Atlantic Fellows Programs: Global Opportunities for Social Change Leaders

Explore leadership opportunities connected to the Atlantic Fellows network, including the Obama Foundation Leaders Africa programme for emerging leaders across Africa.

Leadership programmes can provide professionals and community changemakers with opportunities to strengthen their skills, build networks and develop solutions to challenges affecting their communities. The Obama Foundation’s Leaders Africa programme is an eight-month hybrid leadership journey for 35 leaders from across the African continent.

The Obama Foundation Leaders Africa programme brings together leaders from the public sector, civil society and private sector who have a clear issue focus and can demonstrate the impact of their work.

The programme focuses on values-based leadership, relationship-building and learning across the African continent.

The 2026–2027 cohort has already been selected.

What Does the Programme Include?

Participants take part in several forms of leadership development, including:

Weekly Group Learning Sessions

Weekly virtual sessions cover leadership frameworks, discussions with regional experts and interactive small-group activities.

Monthly Community Groups

Participants join learning groups that encourage peer learning, relationship-building and reflection on African leadership experiences and issues.

Individualized Leadership and Regional Coaching

Leaders receive coaching designed to help them clarify goals, explore ideas, develop their leadership objectives and examine regional challenges and opportunities.

Who Is the Programme For?

Leaders Africa is designed for people working across public, civil society and private-sector settings who have a demonstrated focus on an issue and can show the impact of their work.

The programme brings together participants from different African countries and professional backgrounds.

2026–2027 Application Status

The application period for the 2026–2027 Leaders Africa programme is closed.

The Obama Foundation advises prospective applicants to check its website for updates about the 2027–2028 Leaders application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leaders Africa?

Leaders Africa is an eight-month hybrid leadership programme organized by the Obama Foundation for leaders from across Africa.

How many leaders participate?

The 2026–2027 programme cohort includes 35 leaders from across the African continent.

Is Leaders Africa fully online?

The programme is described as hybrid, with weekly virtual learning sessions alongside other programme activities.

What does the programme focus on?

It focuses on values-based leadership, relationship-building, peer learning, coaching and issue-based challenges affecting communities and the wider African region.

Are applications currently open?

No. According to the information provided, applications for the 2026–2027 programme are closed. The Obama Foundation says applicants should check back for information about the 2027–2028 application.

Important Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the Obama Foundation and do not recruit applicants or administer the Leaders Africa programme. Applicants should always confirm programme details and future application dates through the official Obama Foundation website.

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