Emerging Leaders Programme 2026–2027: Leadership Development Opportunity for Mid-Level Executives Across Africa
Are you a mid-level professional looking to strengthen your leadership capabilities, develop greater self-awareness, build resilience, and learn how to mobilise people to create meaningful change? The UONGOZI Institute Emerging Leaders Programme 2026–2027 offers an intensive six-month leadership development experience designed for mid-level executives working across different sectors in Africa.
The programme is delivered by UONGOZI Institute in collaboration with the HAUS Finnish Institute of Public Management and combines predominantly online learning with selected face-to-face sessions. It brings together leadership development expertise from around the world and is designed to help participants examine their leadership approaches, strengthen their ability to respond to challenges, and develop the capacity to lead change effectively.
The Emerging Leaders Programme 2026–2027 begins in December 2026 and runs for six months. Applications must be received by Friday, 23 October 2026 at 23:00 hours (EAT).
A limited number of merit-based scholarships are also available for eligible applicants.
About the UONGOZI Institute Emerging Leaders Programme
The Emerging Leaders Programme is a leadership development programme created for mid-level executives working in any sector across Africa.
Rather than focusing exclusively on technical professional skills, the programme is designed around broader leadership capabilities. Participants are challenged to reflect on their own leadership practices, understand their strengths and areas for development, cultivate resilience and a growth mindset, and learn how to mobilise others toward meaningful change.
The programme is delivered over a period of six months and consists of six modules.
Participants will learn through a blended model consisting of:
- 85% e-learning
- 15% face-to-face sessions
This delivery structure allows working professionals to participate in a largely flexible learning environment while still benefiting from opportunities for direct interaction and engagement.
The programme’s faculty consists of leadership development experts from across the world, providing participants with exposure to perspectives and approaches from different professional and geographic contexts.
Emerging Leaders Programme 2026–2027 at a Glance
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Emerging Leaders Programme |
| Organiser | UONGOZI Institute |
| Partner | HAUS Finnish Institute of Public Management |
| Target participants | Mid-level executives across Africa |
| Programme start | December 2026 |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Number of modules | 6 |
| Delivery | 85% e-learning and 15% face-to-face |
| Tuition fee | TZS 2.6 million per person |
| Payment option | Two instalments |
| Scholarships | Limited merit-based scholarships available |
| Application deadline | 23 October 2026 |
| Deadline time | 23:00 hours EAT |
Who Is the Emerging Leaders Programme For?
The programme is specifically designed for mid-level executives working in any sector across Africa.
This means that applicants do not have to come from one particular professional field. Professionals working in different sectors may apply as long as they satisfy the programme’s requirements.
The programme may therefore be relevant to professionals working in areas such as:
- Government and public administration
- Business and private-sector organisations
- Non-governmental organisations
- International development
- Education
- Finance
- Technology
- Health
- Civil society
- Social enterprises
- Research and academia
- Other professional sectors
The central focus is not the applicant’s specific sector but their professional experience, leadership responsibilities, and potential for further leadership development.
Key Objectives of the Emerging Leaders Programme
The programme is structured around several important dimensions of leadership development.
1. Building Self-Awareness
Effective leadership begins with understanding oneself.
The programme challenges participants to examine their leadership approaches and develop greater awareness of their own:
- Strengths
- Challenges
- Leadership behaviours
- Decision-making approaches
- Professional experiences
- Areas requiring further development
Developing self-awareness can help leaders better understand how their actions affect colleagues, teams, organisations, and other stakeholders.
2. Developing Resilience
Leadership often involves navigating uncertainty, pressure, organisational change, and difficult decisions.
The Emerging Leaders Programme seeks to help participants embrace a mindset of resilience, enabling them to approach challenges as part of the leadership process.
Rather than focusing only on immediate professional responsibilities, the programme encourages participants to develop the mindset and capabilities needed to continue learning and adapting when circumstances change.
3. Embracing a Growth Mindset
The programme also encourages participants to adopt a growth-oriented approach to leadership.
