Women in Africa (WIA) Young Leaders Programme 2026 for young African Women Leaders

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Applications are open for Women in Africa (WIA) Young Leaders Programme 2026. Since 2021, the WIA Young Leaders programme has aimed to support and highlight young African women who are actively contributing to building a dynamic, innovative, and inclusive Africa.

This initiative is part of the fight for equal opportunities and enables the training of young African women leaders by providing quality support in their professional careers and social advancement, helping them fully realize their potential.

WIA Young Leaders Programme Benefits

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.
MENTORSHIP
- Each awardee is assigned a mentor (an international leader profile).
LEARNING EXPEDITION
- in the third quarter with a business trip organized in a major global economic capital.

Eligibility Criteria

25 to 40 years old
- Flexibility possible depending on experience level
African
- Born in an African country or having parents born in an African country
Francophone, Anglophone, Lusophone
- Ideally speaking several languages
Leadership skills
- Humility, empathy, resilience
Involvement and vision
- Involvement in the development of the continent
Self-made
- & Ability to take on responsibilities at the highest level

Programme Timeline

Call for applications – April 2 – May 3rd, 2026
- Each year, the WIA Young Leaders program opens its call for applications, inviting talented young African women to apply. This phase seeks to attract candidates with strong potential.
Selection process – May 6, 2026
- 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.
Interview with the Jury – JUNE – JULY 2026
- 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.
SEPTEMBER 2026 Official announcement
- 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.