Next Gen Initiative 2026 Fellowship for Young African Women
Are you a young African woman with professional experience in public policy, law, development, gender, health, governance or a related field and a strong desire to make a difference in your community and country?
The Next Gen Initiative 2026 is a 12-month leadership fellowship launched by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center) to prepare promising young African women for future leadership roles.
The programme combines leadership development, mentorship, immersive learning and practical public leadership experience, including opportunities to work alongside experienced Amujae Leaders. Selected fellows will also receive a monthly stipend throughout the 12-month fellowship to support their participation.
About the Next Gen Initiative
The Next Gen Initiative is the EJS Center’s flagship leadership programme for emerging African women leaders.
The fellowship is designed to give participants the exposure, experience, mentorship and support they need to strengthen their leadership journeys and prepare for future roles in public service and other areas of social impact.
Throughout the 12-month programme, fellows will have opportunities to:
- Develop their leadership and professional skills.
- Receive mentorship from experienced women leaders.
- Gain practical exposure to public leadership.
- Participate in immersive learning experiences.
- Build professional networks across Africa.
- Work alongside Amujae Leaders.
- Strengthen their ability to create social and public impact.
- Develop the perspectives and skills needed to contribute to positive change in their communities and countries.
Who Can Apply?
The Next Gen Initiative is looking for purpose-driven young African women who demonstrate leadership potential and have a strong commitment to public service.
Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate qualities such as:
- Integrity and strong ethical values
- Leadership potential
- Curiosity and willingness to learn
- Resilience and determination
- A strong commitment to public service
- A clear interest in advancing positive change in their communities and countries
- A commitment to developing their long-term leadership trajectory
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Next Gen Initiative 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Age
Applicants must be 25 to 35 years old as of October 1, 2026.
2. Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree.
3. Professional Experience
Applicants must have at least three years of relevant and consistent professional experience.
4. Relevant Professional Background
Your professional experience should be in one or more relevant areas, including:
- Public policy
- Law
- Development
- Gender
- Health
- Governance
- Related fields
5. Leadership Potential
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong leadership potential
- Integrity
- Commitment to public service
6. Commitment to Positive Change
Candidates should have a clear interest in developing their leadership trajectory and contributing to positive change in their country and across Africa.
Eligible Countries
The inaugural Next Gen Initiative cohort is not open to applicants from every African country.
For the 2026 cohort, applicants must be citizens of one of the following five countries:
- 🇰🇪 Kenya
- 🇱🇸 Lesotho
- 🇱🇷 Liberia
- 🇳🇬 Nigeria
- 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone
Applicants from African countries outside this list are not eligible for the inaugural cohort.
Fellowship Duration
The Next Gen Initiative is a 12-month fellowship.
During the year-long programme, fellows will participate in a combination of:
- Leadership development
- Mentorship
- Immersive learning
- Professional development
- Practical public leadership experience
- Public leadership placements
The programme is structured to give fellows both the knowledge and practical exposure required to advance their leadership journeys.
Fellowship Financial Support
Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the 12-month fellowship.
The stipend is intended to support fellows’ participation in the programme and provide financial support while they undertake the fellowship.
Therefore, the opportunity provides both:
Professional development + Financial support
throughout the fellowship period.
What Will Fellows Gain?
The Next Gen Initiative is designed to help participants build a stronger foundation for future leadership and public-service careers.
Leadership Development
Fellows will develop leadership and professional skills that can help them take on greater responsibilities in their careers and communities.
Mentorship
Participants will receive mentorship from experienced women leaders, giving them an opportunity to learn from people with established leadership experience.
Public Leadership Experience
The fellowship provides practical exposure to public leadership rather than focusing solely on classroom-based learning.
Immersive Learning
Participants will take part in immersive learning experiences designed to deepen their understanding of leadership and public service.
Professional Networking
Fellows will build professional networks with other emerging leaders and professionals across Africa.
Working With Amujae Leaders
One of the distinctive elements of the programme is the opportunity to work alongside Amujae Leaders.
This provides fellows with exposure to experienced African women leaders and their work.
Social and Public Impact
The programme aims to strengthen fellows’ ability to drive meaningful social and public impact.
Participants will also develop perspectives and skills that can help them contribute to positive change within their communities and countries.
Why Should You Apply?
The Next Gen Initiative can be particularly valuable for young women who are building careers in:
- Government
- Public policy
- Development
- Governance
- Gender equality
- Health
- Law
- Public service
- Related social-impact fields
Through the fellowship, participants can gain practical leadership experience, mentorship, professional networks and exposure to public leadership.
These experiences can help fellows strengthen their professional profiles while preparing for future leadership responsibilities.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
The strongest applicants are young women who are not simply looking for a fellowship certificate but already demonstrate a commitment to public service and positive change.
You should consider applying if you:
- Are between 25 and 35 years old on October 1, 2026.
- Hold an undergraduate degree.
- Have at least three years of relevant professional experience.