This involves recognising that leadership capabilities can be developed through:
- Reflection
- Learning
- Experience
- Feedback
- Adaptation
- Continuous improvement
For mid-level executives preparing to take on greater responsibilities, this approach can support continued professional and leadership development.
4. Mobilising Others to Drive Change
Leadership is not only about individual performance.
The Emerging Leaders Programme also focuses on the ability to mobilise others to drive change.
This is particularly relevant for professionals who work with teams, organisations, communities, stakeholders, or institutions and need to bring people together around shared objectives.
Participants are expected to explore leadership in ways that go beyond managing their own responsibilities and consider how they can influence and engage others to contribute to change.
Six-Month Programme Structure
The Emerging Leaders Programme consists of six modules delivered over six months.
The source indicates that the programme starts in December 2026 and runs for six months.
The combination of multiple modules allows participants to engage with leadership development progressively rather than through a single short training event.
The programme’s self-paced approach also provides flexibility for mid-level executives who may have ongoing professional responsibilities.
Programme Delivery: 85% Online and 15% Face-to-Face
One of the defining features of the Emerging Leaders Programme is its blended delivery model.
The programme consists of:
85% E-Learning
The majority of the programme is delivered through e-learning.
This approach provides participants with greater flexibility to engage with the programme alongside their professional responsibilities.
15% Face-to-Face Sessions
The remaining portion of the programme involves face-to-face sessions.
These sessions provide opportunities for direct engagement and interaction that complement the online learning component.
The combination of online and face-to-face learning creates a blended learning experience rather than a programme that relies exclusively on either digital or physical instruction.
International Faculty and Leadership Expertise
The programme brings together a faculty consisting of experts in leadership development from across the world.
This international faculty is intended to expose participants to leadership perspectives and expertise beyond their immediate professional environments.
For African executives, such exposure can provide an opportunity to examine leadership challenges from multiple perspectives and consider how different approaches may apply to their own organisational and professional contexts.
Collaboration With HAUS Finnish Institute of Public Management
The Emerging Leaders Programme is undertaken by UONGOZI Institute in collaboration with HAUS Finnish Institute of Public Management.
HAUS is a Finnish public management organisation, and its involvement contributes to the programme’s international leadership-development dimension.
The collaboration brings together expertise from different institutional and geographic contexts in the delivery of the programme.
Programme Duration
The Emerging Leaders Programme has a total duration of:
Six months
The programme is scheduled to start in December 2026.
This extended format gives participants time to engage with the programme’s six modules rather than completing all learning activities within a short workshop or seminar.
Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for the programme is:
TZS 2.6 million per person
Applicants should take this cost into consideration when preparing their application and planning their participation.
However, the institute provides an instalment payment option.
Tuition Fee Payment in Two Instalments
Participants have the option to pay the tuition fee in two instalments.
The payment structure is:
First Instalment
50% of the tuition fee
This is payable in advance of registration in November.
Second Instalment
50% of the tuition fee
This is payable in advance of Module 4 in February.
This instalment structure gives successful participants an alternative to paying the entire programme fee at once.
Merit-Based Scholarships
A limited number of merit-based scholarships are available for the Emerging Leaders Programme.
This means that applicants who may not be able to cover the full tuition fee should still consider applying and reviewing the scholarship provisions.
Because the source describes the scholarships as limited and merit-based, applicants should not assume that every successful programme applicant will automatically receive financial support.
Applicants should therefore prepare their applications carefully and ensure that they meet the stated programme and selection requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet several requirements to be considered for the programme.
1. Leadership or Supervisory Experience
Applicants must have at least one year of supervisory, managerial, or leadership experience.
This requirement reflects the programme’s focus on mid-level executives rather than individuals who are completely new to professional leadership.
2. Professional Experience
Applicants must have a minimum of:
Five years of work experience
This requirement ensures that participants enter the programme with meaningful professional experience on which they can reflect and build.
3. Academic Qualification
Applicants must hold:
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent
The programme therefore expects applicants to have completed an undergraduate-level qualification or an equivalent credential.
4. English Language Skills
Applicants must have a:
Good command of written and spoken English
Because the programme includes e-learning and interaction with faculty and other participants, applicants need sufficient English proficiency to engage effectively with the programme.
