Fully Funded Umholi we Africa Fellowship Cohort 5 2026/2027

Fully Funded Umholi we Africa Fellowship Cohort 5 2026/2027

Applications are open for the Umholi we Africa Fellowship Cohort 5 for 2026/2027, a fully funded, 12-month leadership development programme for young African professionals interested in governance, public policy and political leadership.

The fellowship provides selected participants with opportunities to work alongside government ministers, members of parliament and senior public sector leaders in their home countries. Fellows gain practical experience in policy research, strategic planning, project management and public administration.

The programme is implemented through AL for Governance and Africa Career Networks, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. It is particularly targeted at eligible alumni of the African Leadership Academy (ALA), African Leadership University (ALU) and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Interested applicants who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply before the deadline.

Fellowship Overview

• Programme: Umholi we Africa Fellowship Cohort 5
• Programme Cycle: 2026/2027
• Organisations: AL for Governance and Africa Career Networks
• Partner: Mastercard Foundation
• Duration: 12 Months
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Location: Eligible African Countries
• Placement: Government and Public Sector Institutions
• Maximum Age: 35 Years
• Minimum Qualification: University Degree or Equivalent
• Work Experience: At Least 4 Years
• Application Deadline: 31 October 2026, 11:59 PM SAST (UTC+2)
• Application Method: Online Application

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About the Umholi we Africa Fellowship

The Umholi we Africa Fellowship is a leadership development and professional placement programme designed to prepare young African professionals for careers in governance, policymaking and public leadership.

Through the programme, selected fellows work within government institutions and alongside senior public sector leaders in their home countries. They contribute to activities involving policy analysis, research, programme coordination, communications and strategic planning.

The fellowship also provides leadership development, mentorship, coaching and professional networking opportunities to help participants strengthen their leadership abilities and contribute to public service.

The programme aims to develop ethical, accountable and effective African leaders who can support institutional development and improve governance across the continent.

Eligibility Requirements for the Umholi we Africa Fellowship

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for the fellowship:

• Be a national of an eligible African country.
• Be 35 years old or younger.
• Be an alumnus or alumna of the African Leadership Academy (ALA) or African Leadership University (ALU), and/or a Mastercard Foundation Scholar.
• Possess a university degree or equivalent qualification.
• Have at least four years of full-time professional experience.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to public service and ethical leadership.
• Show an interest in governance, public policy or political leadership.
• Possess strong analytical, research, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and an interest in institutional development.

Applicants must also satisfy the country-specific eligibility conditions for Cohort 5.

Important: According to the supplied programme information, applicants from countries scheduled to hold presidential or legislative elections in 2027 are excluded from this fellowship cycle. Candidates should confirm their country’s eligibility before applying.

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Eligible Fields of Study and Professional Experience

The fellowship is relevant to graduates and professionals with backgrounds or experience in fields related to governance, public administration and institutional development.

Relevant areas include:

• Public Administration
• Political Science
• Law
• Economics
• Public Policy
• International Relations
• Development Studies
• Research and Data Analysis
• Project Management
• Communications
• Governance and Institutional Development

These fields are examples of relevant backgrounds rather than an exclusive list of eligible disciplines. Applicants must still satisfy the programme’s academic, professional and alumni or scholarship eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities of Umholi we Africa Fellows

Selected fellows will work alongside government officials and public sector leaders, supporting activities that contribute to policymaking, programme implementation and institutional development.

Their assignments may involve the following areas:

1. Research and Policy Analysis

• Conduct research on governance and public policy issues.
• Collect and analyse data to support policy decisions.
• Prepare policy briefs, reports and advisory documents.
• Support evidence-based decision-making.

2. Project Planning and Management

• Assist with planning and coordinating government programmes.
• Support project implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Track progress and contribute to programme reporting.
• Assist with strategic planning and institutional initiatives.

3. Communications and Report Writing

• Prepare speeches, reports, briefing documents and communication materials.
• Support communications involving government officials and stakeholders.
• Develop written materials for public sector programmes.

