I AM NALA Fellowship 2027: Call for Applications Now Open for Young African Women in Peace and Security

Nalafem Academy, in partnership with Colmena Fund for Women's Political Power, has opened applications for the I AM NALA Fellowship 2027, a leadership programme dedicated to young African women working in peace, security, and political leadership.

What Is the I AM NALA Fellowship?

The I AM NALA Fellowship is a flagship Nalafem programme that supports young African women who are refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), or stateless — including those displaced in the diaspora — and who are already leading or aspiring to lead in political, peacebuilding, and social justice spaces.

The 2027 cohort will run from January 2027 to July 2027 and will bring together 20 young women from across Africa for a fully supported programme of capacity-building, mentorship, technical support, solidarity-building, and networking. Fellows are equipped to strengthen their leadership and contribute more effectively to negotiations, decision-making, democratic transitions, and reconciliation processes in their communities.

Who Should Apply? (Eligibility)

This fellowship is open to young women from across Africa, including displaced Africans living in the diaspora, who meet the following criteria:

•Aged between 18 and 40 years

•Are refugees, internally displaced persons, displaced persons, or stateless

•Leaders of a campaign or women's group

•Members of an existing consortium or collective with a focus on alliance-building

•Young women engaged in cross-conflict negotiations

•Young women politicians currently in political office

Note: Applicants who are not refugees, IDPs, displaced, or stateless will not be considered — this displacement criterion is central to the programme.

Nalafem is also looking for candidates who champion one or more of the Africa Young Women Beijing +25 Manifesto demands and who embody Nalafem's core values: Solidarity, Social Justice, Dignity, Equity, and Decolonial Feminist Pan-Africanism.

Deadline for Submission

Applications close on 31 October 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, with notifications expected by 6 November 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early rather than waiting until the closing date.

How to Apply

Eligible young women can apply by filling out the official application form here:

👉 bit.ly/nalafellow2027

For further enquiries, reach out via Nalafem's official channels or visit nalafem.org.