5. Computer Skills
Applicants must have:
Excellent computer skills
This requirement is particularly relevant because 85% of the programme is delivered through e-learning.
Participants should therefore be comfortable using digital tools and engaging with online learning environments.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit several documents and pieces of information.
The application consists of three principal supporting requirements:
- Curriculum vitae
- Recommendation, commitment and permission letter from the employer
- Motivational statement
Each requirement serves a different purpose in demonstrating the applicant’s professional experience, organisational support, leadership background, and motivation for participating.
1. Curriculum Vitae
Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae that:
- Does not exceed three pages
- Clearly presents their professional experience
- Demonstrates relevant leadership or management experience
- Provides information that allows the selection team to assess their professional background
Applicants should ensure that their CV stays within the three-page limit.
The application system accepts CV files in:
- DOC
- DOCX
2. Employer Recommendation, Commitment and Permission Letter
Applicants must provide a:
Recommendation, commitment and permission letter from their employer
This requirement demonstrates that the applicant’s organisation is aware of and supportive of their participation in the programme.
Applicants should therefore arrange this letter well before the application deadline.
The application system accepts the employer letter in:
- DOC
- DOCX
- JPG
- JPEG
- PNG
3. Motivational Statement
Applicants must provide a motivational statement of:
450–500 words
The statement should explain three central areas:
- Your leadership successes
- Your leadership challenges
- Your reasons for applying for the programme
This is an important part of the application because it gives candidates an opportunity to explain their leadership journey and why they believe the Emerging Leaders Programme is relevant to their professional development.
Applicants should remain within the specified 450–500 word range.
What Information Is Required in the Application Form?
The application form requests information in several sections.
Personal Details
Applicants are asked to provide:
- First name
- Middle name
- Last name
- Gender
- Age group
- Title, such as Ms, Mrs, Mr, Dr, Prof, or Eng
- Email address
- Phone number
- Nationality
- LinkedIn profile
Job Details
Applicants must also provide information about their current employment, including:
- Organisation
- Position
- Postal address
- Street
- Region
- Country
The form also asks applicants to identify the sector in which their organisation operates.
How Did You Hear About the Programme?
Applicants are asked how they learned about the Emerging Leaders Programme.
The available options include:
- UONGOZI Institute’s website
- X (Twitter)
- YouTube
- Colleague or friend
- Internet search, such as Google or Safari
- Other
Applicants can select the option that accurately reflects how they discovered the opportunity.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Emerging Leaders Programme 2026–2027 is:
Friday, 23 October 2026 at 23:00 hours EAT
Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
Applicants should therefore submit their complete applications before the stated deadline rather than waiting until the final hours.
The institute also states that only successful candidates will be contacted.
Important Programme Dates
Several dates are relevant to prospective applicants and participants.
October 23, 2026
Application deadline
Applications must be received by 23:00 EAT.
November 2026
First tuition instalment
Successful participants who choose the instalment option pay 50% of the tuition fee in advance of registration.
December 2026
Programme begins
The six-month Emerging Leaders Programme starts.
February
Second tuition instalment
Participants using the instalment payment option pay the remaining 50% in advance of Module 4.
Why Consider the Emerging Leaders Programme?
The programme is designed around the development of leadership capabilities that can be relevant across sectors and professional environments.
Participants can expect the programme to provide an opportunity to:
- Reflect on their leadership strengths and challenges
- Develop greater self-awareness
- Strengthen resilience
- Embrace a growth mindset
- Develop their ability to mobilise others
- Learn from international leadership-development experts
- Participate in a six-month structured development programme
- Combine flexible online learning with face-to-face engagement
- Connect with other professionals from across Africa
- Apply leadership learning within their professional environments
The programme’s cross-sector approach also means that participants can come from different professional backgrounds rather than one specialised industry.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The programme may be particularly relevant to professionals who:
- Have already taken on supervisory or managerial responsibilities
- Have at least five years of professional experience
- Want to strengthen their leadership capabilities
- Are preparing for increased leadership responsibilities
- Want to improve their ability to lead teams and mobilise others
- Are interested in resilience and personal development
- Want to develop a broader understanding of leadership
- Can commit to a six-month learning programme
- Are comfortable with online learning
- Work in any sector across Africa
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Applicants should begin preparing their materials well before the deadline.
