A Seat at the Table: Apply Now for the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership

Africa is changing. But its political leadership doesn't yet reflect that change — at least not fully. Women across the continent continue to be underrepresented in parliaments, cabinets, and political parties, not because of lack of capability, but because of systems that were not built with them in mind.

That is exactly what a new continental programme is setting out to fix.

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), has officially opened applications for the inaugural cohort of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership — a continental programme designed to build the next generation of women who govern Africa.

What Is This Programme?

The African Academy for Women in Political Leadership is a four-week blended programme that combines high-impact virtual learning, an immersive residential convening in Kigali, mentorship from senior African leaders, and applied leadership practice.

The curriculum is comprehensive and practical, covering:

-Political leadership and governance

-Strategic communications

-Coalition-building and legislative processes

-Campaign and political financing

-Ethical leadership and inclusive governance

All programme costs — including tuition, travel, and accommodation for the residential convening — are fully covered for all selected participants.

This is a zero-cost opportunity for qualified women across the continent.

Who Is It For?

Applications are open to women who are currently holding, or credibly pursuing, elected or appointed political office anywhere in Africa.

Three categories of women are specifically targeted:

1. Electoral Cycle Leaders — Women from countries scheduled for presidential or parliamentary elections within the next 12–36 months, including declared candidates, senior campaign strategists, and MPs seeking re-election or higher office.

2. Sitting Political Leaders — Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament or Senate, Speakers and Deputy Speakers, Mayors and Governors, and senior political party leaders such as Secretaries General and Women's League Leaders.

3. Young Women Leaders — Women aged 21–35 with strong political leadership potential, including aspiring candidates at the local and national level and emerging leaders within political parties or public institutions.

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

Who Can Nominate?

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

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, a candidate must be:

A female citizen of an African Union Member State, aged 21 or older at the time of nomination, with demonstrated active engagement in political leadership or political ambition, and a formal endorsement from a government institution, recognised political party, or relevant political authority.

How Will 30 Women Be Selected?

The 30 participants will be selected through a competitive, merit-based review by a joint panel comprising UNDP, the AUC, AWLN, and ASG. Selection is designed to ensure fairness, regional balance, political inclusivity, and strategic impact across the continent.

The inaugural cohort will reflect representation from all five African regions, with a maximum of two participants per country; at least 60% from countries facing elections within 12–36 months; at least 40% young women leaders aged 21–35; and linguistic diversity across Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone, and Arabophone Africa.

What Do You Need to Apply?

Each nomination package must include:

An official nomination or endorsement letter signed by an authorised senior official, political party leader, or recognised stakeholder; the nominee's CV of no more than two pages; and a personal statement from the nominee of no more than 1,000 words.

Application Deadline: 15 May 2026

Apply online via the official application portal. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered, and only selected nominees will be contacted directly.

You can apply here👇

https://www.cognitoforms.com/AfricanSchoolOfGovernance1/AfricanAcademyForWomenInPoliticalLeadership

For more details, visit the official UNDP page: undp.org/africa/news/call-applications-african-academy-women-political-leadership