Next Gen Initiative 2026: Fellowship for Young African Women – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Center

<p class="isSelectedEnd">Are you a young African woman passionate about <strong>public leadership, governance, development, gender, health, law, or public policy</strong>? The <strong>Next Gen Initiative 2026</strong> is an opportunity for emerging women leaders from selected African countries to strengthen their leadership skills, gain practical public leadership experience, and build networks for lasting impact.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The <strong>Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center)</strong> is launching the Next Gen Initiative, its flagship leadership program for emerging African women leaders.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The <strong>12-month fellowship</strong> is designed to prepare promising young women for future leadership roles through <strong>leadership development, mentorship, immersive learning, and hands-on public leadership placements alongside Amujae Leaders</strong>.</p> <h2>Next Gen Initiative 2026 Fellowship</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The program aims to cultivate <strong>Africa&#8217;s next generation of women public leaders</strong> by providing fellows with the exposure, experience, mentorship, and support needed to advance their leadership journeys.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Throughout the 12-month fellowship, participants will have opportunities to:</p> <ul data-spread="false"> <li>Develop leadership and professional skills</li> <li>Receive mentorship from experienced women leaders</li> <li>Gain practical exposure to public leadership</li> <li>Participate in immersive learning experiences</li> <li>Build professional networks across Africa</li> <li>Work alongside Amujae Leaders</li> <li>Strengthen their capacity to drive social and public impact</li> <li>Develop perspectives and skills to contribute to positive change in their communities and countries</li> </ul> <h2>Who Can Apply?</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The Next Gen Initiative is seeking <strong>purpose-driven young African women</strong> who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to public service.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Applicants should demonstrate:</p> <ul data-spread="false"> <li><strong>Integrity and strong ethical values</strong></li> <li><strong>Leadership potential</strong></li> <li><strong>Curiosity and willingness to learn</strong></li> <li><strong>Resilience and determination</strong></li> <li>A strong commitment to <strong>public service</strong></li> <li>A clear interest in advancing positive change in their communities and countries</li> <li>A commitment to developing their long-term leadership trajectory</li> </ul> <h2>Eligibility Criteria</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">To be eligible for the <strong>Next Gen Initiative 2026</strong>, applicants must:</p> <ul data-spread="false"> <li>Be <strong>25–35 years old as of October 1, 2026</strong>.</li> <li>Hold an <strong>undergraduate degree</strong>.</li> <li>Have at least <strong>three years of relevant and consistent professional experience</strong>.</li> <li>Have professional experience in <strong>public policy, law, development, gender, health, governance, or a related field</strong>.</li> <li>Demonstrate strong leadership potential, integrity, and commitment to public service.</li> <li>Show a clear interest in developing their leadership trajectory and contributing to positive change in their country and across Africa.</li> </ul> <h2>Eligible Countries</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The inaugural Next Gen Initiative cohort is open <strong>only to citizens of the following countries</strong>:</p> <ul data-spread="false"> <li>🇰🇪 Kenya</li> <li>🇱🇸 Lesotho</li> <li>🇱🇷 Liberia</li> <li>🇳🇬 Nigeria</li> <li>🇸🇱 Sierra Leone</li> </ul> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Applicants from countries outside this list are not eligible for the inaugural cohort.</p> <h2>Fellowship Duration</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The Next Gen Initiative is a <strong>12-month fellowship program</strong> combining leadership development, mentorship, learning opportunities, and practical public leadership experience.</p> <h2>Fellowship Stipend and Support</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Selected fellows will receive a <strong>monthly stipend for the duration of the 12-month fellowship</strong> to support their participation in the program.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The fellowship therefore provides both professional development and financial support to help selected participants fully engage in the program.</p> <h2>Why Apply for the Next Gen Initiative?</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The Next Gen Initiative offers emerging African women leaders an opportunity to gain <strong>practical leadership experience, mentorship, professional networks, and exposure to public leadership</strong>.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">For women seeking careers in <strong>government, public policy, development, governance, gender equality, health, law, or other public service fields</strong>, the fellowship can provide valuable experience and connections to support their leadership journey.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFnVKfkRmDBbMXL8cZJqr2iaoOxgOF8YdMUVD8y-Ls-f2LhQ/viewform" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>APPLY NOW:</strong> Next Gen Initiative Application Form</a></p> <h2>How to Apply for the Next Gen Initiative 2026</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Eligible candidates are encouraged to complete the <strong>Next Gen Initiative Application Form</strong> and provide the required information demonstrating their leadership experience, professional background, commitment to public service, and aspirations for positive change.</p> <h3>Next Gen Initiative 2026 – Quick Facts</h3> <table> <tbody> <tr> <th><strong>Category</strong></th> <th><strong>Details</strong></th> </tr> <tr> <td>Program</td> <td>Next Gen Initiative</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Organization</td> <td>Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Duration</td> <td>12 months</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Target group</td> <td>Emerging African women leaders</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Age</td> <td>25–35 years as of October 1, 2026</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Education</td> <td>Undergraduate degree</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Experience</td> <td>At least 3 years of relevant professional experience</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Eligible countries</td> <td>Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Focus areas</td> <td>Leadership, public service, governance, development, policy and related fields</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Financial support</td> <td>Monthly stipend</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Program components</td> <td>Mentorship, leadership development, immersive learning and public leadership placements</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>Next Gen Initiative Application Form</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">If you are an eligible young woman from <strong>Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Nigeria, or Sierra Leone</strong> with a strong commitment to public service and leadership, this fellowship could be an important step in your leadership journey.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFnVKfkRmDBbMXL8cZJqr2iaoOxgOF8YdMUVD8y-Ls-f2LhQ/viewform" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>APPLY NOW:</strong> Next Gen Initiative Application Form</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/08/29/next-gen-initiative-2026-fellowship-for-young-african-women-ellen-johnson-sirleaf-center/">Next Gen Initiative 2026: Fellowship for Young African Women – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Center</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>