Step 1: Review Your Leadership Experience
Identify examples that demonstrate your experience in:
- Supervising others
- Managing teams
- Leading projects
- Solving organisational challenges
- Driving change
- Supporting colleagues
- Taking responsibility for outcomes
These examples can help you demonstrate that you meet the leadership experience requirement.
Step 2: Prepare a Focused Three-Page CV
Make sure your CV does not exceed three pages.
Prioritise information relevant to your professional development and leadership experience.
Step 3: Request the Employer Letter Early
The employer recommendation, commitment and permission letter is a required part of the application.
Request it early enough to avoid delays close to the deadline.
Step 4: Develop Your Motivational Statement
Your statement must be 450–500 words and should address:
- Your leadership successes
- Your leadership challenges
- Why you want to participate in the programme
A clear and focused statement can help the selection team understand your motivation and professional development goals.
Step 5: Check Your Digital Documents
Make sure all uploaded documents meet the required formats and that your CV does not exceed three pages.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Do not wait until the final hours.
The stated deadline is 23 October 2026 at 23:00 EAT, and applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
follow this link to apply: https://tally.so/r/Y5NGO5
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Emerging Leaders Programme?
The Emerging Leaders Programme is a six-month leadership development programme organised by UONGOZI Institute in collaboration with HAUS Finnish Institute of Public Management for mid-level executives working across Africa.
When does the programme start?
The programme starts in December 2026.
How long is the programme?
The programme lasts six months.
How is the programme delivered?
The programme uses a blended delivery model consisting of 85% e-learning and 15% face-to-face sessions.
How many modules are included?
The programme consists of six modules.
How much does the programme cost?
The tuition fee is TZS 2.6 million per person.
Can the tuition fee be paid in instalments?
Yes. Participants can pay in two instalments:
- 50% before registration in November
- 50% before Module 4 in February
Are scholarships available?
Yes. A limited number of merit-based scholarships are available.
How much work experience is required?
Applicants must have at least five years of work experience.
How much leadership experience is required?
Applicants must have at least one year of supervisory, managerial, or leadership experience.
Is a bachelor’s degree required?
Yes. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Is English proficiency required?
Yes. Applicants need a good command of written and spoken English.
Are computer skills required?
Yes. Applicants are expected to have excellent computer skills.
How long can the CV be?
The CV must not exceed three pages.
How long should the motivational statement be?
The motivational statement must be between 450 and 500 words.
Who can apply?
The programme is for mid-level executives working in any sector across Africa who meet the stated professional, academic, language, and computer-skills requirements.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is Friday, 23 October 2026 at 23:00 hours EAT.
What happens if I submit after the deadline?
The source states that applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Conclusion
The UONGOZI Institute Emerging Leaders Programme 2026–2027 is a six-month leadership development opportunity designed for mid-level executives working across Africa.
Through six modules and a blended learning model of 85% e-learning and 15% face-to-face sessions, the programme seeks to help participants develop greater self-awareness, strengthen resilience, embrace a growth mindset, and improve their ability to mobilise others to drive change.
The programme is open to professionals from any sector across Africa, provided they meet the stated requirements, including at least five years of work experience, at least one year of supervisory, managerial, or leadership experience, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, good written and spoken English, and excellent computer skills.
The tuition fee is TZS 2.6 million, with an option to pay in two instalments. A limited number of merit-based scholarships are also available.
Applicants should prepare a CV of no more than three pages, an employer recommendation, commitment and permission letter, and a 450–500-word motivational statement explaining their leadership successes, challenges, and reasons for applying.
The application deadline is Friday, 23 October 2026 at 23:00 EAT. Since late applications will not be considered, prospective applicants should prepare their documents and submit their applications well before the deadline.
Learn more about the Emerging Leaders Programme at UONGOZI Institute
More opportunities HERE
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