Léo Africa Young & Emerging Leaders Project 2026 for Young African Leaders

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Applications are open for Léo Africa Young & Emerging Leaders Project 2026. The Young and Emerging Leaders Project (YELP) is a fellowship program of the LéO Africa Institute that inducts young thought leaders into a fellowship program of six months.

The fellowship brings together young, dynamic and influential thought leaders from East Africa to train and orient them for leadership focused on shaping the next generation of leaders in East Africa.

The fellowship is structured around three core seminars that focus on three key areas: Values, Ethics & Philosophy of Leadership; Political Economy & Development; and Media, Art & Technology. Through these seminars, fellows engage in discussions about leadership, politics, economics, media and the arts.

Young & Emerging Leaders Project Program Pillars

Leadership Development
- Cultivating ethical, innovative, and effective leadership skills through structured seminars and mentorship.
Innovation
- Fostering creative solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges through collaborative learning.
Impact
- Creating lasting positive change across the African continent through values-based leadership.

Fellowship Structure

A transformative six-month journey through three intensive seminars designed to shape Africa’s next generation of leaders.

Values, Ethics & Philosophy
- Exploring foundational principles of ethical leadership and developing a strong value system rooted in African identity.
Political Economy & Development
- Understanding the intersection of politics, economics, and sustainable development across the African continent.
Media, Art & Technology
- Leveraging media, arts, and technology as powerful tools for social change and transformational leadership.

Young & Emerging Leaders Project Benefits

Participants will gain access to leadership development training designed to strengthen their capacity for influence and decision-making.
They will join a network of like-minded young leaders across Africa, creating opportunities for collaboration and shared learning.
The program provides exposure to policy conversations, governance discussions, and thought leadership platforms.
Participants will also benefit from mentorship and guidance from experienced leaders and professionals.