The UNDP African Academy for Women in Political Leadership 2026 for emerging women political leaders (Fully Funded to Kigali, Rwanda)

Application Deadline:  15 May 2026

Applications at the moment are open for the 2026 African Academy for Women in Political Leadership. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the African School of Governance (ASG), the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), at the moment opened functions for the inaugural cohort of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, a continental programme designed to construct the subsequent technology of women who govern Africa.

Thirty women will probably be chosen for a completely funded, four-week blended programme combining digital studying with a residential convening in Kigali. Nominations at the moment are open to authorities establishments, political events, AU member state our bodies, and civil society organisations throughout all 5 African areas.

The Academy is anchored in African management and possession, and is positioned as a continental public good. It builds on the curriculum framework developed and validated by means of an inclusive co-design course of held in Kigali in October 2025.

The four-week blended programme combines high-impact digital studying, an immersive residential convening, mentorship from senior African leaders, and utilized management follow. The curriculum covers:

• Political management and governance
• Strategic communications
• Coalition-building and legislative processes
• Campaign and political financing
• Ethical management and inclusive governance

Benefits

• All programme prices, together with tuition, journey, and lodging for the residential convening, are totally lined for chosen contributors.

Applications are open to women who’re at present holding, or credibly pursuing, elected or appointed political workplace wherever in Africa. Eligible profiles embrace:

• Electoral Cycle Leaders: Women from nations scheduled for presidential or parliamentary elections inside the subsequent 12–36 months, together with declared candidates, parliamentary candidates, senior marketing campaign strategists, and MPs in search of re-election or increased workplace.
• Sitting Political Leaders: Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament or Senate, Speakers and Deputy Speakers, Mayors and Governors, and senior political celebration leaders reminiscent of Secretaries General and Women’s League Leaders.
• Young Women Leaders: Women aged 21–35 with robust political management potential, together with aspiring candidates on the native and nationwide stage and emerging leaders inside political events or public establishments.

The Academy strongly encourages nominations of women with disabilities and women from fragile or transitional political contexts.

Baseline Eligibility

• Female citizen of an African Union Member State
• Aged 21 or older on the time of nomination
• Demonstrated energetic engagement in political management or political ambition
• Formal endorsement from a authorities establishment, recognised political celebration, or related political authority
• Commitment to full participation in the programme and to post-Academy alumni engagement and peer mentoring

Selection: Merit-Based and Continentally Balanced

The 30 contributors will probably be chosen by means of a aggressive, merit-based overview by a joint panel comprising UNDP, the AUC, AWLN, and ASG. Selection is designed to guarantee equity, regional steadiness, political inclusivity, and strategic influence throughout the continent.

The inaugural cohort will mirror:

• Representation from all 5 African areas, with a most of two contributors per nation
• At least 60% of contributors from nations dealing with elections inside 12–36 months
• At least 40% younger women leaders aged 21–35
• Linguistic range throughout Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone, and Arabophone Africa
• Balance between government, legislative, and celebration management roles, and between ruling and opposition events

How to Apply

Government ministries, political events, AU member state establishments, and civil society organisations are invited to submit nominations. Self-nominations supported by an institutional endorsement are additionally welcome.

Each nomination package deal should embrace:

• An official nomination or endorsement letter, signed by an authorised senior official, political celebration chief, or recognised stakeholder
• The nominee’s curriculum vitae (most two pages)
• A private assertion from the nominee (most 1,000 phrases)

Apply Now for the UNDP African Academy for Women in Political Leadership

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership