The leadership academy is a 10-week virtual initiative designed to equip African youth with essential leadership, personal development, and professional skills. Through self-paced modules, interactive virtual sessions, and peer-to-peer learning, participants gain the tools needed to create positive change in their communities and advance their careers.

The program runs for 10 weeks, from April to June 2026, with a combination of self-paced learning and bi-weekly virtual facilitated sessions

The program is open to African youth aged 18-35 years old, residing in and are citizens of Africa. Applicants should be post-secondary students, recent graduates, or early-career professionals with a passion for leadership, personal and professional development, and community development.

Participants need access to a reliable internet connection and a device (laptop or smartphone) to engage with YAM-edu.com (the learning platform used for the leadership academy virtual program) and join virtual sessions.

• Self-paced modules on key leadership topics such as adaptability, critical thinking, communication, and inclusivity. • Bi-weekly facilitated virtual sessions for discussions, group work, and peer assessments. • Assignments, and practical exercises to apply learning in real-world contexts. • A final project and graduation ceremony to celebrate participants' achievements.

On average, participants should expect to dedicate 6-8 hours per week to complete self-paced modules, and assignments, and attend virtual sessions.

You can apply to join the Virtual Leadership Academy by clicking Apply.(https://forms.gle/5kT6nUgM28eNczkm9) Applications will open throughout the month of February and will close on 28th February 2026.

No, the Leadership Academy Program is completely free for selected participants.

Each participant will be assigned to a group with a dedicated facilitator who will provide guidance, monitor progress, and offer personalized feedback. There will also be support channels such as WhatsApp groups for easy communication.

Graduates of the program will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to apply for the post-secondary program to support further education and the LCAP entrepreneurship programs to further their entrepreneurship journeys. Additionally, participants who implement their leadership skills through community or entrepreneurial projects may be invited to become mentors or facilitators for future program cycles

• Develop essential leadership and professional skills. • Build a strong network of like-minded young leaders across Africa and the continent. • Gain mentorship and feedback from experienced facilitators. • Receive a Certificate of Completion and potential opportunities for continued education or entrepreneurial support.

Yes, the program is designed to be flexible, with self-paced learning and evening virtual sessions to accommodate participants' existing commitments

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