The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), jointly supported by the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), has officially opened applications for its prestigious 8th Intergenerational Retreat (IGR 8). This flagship leadership programme will bring together 40 outstanding young African women leaders from across the African continent and the Diaspora for a fully sponsored retreat in Libreville, Gabon, in December 2026.

Designed as a platform for mentorship, leadership development, networking, and collaboration, the AWLN Intergenerational Retreat connects emerging women leaders with influential policymakers, Heads of State, business executives, and experienced leaders who are shaping Africa’s future.

The retreat aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthening women’s leadership and accelerating gender equality, peace, governance, and sustainable development across Africa.

Application Deadline: 03 August 2026

About the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN)

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) is a joint initiative of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) that seeks to increase women’s leadership and participation in peacebuilding, governance, economic development, and sustainable development across Africa.

Since its establishment, AWLN has built a powerful network of women leaders spanning government, diplomacy, civil society, academia, entrepreneurship, youth movements, and international organizations.

The network promotes intergenerational dialogue, women’s empowerment, mentorship, and collaborative leadership to address Africa’s most pressing social, economic, and political challenges.

About the AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat (IGR 8)

The Intergenerational Retreat is AWLN’s signature leadership programme that brings together established and emerging women leaders to exchange ideas, strengthen leadership skills, and build meaningful partnerships.

Rather than functioning as a traditional conference, the retreat serves as a launchpad for long-term collaboration, mentorship, and action-oriented leadership.

The 2026 edition will take place in Libreville, Gabon, bringing together 40 selected young women leaders from across Africa and the African Diaspora.

Participants will engage in interactive sessions, mentoring activities, leadership dialogues, collaborative workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening women’s leadership across generations.

Why the AWLN Intergenerational Retreat Matters

Women continue to play a transformative role in advancing peace, governance, economic growth, climate action, entrepreneurship, and community development across Africa. However, many emerging women leaders face challenges such as limited access to mentorship, leadership opportunities, decision-making spaces, and regional networks.

The AWLN Intergenerational Retreat addresses these challenges by creating a platform where experienced African women leaders can mentor and support the next generation of changemakers.

The programme contributes directly to:

• Advancing women’s leadership across Africa.
• Promoting gender equality and inclusion.
• Strengthening regional collaboration.
• Supporting young women in influencing policy and governance.
• Building sustainable leadership pipelines.
• Encouraging innovation and community impact.

Objectives of the Retreat

The AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat aims to:

• Strengthen women’s leadership across Africa.
• Build the leadership capacity of emerging women leaders.
• Promote mentorship between senior and young women leaders.
• Foster intergenerational dialogue.
• Encourage collaboration across sectors and countries.
• Support implementation of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Create lasting partnerships that contribute to Africa’s transformation.

What Participants Will Gain

Successful applicants will receive a fully sponsored opportunity to participate in one of Africa’s leading women leadership programmes.

Benefits include:

1. Fully Sponsored Participation

Selected participants will receive:

• Full registration
• International or regional travel support
• Accommodation throughout the retreat

This ensures participants can fully engage in the programme without financial barriers.

2. Mentorship from Influential Women Leaders

Participants will interact directly with high-profile women leaders, including:

• Heads of State
• Vice Presidents
• Ministers
• CEOs
• Senior policymakers
• Development leaders
• Influential African women leaders

These mentoring opportunities provide practical guidance, leadership insights, and career inspiration.

3. Leadership Development

Participants will strengthen skills in areas such as:

• Strategic leadership
• Public speaking
• Policy engagement
• Advocacy
• Decision-making
• Collaboration
• Negotiation
• Community leadership

4. Pan-African Networking

The retreat provides access to an extensive network of women leaders from:

• Governments
• Civil society
• International organizations
• Academia
• Private sector
• Youth movements
• African Diaspora communities

Participants will establish professional relationships that extend well beyond the retreat.

5. AWLN Leadership Award

Selected participants will also have the opportunity to receive the prestigious AWLN Leadership Award, recognizing outstanding commitment to leadership and community impact.

6. Continued Support

Participants become part of AWLN’s growing community and benefit from ongoing engagement through:

• Networking opportunities
• Leadership initiatives
• Knowledge sharing
• Mentorship
• Future regional collaborations

Retreat Themes

The programme focuses on strengthening leadership across AWLN’s six strategic pillars:

1. Peace and Security

Leadership initiatives that contribute to conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and security.

2. Governance and Political Participation

Promoting women’s participation in governance, leadership, policymaking, and democratic institutions.

3. Financial Inclusion, Economic Development, Natural Resources and Mining

Supporting women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and sustainable resource management.

4. Agriculture, Rural Economy and Land

Strengthening women’s leadership in agriculture, food systems, rural development, and land governance.

5. Social Mobilisation

Encouraging community engagement, advocacy, civic participation, and social transformation.

6. Youth and Emerging Leaders

Empowering young women to become influential leaders across Africa.

Who Should Apply?

The programme seeks dynamic young African women leaders who have already demonstrated positive impact within their communities.

Applicants should be passionate about creating lasting change and advancing women’s leadership.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be aged between 18 and 45 years.
• Be an African woman residing on the continent or in the African Diaspora.
• Demonstrate measurable or recognized impact in their community.
• Be actively involved in one or more of AWLN’s six thematic pillars.
• Show commitment to leadership, collaboration, and community development.

What AWLN Expects from Participants

The retreat is designed to create long-term impact rather than simply host an event.

Selected participants are expected to:

• Participate actively in all sessions.
• Contribute ideas and experiences.
• Support intergenerational dialogue.
• Build meaningful collaborations.
• Promote AWLN’s mission within their communities.
• Apply lessons learned after the retreat.
• Continue contributing to the AWLN network beyond the programme.

AWLN emphasizes that participants are selected not only because of their achievements, but also because of their willingness to inspire others and contribute to Africa’s collective development.

Why You Should Apply

The AWLN Intergenerational Retreat is one of the continent’s premier leadership programmes for emerging African women leaders.

Successful participants will have the opportunity to:

• Learn directly from influential African women leaders.
• Expand professional and regional networks.
• Strengthen leadership capacity.
• Gain international visibility.
• Collaborate with women leaders from across Africa and the Diaspora.
• Influence conversations on Africa’s future.
• Contribute to advancing gender equality and sustainable development.

For young women committed to creating meaningful change, the retreat provides a powerful platform to accelerate both personal and professional growth.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit their applications online through the Official AWLN Application Platform.

Applicants are encouraged to ensure that:

• All required information is completed accurately.
• Applications are submitted before the deadline.
• Supporting information clearly demonstrates leadership achievements and community impact.

Only complete applications will be reviewed.

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: 03 August 2026

Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

How to Apply

Applicants should:

1. Visit the Official AWLN application Portal.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Submit all required information before 03 August 2026.
4. Await communication from the AWLN Secretariat regarding the selection process.

For additional information or inquiries, applicants may visit the AWLN official website HERE.

Conclusion

The AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for young African women leaders to strengthen their leadership abilities, expand their regional and international networks, and collaborate with some of Africa’s most influential women leaders. By bringing together emerging changemakers and experienced decision-makers, the retreat creates a powerful environment for mentorship, innovation, and collective action that supports Africa’s long-term development goals.

For women who are passionate about governance, peacebuilding, entrepreneurship, agriculture, social mobilisation, community development, or youth leadership, this fully sponsored programme provides an invaluable platform to grow, inspire others, and contribute meaningfully to the continent’s future. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their applications early and submit them before the 03 August 2026 deadline.

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