Next Gen Initiative 2026: Fellowship for Young African Women – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Center

Are you a young African woman passionate about public leadership, governance, development, gender, health, law, or public policy? The Next Gen Initiative 2026 is an opportunity for emerging women leaders from selected African countries to strengthen their leadership skills, gain practical public leadership experience, and build networks for lasting impact.

The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center) is launching the Next Gen Initiative, its flagship leadership program for emerging African women leaders.

The 12-month fellowship is designed to prepare promising young women for future leadership roles through leadership development, mentorship, immersive learning, and hands-on public leadership placements alongside Amujae Leaders.

Next Gen Initiative 2026 Fellowship

The program aims to cultivate Africa’s next generation of women public leaders by providing fellows with the exposure, experience, mentorship, and support needed to advance their leadership journeys.

Throughout the 12-month fellowship, participants will have opportunities to:

• Develop leadership and professional skills
• Receive mentorship from experienced women leaders
• Gain practical exposure to public leadership
• Participate in immersive learning experiences
• Build professional networks across Africa
• Work alongside Amujae Leaders
• Strengthen their capacity to drive social and public impact
• Develop perspectives and skills to contribute to positive change in their communities and countries

Who Can Apply?

The Next Gen Initiative is seeking purpose-driven young African women who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to public service.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Integrity and strong ethical values
• Leadership potential
• Curiosity and willingness to learn
• Resilience and determination
• A strong commitment to public service
• A clear interest in advancing positive change in their communities and countries
• A commitment to developing their long-term leadership trajectory

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Next Gen Initiative 2026, applicants must:

• Be 25–35 years old as of October 1, 2026.
• Hold an undergraduate degree.
• Have at least three years of relevant and consistent professional experience.
• Have professional experience in public policy, law, development, gender, health, governance, or a related field.
• Demonstrate strong leadership potential, integrity, and commitment to public service.
• Show a clear interest in developing their leadership trajectory and contributing to positive change in their country and across Africa.

Eligible Countries

The inaugural Next Gen Initiative cohort is open only to citizens of the following countries:

• 🇰🇪 Kenya
• 🇱🇸 Lesotho
• 🇱🇷 Liberia
• 🇳🇬 Nigeria
• 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone

Applicants from countries outside this list are not eligible for the inaugural cohort.

Fellowship Duration

The Next Gen Initiative is a 12-month fellowship program combining leadership development, mentorship, learning opportunities, and practical public leadership experience.

Fellowship Stipend and Support

Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the 12-month fellowship to support their participation in the program.

The fellowship therefore provides both professional development and financial support to help selected participants fully engage in the program.

Why Apply for the Next Gen Initiative?

The Next Gen Initiative offers emerging African women leaders an opportunity to gain practical leadership experience, mentorship, professional networks, and exposure to public leadership.

For women seeking careers in government, public policy, development, governance, gender equality, health, law, or other public service fields, the fellowship can provide valuable experience and connections to support their leadership journey.

APPLY NOW: Next Gen Initiative Application Form

How to Apply for the Next Gen Initiative 2026

Eligible candidates are encouraged to complete the Next Gen Initiative Application Form and provide the required information demonstrating their leadership experience, professional background, commitment to public service, and aspirations for positive change.

Next Gen Initiative 2026 – Quick Facts

Category	Details
Program	Next Gen Initiative
Organization	Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development
Duration	12 months
Target group	Emerging African women leaders
Age	25–35 years as of October 1, 2026
Education	Undergraduate degree
Experience	At least 3 years of relevant professional experience
Eligible countries	Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone
Focus areas	Leadership, public service, governance, development, policy and related fields
Financial support	Monthly stipend
Program components	Mentorship, leadership development, immersive learning and public leadership placements

Next Gen Initiative Application Form

If you are an eligible young woman from Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Nigeria, or Sierra Leone with a strong commitment to public service and leadership, this fellowship could be an important step in your leadership journey.

APPLY NOW: Next Gen Initiative Application Form