I AM Fellowship 2027: Call for Applications for Young African Women
Key Summary: The I AM NALA Fellowship 2027 is inviting applications from young African women aged 18–40 who are refugees, internally displaced, stateless, or displaced in the diaspora and are aspiring or current political leaders. The fully supported fellowship runs from January to July 2027, with capacity-building, mentorship, technical support, solidarity, networking and leadership opportunities. Application deadline: 31 October 2026.
I AM NALA Fellowship 2027
Nalafem has opened applications for the I AM NALA Fellowship Programme 2027, a leadership initiative designed to support young African women affected by displacement and insecurity who are playing or seeking to play meaningful roles in political leadership, peacebuilding and decision-making.
The fellowship will run from January 2027 to July 2027 and will engage 20 young women political leaders from across Africa, including displaced Africans in the diaspora.
The programme is particularly focused on women who have been displaced because of political or climate-related crises and insecurity.
Important: Applicants who are not refugees, internally displaced, displaced or stateless will not be considered.
Who Can Apply for the I AM NALA Fellowship?
The fellowship is looking for young African women aged 18–40 who demonstrate leadership and engagement in political, social justice, peacebuilding or advocacy efforts.
Applicants may include:
- Leaders of a campaign or women’s group
- Members of an existing consortium or collective focused on alliance building
- Young women involved in cross-conflict negotiations
- Young women politicians currently serving in political office
- Aspiring or current political leaders working on issues aligned with the Africa Young Women Beijing +25 Manifesto demands. We are looking for political leaders in one or more of the Africa Young Women Beijing +25 Manifesto demands and who embrace Nalafem Values
Applicants should also demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Nalafem’s values, including:
- Solidarity
- Social Justice
- Dignity
- Equity
- Decolonial Feminist Pan-Africanism
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
The I AM NALA Fellowship is designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of displaced and stateless African women who can contribute to political and peacebuilding processes.
Fellows will receive access to:
- Capacity-building and technical support
- Mentorship from experienced leaders and experts
- Leadership development
- Solidarity and networking opportunities
- Access to resources
- Training and masterclasses
- Opportunities to participate in dialogues with senior leaders and experienced practitioners
- Potential in-person engagements
The fellowship will include bi-monthly online sessions, providing fellows with opportunities to learn alongside mentors and experts from a range of institutions and organisations.
Who Is the Fellowship For?
The programme is specifically intended for refugee, internally displaced, displaced and stateless young African women, including displaced Africans living in the diaspora.
The fellowship seeks women who have the potential to contribute to:
- Political negotiations
- Decision-making
- Democratic transitions
- Reconciliation
- Peacebuilding
- Political leadership
- Advocacy and social justice
- Conflict resolution
The programme therefore provides an opportunity for young women whose experiences of displacement have shaped their leadership and who are positioned to contribute to positive change in their countries of origin or host countries.
I AM NALA Fellowship 2027 Deadline
The application deadline is:
📅 31 October 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, with notifications expected by:
📅 6 November 2026
The fellowship itself is scheduled to take place from:
📅 January 2027 – July 2027
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the full I AM NALA Fellowship application form before the deadline.
📧 Fellowship enquiries: reem@nalafem.org
I AM NALA Fellowship 2027 — Quick Facts
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | I AM NALA Fellowship |
| Organiser | Nalafem |
| Target group | Young African women |
| Age | 18–40 years |
| Eligibility | Refugees, IDPs, displaced or stateless women |
| Cohort | 20 young women political leaders |
| Programme period | January–July 2027 |
| Format | Online, with potential in-person engagements |
| Deadline | 31 October 2026 |
| Shortlist notification | 6 November 2026 |
| Focus | Political leadership, peacebuilding, negotiations and decision-making |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the I AM NALA Fellowship?
Young African women aged 18–40 who are refugees, internally displaced, displaced or stateless and demonstrate leadership or engagement in political, advocacy, peacebuilding or related initiatives.
Can I apply if I am not displaced or stateless?
No. The organisers explicitly state that applications from people who are not refugees, IDPs, displaced or stateless will not be considered.
When does the 2027 fellowship take place?
The fellowship is scheduled for January 2027 to July 2027.
How many women will participate?
The programme will engage 20 young women political leaders from Africa, including displaced Africans in the diaspora.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 31 October 2026.
When will shortlisted applicants be notified?
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified, with notifications expected by 6 November 2026.
Who can I contact for questions?
For enquiries, contact reem@nalafem.org.
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