UNDP African Academy for Women in Political Leadership 2026

If you are a woman actively engaged in politics or aspiring to take on leadership roles in governance, the applications are now open for the UNDP African Academy for Women in Political Leadership 2026. This prestigious and fully funded continental programme is led by the United Nations Development Programme in collaboration with the African Union Commission, African Women Leaders Network, and the African School of Governance.

The Academy is designed to empower the next generation of women leaders across Africa by equipping them with the skills, networks, and strategic tools needed to lead, govern, and influence policy at the highest levels.

⭐ Programme Summary

• Location: Virtual + Kigali (residential convening)

• Host Institutions: UNDP, AUC, AWLN, ASG

• Programme Type: Leadership & Political Training Programme

• Target Group: Women leaders and aspiring political leaders in Africa

• Focus Areas: Political leadership, governance, communications, campaigns, inclusive governance

• Funding: Fully funded (tuition, travel, accommodation)

• Duration: 4 weeks (blended format)

• Application Deadline: 15 May 2026

• Start Date: 2026 (specific dates to be communicated to selected participants)

• Eligible To: Female citizens of African Union Member States

📘 Programme Overview

The African Academy for Women in Political Leadership is a high-impact blended learning programme combining virtual coursework with an immersive in-person experience in Kigali.

The programme is structured to deliver:

• Interactive virtual learning sessions

• A residential leadership convening in Kigali

• Mentorship from senior African political leaders

• Applied leadership practice and peer learning

The curriculum is built around key areas such as:

• Political leadership and governance

• Strategic communications

• Coalition-building and legislative processes

• Campaign strategy and political financing

• Ethical leadership and inclusive governance

This initiative responds to the persistent underrepresentation of women in political leadership across Africa and aims to foster a new generation of transformative leaders.

🎁 Programme Benefits

Selected participants will receive full financial support, including:

• Full tuition coverage

• Travel costs to and from Kigali

• Accommodation during the residential programme

• Access to high-level mentorship and networking opportunities

• Participation in a continental leadership network

The programme also provides long-term value through alumni engagement, peer mentoring, and continued collaboration opportunities.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a female citizen of an African Union Member State

• Be at least 21 years old at the time of application

• Demonstrate active engagement in political leadership or clear political ambition

• Obtain formal endorsement from a government institution, political party, NGO, or relevant stakeholder

• Commit to full participation in all programme components

👥 Target Profiles

The programme is open to a wide range of candidates, including:

• Electoral Cycle Leaders: Candidates, campaign strategists, or MPs preparing for upcoming elections

• Sitting Political Leaders: Ministers, parliamentarians, mayors, governors, and senior party officials

• Young Women Leaders (21–35): Emerging leaders with strong political potential

Women with disabilities and those from fragile or transitional political contexts are strongly encouraged to apply.

✍🏻 Selection Process

Participants will be selected through a competitive, merit-based process conducted by a joint panel from UNDP and partner institutions.

The final cohort (30 participants) will reflect:

• Representation from all five African regions

• Maximum of two participants per country

• At least 60% from countries with upcoming elections

• At least 40% young women leaders (aged 21–35)

• Linguistic and political diversity

📝 Application Procedure

Applications are submitted through a nomination-based process:

1. Nomination Submission

   • Candidates must be nominated by a government body, political party, AU institution, or civil society organisation

   • Self-nominations are allowed if supported by an official endorsement

2. Prepare Application Package

   • Endorsement letter (signed by a senior official or relevant authority)

   • Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)

   • Personal statement (maximum 1,000 words)

3. Submit Application

   • Applications must be submitted before the deadline

   • Incomplete or late applications will not be considered

4. Selection Notification

   • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted with further details

📁 Required Documents

• Official nomination or endorsement letter

• Updated CV (max. 2 pages)

• Personal statement (max. 1,000 words)

ℹ️ Additional Information

• The programme is part of a broader continental effort to strengthen inclusive governance

• It emphasizes African-led solutions and leadership development

• Participants join a long-term network of women leaders across the continent

🚀 Tips for Applicants

• Secure a strong endorsement from a credible institution or political stakeholder

• Clearly demonstrate leadership experience or political ambition in your application

• Align your personal statement with governance challenges and reform priorities in your country

• Highlight your potential to contribute to regional and continental leadership

• Submit a complete and well-prepared application before the deadline

🔗 Official Link

---