Obama Foundation Fellowship Opportunities for Emerging Civic Leaders

Explore Obama Foundation leadership opportunities for emerging civic leaders in Africa, including the eight-month Leaders Africa programme and its 2027–2028 application updates.

The Obama Foundation Leaders Africa programme offers an eight-month hybrid leadership journey for 35 leaders from across the African continent. The programme focuses on values-based leadership, peer learning, relationship-building and leadership development.

Leaders Africa brings together people working across the public sector, civil society and private sector who have a clear issue focus and can demonstrate the impact of their work.

The programme is designed to help participants build relationships with fellow leaders while developing their leadership skills and exploring challenges affecting communities across Africa.

What Does the Programme Offer?

Participants take part in several development activities.

Weekly Group Learning

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

Monthly Community Groups

Participants join learning groups that encourage peer learning, deeper relationships and reflection on leadership experiences and issues across Africa.

Leadership and Regional Coaching

Participants receive individualized coaching to help clarify goals, develop ideas, work toward development objectives and explore regional challenges and opportunities.

Who Can Participate?

The programme identifies leaders from public, civil society and private-sector backgrounds who have a defined issue focus and can demonstrate the impact of their work.

The programme is specifically designed for leaders from across the African continent.

2026–2027 Application Status

Applications for the 2026–2027 Obama Foundation Leaders Africa programme are now closed.

The Obama Foundation has announced that prospective applicants should check back for updates concerning the 2027–2028 Obama Leaders application.

The current cohort consists of 35 leaders representing countries across Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Obama Foundation Leaders Africa programme?

It is an eight-month hybrid leadership development programme connecting 35 leaders from across Africa.

Is the Obama Foundation Leaders Africa programme a fellowship?

It is a leadership development programme. The headline uses “fellowship opportunities,” but the official page describes Leaders Africa as a leadership journey rather than a traditional academic fellowship.

What does Leaders Africa focus on?

The programme focuses on values-based leadership, relationship-building, peer learning, coaching and issue-based challenges.

Is the 2026–2027 application still open?

No. The official Obama Foundation page states that applications for the 2026–2027 programme are closed.

When will the next application open?

The information provided does not give a specific opening date for the 2027–2028 application. The Obama Foundation advises interested applicants to check back for updates.

Important Disclaimer

This article is published for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the Obama Foundation and do not recruit applicants or administer its programmes. Applicants should verify future eligibility requirements, application dates and programme details through the official Obama Foundation website.

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