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4. Stakeholder Engagement

• Assist with stakeholder consultations and public engagement activities.
• Support communication between government institutions and relevant communities.
• Contribute to civic engagement and public outreach initiatives.

5. Strategic and Administrative Support

• Provide research and strategic support to senior public leaders.
• Assist with institutional planning and policy implementation.
• Contribute to assignments addressing national development priorities.

Specific duties will depend on the fellow’s placement and the needs of the host institution.

Benefits of the Umholi we Africa Fellowship

Selected participants will receive the following opportunities:

• Fully funded participation in a 12-month fellowship.
• Professional placement within government or public sector institutions.
• Practical experience working alongside ministers, parliamentarians and senior public leaders.
• Leadership training and professional development.
• Mentorship and ongoing coaching.
• Exposure to public policy, governance and institutional decision-making.
• Opportunities to develop research, project management and strategic advisory skills.
• Professional networking opportunities with emerging African public leaders.

The programme is advertised as fully funded. However, specific stipend amounts, allowances and the detailed breakdown of financial support should be confirmed through the official application information.

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Fellowship Structure and Leadership Development

The programme combines practical professional experience with structured leadership development.

Government and Public Sector Placement

Fellows are placed within government institutions in their home countries, where they work alongside senior public sector leaders and contribute to relevant policy and administrative activities.

Leadership Training

Participants receive leadership development opportunities designed to strengthen their professional capabilities and understanding of ethical public leadership.

Mentorship and Coaching

Fellows receive mentorship and ongoing coaching through the AL for Governance network to support their professional development and long-term public service ambitions.

Professional Networking

Participants gain opportunities to connect with emerging African leaders and professionals working in governance, policymaking and related fields.

How to Apply for the Umholi we Africa Fellowship Cohort 5

Interested and qualified candidates should follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official fellowship application page using the link below.
2. Read the programme guidelines and eligibility requirements carefully.
3. Confirm that you meet the age, nationality, educational, professional experience and alumni or scholarship requirements.
4. Check whether your country is eligible for the 2026/2027 fellowship cycle.
5. Complete the online application and provide the requested information and supporting documents.
6. Review your application before submitting it.

Apply Here

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Umholi we Africa Fellowship Cohort 5 is 31 October 2026, at 11:59 PM South African Standard Time (SAST, UTC+2).

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date and confirm the deadline on the official application page.

Important Things to Know Before Applying

• The fellowship runs for 12 months.
• Participation is advertised as fully funded.
• Applicants must be 35 years old or younger.
• At least four years of full-time professional experience is required.
• Applicants must meet the specified ALA, ALU and/or Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program eligibility criteria.
• Country-specific eligibility restrictions apply.
• The programme focuses on governance, public policy and public sector leadership.
• Specific stipend amounts and individual allowances are not established in the supplied programme information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Umholi we Africa Fellowship last?

The fellowship runs for 12 months.

Is the Umholi we Africa Fellowship fully funded?

Yes. The programme is advertised as fully funded. Applicants should consult the official programme information for details of the financial support provided.

Who can apply for the fellowship?

Eligible young African professionals aged 35 or younger who possess a university degree or equivalent, have at least four years of full-time professional experience and meet the specified ALA, ALU and/or Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program eligibility criteria can apply, subject to country restrictions.

Where will fellows be placed?

Selected participants will undertake professional placements within government or public sector institutions in their eligible home countries.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 31 October 2026, at 11:59 PM SAST (UTC+2).

How can I apply?

Eligible candidates can review the requirements and submit an online application through the official programme application page.

Conclusion

The Umholi we Africa Fellowship Cohort 5 offers eligible young African professionals an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and gain practical experience in governance, public policy and government operations.

Through professional placements, mentorship and leadership development, the programme aims to prepare participants for meaningful contributions to public institutions and national development.

Interested candidates should review the eligibility requirements and submit their applications before the 31 October 2026 deadline.

Apply Here