2026 MILEAD Fellows Program for Young African Women Leaders (Applications Open)

Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 MILEAD Fellows Program, a leadership development initiative designed to support and empower young African women leaders committed to driving positive change across the continent.

For over a decade, the MILEAD Fellows Program has equipped emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to challenge inequality, advance women’s leadership, and implement community-driven solutions.

About the MILEAD Fellows Program

The MILEAD (Moremi Initiative Leadership and Empowerment Development) Fellows Program is a long-term leadership development initiative focused on identifying and nurturing promising young African women leaders.

The program aims to:

  • Build leadership capacity among young African women

  • Strengthen knowledge, skills, and values for 21st-century leadership

  • Create a supportive ecosystem for women’s leadership across Africa

  • Connect emerging leaders with influential African mentors and changemakers

Each year, 25 outstanding young women are selected based on their leadership potential and commitment to making a difference in their communities or professional fields.

Program Structure and Key Features

The program combines leadership training, mentoring, experiential learning, and community engagement.

Key components include:

  • A three-week residential Summer Institute in Ghana

  • Intensive leadership and personal development training

  • Mentorship from established African leaders

  • Access to the MILEAD leadership network

  • Ongoing support and lifelong peer solidarity

A distinguishing feature of the program is the MiCHANGE Community Project, where each fellow designs and leads a community-based initiative addressing issues affecting women and girls.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

  • Be a young African woman aged 19–25

  • Demonstrate leadership potential or experience

  • Show commitment to addressing issues affecting women and girls in Africa

  • Be interested in developing transformational leadership skills

  • Be available to participate in the three-week residential Summer Institute in Ghana

Selected candidates may be full-time students or professionals during the program, except during the residential institute period.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

  • Completed application form

  • Updated CV

  • Two recommendation letters

All application materials must be submitted via email.

Email: Fellows@moremiinitiative.org

Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review the program and application guidelines before submitting.

Application Resources

Download the full 2026 Application Package (Application Pack |  Recommendation-Form), and share this opportunity with other inspiring emerging African women leaders in your network.

Stay updated: follow us @MoremiAfrica #MILEADFellows #MILEAD2026

EMAIL: Fellows@moremiinitiative.org | TEL: +233 530 429 644

 

Why Apply?

The MILEAD Fellows Program is designed to build a pipeline of African women leaders equipped to drive systemic change. Fellows benefit from:

  • High-quality leadership training

  • Practical experience through community projects

  • Exposure to experienced African leaders and mentors

  • A lifelong network of women leaders across Africa

The program emphasizes long-term impact by integrating leadership development with real-world community engagement.

Contact and Updates

For more information:

The 2026 MILEAD Fellows Program offers an important opportunity for young African women who are ready to strengthen their leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to social change across the continent.

Interested candidates should submit their applications before March 20, 2026.

Find out more https://moremiinitiative.org/2026-milead-fellows-program-announcement/

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