Leadership Academy
Empowering the next generation of African leaders
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The Leadership Academy is a program aimed at equipping young people across Africa with essential leadership, personal, and professional development skills. The program is delivered through multiple formats—virtual and in-person—designed for different age groups and local contexts across Africa.
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Applications are now open from February 1st, 2026.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Eligibility criteria vary by program track. Please review the requirements under the specific Leadership Academy format you are applying to.
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Open to African youth aged 18–35 years old.
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Applicants must be citizens of an African nation.
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Must be passionate about leadership and personal development.
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Ability to fully participate in the 10-week virtual program from April to June 2026.
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Must be proficient in English.
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Must have access to an internet-enabled device (laptop or smartphone) as well as access to the internet.
Program Overview – Choose Your Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy equips young people across Africa with the mindsets, skills, and tools needed to become socially responsible and community-driven leaders.
Through a blended learning approach that combines digital learning, leadership theory, practical application, peer-to-peer collaboration, and group projects—supported by facilitated virtual sessions with experienced leaders and personalized feedback from mentors—participants strengthen their ability to lead themselves and others effectively.
The Leadership Academy is delivered through multiple program formats to respond to diverse contexts and learning needs:
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Virtual Leadership Academy (English & French):
A 10-week online program delivered via the YAM.edu platform, combining self-paced learning, facilitated virtual sessions, assignments, group projects, and personalized mentorship. Application window : 1st–28th February 2026.
👉 Apply to the English Virtual Leadership Academy
👉 Apply to the French Virtual Leadership Academy
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In-Person Leadership Academy (Burkina Faso & Mali):
Select in-person cohorts offering hands-on leadership training, mentorship, and community engagement activities.
Participation is subject to location, cohort availability, and selection criteria. 1st february - 12th April 2026
👉 Apply to the Burkina Faso Leadership Academy
👉 Apply to the Mali Leadership Academy (TBD)
The program also integrates the Inspiring Journeys Series, featuring guest speakers from diverse sectors who share real-world leadership experiences and insights.
Program Objectives
The Leadership Academy aims to:
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The Leadership Academy aims to:
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Develop transformative leadership capacity among African youth by strengthening self-awareness, integrity, communication, and ethical decision-making.
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Bridge theory and practice through interactive learning, real-life case studies, and applied group projects.
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Strengthen digital, professional, and collaborative skills required for leadership in modern African and global contexts.
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Foster peer learning, mentorship, and networks that extend beyond the program.
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Provide practical exposure through in-person sessions (where applicable), enabling participants to apply leadership skills in real community settings.
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Equip participants to drive sustainable impact within their communities, institutions, and professional environments.
Program Experience
Our leadership program is designed to instill strong leadership qualities in participants, equipping them with the ability to lead and inspire others, encouraging a sense of responsibility and empathy.
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Foundations of Transformative Leadership: Emphasizes developing the ability to inspire and motivate others, build trust, and navigate complex challenges. Through practical exercises, case studies, and reflective practices, learners gain the tools to become impactful leaders capable of driving meaningful transformation in their organizations and communities.
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Visionary Thinking and Strategic Planning: Learners will focus on cultivating the essential skills for crafting a clear and inspiring vision, and translating that vision into actionable strategic plans to realize long term success.
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Collaboration and Networking: Participants will learn how to build and maintain professional networks, navigate diverse perspectives, and create synergistic partnerships. Through practical exercises and real-world scenarios, learners will develop the ability to foster teamwork, enhance communication, and build strategic connections that drive personal and professional growth.
What Makes the Leadership Academy Unique
📍 Program Delivery Format
The Leadership Academy is primarily delivered virtually, with select in-person sessions organized by Leading Change Africa.
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Virtual Program: Open to participants across Africa, with cohorts in English and French
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In-Person Sessions: Piloted in Mali and Burkina Faso, offering hands-on leadership training and community engagement opportunities
Participation in in-person sessions is subject to location, availability, and selection criteria.
✨ What Sets the Program Apart
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Blended virtual and in-person learning model
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Africa-focused leadership curriculum
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Practical, application-oriented approach
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Strong emphasis on values, integrity, and community impact
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Access to mentors, alumni, and a growing pan-African leadership network
Frequently asked questions
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