Closing soon: applications close on 31 October 2026.
The Umholi we Africa (UwA) Fellowship — run by AL for Governance and Africa Career Networks at the African Leadership Academy, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation — is recruiting Cohort 5. It is a fully funded leadership fellowship that places young African professionals in advisory roles with ministers, members of parliament and senior public leaders in their home countries.
Who can apply — read this first: the fellowship is only for alumni of the African Leadership Academy (ALA) or the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The application form also lists African Leadership University (ALU) alumni as a category. If you are not in one of these networks, you are not eligible this round.
Key Details
- Organisers: AL for Governance and Africa Career Networks (African Leadership Academy), with the Mastercard Foundation
- Funding: fully funded
- Duration: about 12 months, and up to 18 months depending on the placement, full-time
- Placement: ministerial offices, parliaments and intergovernmental bodies, usually in your home country
- Who: African nationals who are ALA or Mastercard Foundation Scholars alumni, with a degree and 4+ years’ work experience
- Deadline: 31 October 2026
What Fellows Do
Past fellows have served as special or technical advisors in ministries in Kenya, Rwanda, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Liberia and elsewhere. Typical work includes:
- research, data collection and policy analysis
- project planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation
- drafting policy briefs, reports, speeches and communications
- strategic planning and advisory support
- stakeholder consultations and public outreach
Benefits
- a fully funded placement in a high-level public-sector role
- structured leadership training, including pre-fellowship training in June 2027
- mentorship and coaching from experienced public leaders
- hands-on experience in governance and policymaking
- a continental network of young public leaders through AL for Governance
Eligibility
- a national of an African country
- a graduate of the African Leadership Academy or the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (the form also lists ALU alumni)
- at least a university degree
- a minimum of four years’ full-time professional experience
- a strong interest in public service, governance, policy or political leadership
- leadership potential, integrity and commitment to Africa’s development
- able to commit full-time and, if needed, relocate for up to 18 months
What the Application Form Asks
The fillable PDF form has six sections. Most answers are limited to 150–200 words:
- personal details and your alumni designation (ALA, ALU or Mastercard Foundation Scholar)
- education, current job and years of experience
- your professional journey and one significant leadership achievement
- why UwA is your next step, one governance challenge in your country you want to tackle, and your 5–10 year plans
- influencing without authority, handling complex challenges, ethical and inclusive leadership, and adapting to change
- placement interests (up to two policy areas and institution types), the skills you bring, and previous government experience
- availability for June 2027 training and a July 2027 start
How to Apply
- Download the official UwA Cohort 5 application form (PDF).
- Fill it in electronically, keep within word limits, and save it.
- Prepare your up-to-date CV and copies of your academic qualifications in PDF. The announcement also mentions two recommendation letters — have them ready.
- Submit everything through the Africa Career Networks application platform before 31 October 2026.
More information: official Umholi we Africa page. Questions: [email protected] or [email protected].
Selection Timeline
- Applications close: 31 October 2026
- Round one interviews: January 2027
- Round two interviews: February 2027
- Pre-fellowship training: June 2027
- Placements begin: July 2027
Tips
- Pick one governance challenge in your country and be specific about the role you want to play.
- Use the STAR approach (situation, task, action, result) for the leadership questions.
- Show real experience working with government, NGOs or communities, even if informal.
- Know your Mastercard Foundation or ALA network — alumni in public service can give advice.
Related Opportunities
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarships Open Now (2027 Intake)
- UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP) 2026
- Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity 2027–28
Deadline: 31 October 2026. Open only to ALA and Mastercard Foundation Scholars alumni.
