Requirements

Where You Live (Required)

• You must live in Africa for the whole program and be one of these: a citizen of an African country, a permanent resident, a refugee or asylum seeker in an African country, or someone who has lived in an African country for at least the last 5 years.

• People who live outside Africa cannot apply, even if they are African citizens.

Age (Required)

• Be between 24 and 45 years old on 1 September 2027.

Experience (Required)

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in your issue area.

• A leadership role in your changemaking work. It can be full-time or volunteer, and there is no title requirement.

• Your work focuses on positive change in Africa, and you plan to keep working in Africa.

Language (Required)

• Professional proficiency in English.

Other Conditions

• Commit to the full eight months, with 8 to 12 hours of live sessions a month plus coaching and group work. You may not miss more than four sessions.

• Have a computer with a camera and a reliable internet connection.

• Do not run for political office from acceptance until 1 May 2028.

• Have no legal limits on joining US-based virtual programming or travelling to the US for any in-person events.

• Past participants of any Obama Foundation Leaders program cannot apply. You may apply to only one regional Leaders program.