy analysis, communications, project management and strategic planning.

Participants can be considered for three placement tracks:

• Executive Track: Opportunities within government ministries, executive offices and the offices of senior government officials.
• Legislative Track: Placements in parliaments, legislative institutions and the offices of lawmakers.
• Multilateral Track: Opportunities within regional, continental and other intergovernmental institutions.

The fellowship is designed to help participants build professional networks and develop the practical knowledge required for careers in public service and political or policy leadership.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship is targeted at young African professionals who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to improving governance across the continent.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of an African country.
• Be an alumnus or alumna of the African Leadership Academy (ALA), African Leadership University (ALU), or a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme participant, in accordance with the programme’s eligibility rules.
• Be 35 years old or younger.
• Hold at least a university degree or an equivalent qualification.
• Have a minimum of four years of full-time professional experience.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in public service, governance, policymaking or political leadership.

Applicants should also demonstrate integrity, adaptability, professional competence and a commitment to Africa’s development. Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Application Documents

Interested candidates should prepare the following documents:

• A completed Umholi we Africa Fellowship Cohort 5 application form.
• An updated curriculum vitae (CV).
• Copies of academic qualifications.
• Two recommendation letters from previous employers or other relevant authorities who can attest to their leadership potential and professional experience.

Applicants should ensure that all required documents are complete before submitting their applications.

How to Apply for the Umholi we Africa Fellowship

Eligible candidates should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Umholi we Africa Fellowship webpage to review the programme requirements.
2. Download and complete the official Cohort 5 application form.
3. Prepare your updated CV, academic qualifications and two recommendation letters.
4. Submit the completed application and supporting documents through the Africa Career Networks Career Portal, following the instructions provided by the programme.

Important: Applications must be submitted through the designated Career Portal. Applications sent directly by email will not be considered. Eligible alumni who do not yet have portal access should contact their scholarship coordinator to request assistance with registration.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the Umholi we Africa Fellowship Cohort 5 is 31 October 2026.

Applications are scheduled for evaluation in January and February 2027, with pre-fellowship training planned for June 2027.

Eligible African professionals seeking to build careers in governance, public administration and policymaking are encouraged to review the requirements and submit their applications before the deadline.

Apply here: Official Umholi we Africa Fellowship website