The Obama Foundation has opened applications for its 2026–2027 Leaders program, inviting emerging changemakers across the African continent to take part in a year of leadership development and regional collaboration. The application deadline is Friday, 12 December, at 12 p.m. United States Central Time (UTC-6). Anyone interested can applythrough the Foundation’s official page.
The program supports people aged 24–45 who are working to improve their communities and advance positive change. It focuses on practical leadership skills, shared values, and long-term impact. The Foundation first launched the Leaders program in Africa in 2018, later expanding to Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States. Each regional cohort brings together people from different sectors who are committed to strengthening public life and creating fairer, more inclusive societies.
Participants take part in group workshops, small-group discussions, and one-on-one coaching. The aim is to help them build stronger networks, sharpen their leadership approach, and learn how to work at a systems level. When the program ends, each participant joins the Obama Leadership Network, a global community of more than 1,500 active alumni.
This year’s Africa cohort will begin in the week of 1 September 2026 and will conclude by May 2027. The Foundation welcomes applicants who meet one of these conditions: they are citizens of an African country, permanent residents of one, or have lived on the continent for at least five years. Their work should focus on improving life in local communities, in a specific country, or across the region, with a clear commitment to continue contributing to Africa’s future.
The application form and full program details are available on the Foundation’s Leaders Africa page, where you can review the requirements and apply directly through the program site.
