Women In Africa (WIA) Young Leaders Programme 2025
- Omran Aburayya
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
If you are a young African woman looking to accelerate your leadership journey and make a transformative impact, applications for the Women In Africa (WIA) Young Leaders Programme 2025 are now open! Launched by WIA Philanthropy in 2021, this fully funded initiative aims to equip visionary African women with the skills, connections, and global exposure needed to drive meaningful change across the continent.
👩🏽🎓Programme Summary
Location: Program coordination in Paris, France; learning expedition in a major global economic hub
Host Institution: WIA Philanthropy, in partnership with Dior, Lazard, KPMG
Target Group: African women aged 25–40 (flexibility for more experienced applicants)
Language Requirements: Francophone, Anglophone, Lusophone; multilingual candidates preferred
Fields of Focus: Leadership development, career advancement, board & media skills, innovation, continental vision
Coverage: Fully funded—training, mentorship, networking, visibility, travel for learning expedition
Application Deadline: June 19, 2025
Start Date: Application portal opens May 19, 2025
Eligible To: Women of African descent—born in Africa or with African parents
🌐 Programme Overview
High‑Level Networking: Engage with CEOs, ministers, journalists, entrepreneurs, and public figures
Training Programme: Includes board governance, media presence, career mentorship, tailored leadership modules
Mentorship: Each participant is paired with an international mentor to refine career and leadership skills
Visibility: Enhanced exposure via WIA’s media platforms
Learning Expedition: Exclusive trip in Q3/Q4 2025 to a world economic capital—Paris confirmed
🎁 Programme Benefits
Training & Coaching Covered: All training sessions, workshops, and coaching modules are fully funded.
Mentorship Provided: Receive one‑on‑one guidance from experienced international leaders.
Networking Reach: Access to an elite network of CEOs, ministers, journalists, and high‑profile leaders.
Global Exposure: Featured in WIA’s communications, press releases, and media campaigns.
International Trip: Business learning expedition fully funded, including travel and accommodations.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Age: 25–40 years (some flexibility based on qualifications)
Nationality: African-born or of African parentage
Languages: At least one of English, French, or Portuguese preferred; multilingualism is a plus
Leadership Traits: Demonstrated humility, empathy, and resilience
Vision & Impact: Proven involvement in Africa’s development with a clear vision
Initiative: Self-driven, ready to assume high-level responsibilities
📝 Application Procedure
Online Form: Available on WIA's official website—open May 19 to June 19, 2025
Suggested Preparation: Review FAQ section before applying
Form Questions:
Your commitments to Africa (max 1,000 characters)
Slogan for Africa (≈ 10 words)
What defines a good leader? (max 1,000 characters)
Motivations for joining this program (max 1,000 characters)
Expectations from the programme (max 1,000 characters) (
Interview Stage: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for live interviews with a jury of 12 international experts (July–August 2025)
Notification & Announcement: Final selection announced September 2025
No Fees: Participation is entirely free—costs for training, travel, and program-related activities are covered
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK