UNDP African Academy for Women in Political Leadership 2026 (Fully-funded) – YOA

Deadline: May 15, 2026

Applications are open for the UNDP African Academy for Women in Political Leadership 2026. 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), have opened purposes for the inaugural cohort of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, a continental programme designed to construct the subsequent era of ladies who govern Africa.

Thirty girls might be chosen for a completely funded, 4-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 4-week blended programme combines excessive-affect digital studying, an immersive residential convening, mentorship from senior African leaders, and utilized management apply. The curriculum covers:

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

Costs

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

Eligibility

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

• Electoral Cycle Leaders: Women from international locations scheduled for presidential or parliamentary elections throughout the subsequent 12–36 months, together with declared candidates, parliamentary candidates, senior marketing campaign strategists, and MPs looking for 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 akin to 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 rising leaders inside political events or public establishments.

The Academy strongly encourages nominations of ladies with disabilities and girls 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 lively 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

Application

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)

Click here to apply

For extra data, go to UNDP African Academy for Women in Political Leadership.