- Work or have worked in public policy, law, development, gender, health, governance or a related area.
- Have demonstrated leadership potential.
- Value integrity and ethical leadership.
- Are curious and willing to learn.
- Have resilience and determination.
- Are committed to public service.
- Want to create positive change in your community and country.
- Are serious about developing a long-term leadership career.
How to Apply for the Next Gen Initiative 2026
Eligible candidates are encouraged to complete the Next Gen Initiative Application Form.
The application requires candidates to provide information demonstrating their:
- Leadership experience
- Professional background
- Commitment to public service
- Aspirations for positive change
Application Steps
Step 1: Confirm that you meet the age, education, professional experience, nationality and other eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Prepare information about your professional background and leadership experience.
Step 3: Think carefully about your commitment to public service and the change you hope to create in your community, country and Africa.
Step 4: Complete the Next Gen Initiative application form.
Step 5: Review your information carefully and submit the completed application.
Apply Now
The application form is linked directly from the programme announcement.
Important Information for Applicants
It is specifically for women
The Next Gen Initiative is designed for young African women leaders.
You need professional experience
This is not an opportunity for recent graduates with no professional experience. Applicants must have at least three years of relevant and consistent professional experience.
Your professional background matters
Your experience should be connected to public policy, law, development, gender, health, governance or a related field.
Only five countries are eligible
For the inaugural cohort, only citizens of Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone can apply.
The programme lasts 12 months
Applicants should be prepared to participate throughout the full 12-month fellowship.
There is financial support
Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the fellowship. The programme announcement does not disclose the amount of the stipend.
Next Gen Initiative 2026 – Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Next Gen Initiative 2026 |
| Organisation | Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center) |
| Programme type | Leadership fellowship |
| Target group | Emerging African women leaders |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Age | 25–35 years as of October 1, 2026 |
| Education | Undergraduate degree |
| Experience | At least 3 years of relevant professional experience |
| Eligible countries | Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone |
| Focus areas | Leadership, public service, governance, development, policy and related fields |
| Financial support | Monthly stipend |
| Mentorship | Yes |
| Leadership development | Yes |
| Immersive learning | Yes |
| Public leadership placements | Yes |
| Networking | Professional networks across Africa |
| Leadership exposure | Opportunity to work alongside Amujae Leaders |
| Application | Online |
| Application form | Google Form |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Next Gen Initiative?
It is a 12-month leadership fellowship launched by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development to develop the next generation of African women public leaders.
Who is eligible?
Young African women aged 25–35 as of October 1, 2026, with an undergraduate degree, at least three years of relevant professional experience and a demonstrated commitment to public service can apply, provided they meet the other requirements.
Which countries are eligible?
Only citizens of Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone are eligible for the inaugural cohort.
Can a Nigerian woman apply?
Yes. Nigeria is one of the five eligible countries for the inaugural Next Gen Initiative cohort.
Do I need a university degree?
Yes. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree.
How much professional experience is required?
At least three years of relevant and consistent professional experience.
What fields of work are eligible?
Relevant experience includes public policy, law, development, gender, health, governance or a related field.
Is there a stipend?
Yes. Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend throughout the 12-month fellowship. The published announcement does not specify the amount.
What does the fellowship provide?
It provides leadership development, mentorship, immersive learning, professional networking, practical public leadership experience and opportunities to work alongside Amujae Leaders.
Is this a scholarship?
It is more accurately described as a fellowship/leadership development programme, rather than a traditional academic scholarship. It provides a monthly stipend and professional-development opportunities rather than university tuition funding.
How long does the programme last?
The fellowship lasts 12 months.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official Next Gen Initiative Application Form.
Conclusion
The Next Gen Initiative 2026 is an opportunity for young African women who are already building careers in public service and related fields and want to develop into stronger future leaders.
The 12-month fellowship combines leadership development, mentorship, immersive learning, professional networking and practical public leadership experience. Fellows will also have opportunities to work alongside Amujae Leaders and receive a monthly stipend throughout the programme.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to women working in public policy, law, development, gender, health, governance and related areas who have at least three years of professional experience and a clear commitment to public service.
For the inaugural 2026 cohort, applications are restricted to citizens of Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
If you meet the requirements and are serious about developing your long-term leadership trajectory, this could be an opportunity to gain the mentorship, experience and network needed to take your leadership journey to the next level.
Final Fellowship Details
Programme: Next Gen Initiative 2026
Host: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center)
Type: Leadership fellowship
Duration: 12 months
Target: Emerging African women leaders
Age: 25–35 years as of October 1, 2026
Education: Undergraduate degree
Experience: Minimum 3 years of relevant and consistent professional experience
Relevant fields: Public policy, law, development, gender, health, governance and related fields
Eligible countries: Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone
Benefits: Leadership development, mentorship, immersive learning, public leadership placements, professional networking and work alongside Amujae Leaders
Financial support: Monthly stipend for the 12-month fellowship
Application: Online
Application form:
