Applications are currently open for the 2024–2025 Obama Foundation Africa Leaders Program. This six-month virtual leadership development journey is part of the Obama Foundation Leaders program, which spans Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States. The Africa program will run from late August or early September 2024 until no later than May 1, 2025. With an average commitment of 8–12 hours per month, the program aims to unite emerging leaders from diverse regions. Participants, known as “Obama Leaders,” will engage in weekly sessions featuring:
- Practical tools and training to strengthen values-based leadership
- Individualized coaching
- Community groups
- Dialogues with thought leaders
- Cultural programming highlighting regional diversity and richness
- Specially curated spaces for profound personal reflection and peer-based interpersonal learning
Benefits:
Upon successful program completion, Obama Leaders will join the Obama Foundation’s Leadership Network—a growing community of civically engaged alumni from various Obama Foundation programs dedicated to developing tangible solutions for the world’s greatest challenges.
The 2024–2025 program is entirely virtual, with no scheduled in-person activities for the program cycle. Participants can anticipate a dynamic mix of virtual engagements designed to foster networking, collaboration, and shared learning experiences. Alongside other leadership experts, participants will have exclusive virtual opportunities to interact with Obama Foundation leadership.
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Location:
The program invites individuals residing in all countries and territories within the continent of Africa. Citizenship and Residency: Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Individuals who are citizens of an African country or territory
- Individuals who hold permanent residency status in an African country or territory
- Have lived in an African country or territory for at least the last 5 years, irrespective of citizenship or permanent residence status Geographic Focus: Applicants should center their efforts on effecting positive change within local communities, an African nation or territory, and/or the wider Africa region. A strong commitment to continuing this work in the African region is essential.
Leadership Experience:
Demonstrate a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in your chosen issue area.
Age:
Be within the age range of 24 to 45 years as of August 26, 2024.
Language Proficiency:
Possess professional proficiency in both spoken and written English.
Political Campaigns: Refrain from participating in any electoral campaign as a candidate for political office from the time of acceptance into the program until May 1, 2025. Selection decisions are expected to be communicated in July and August 2024.
Program Commitment:
Commit to full participation throughout the entire six-month program. The Leaders Africa program is scheduled to commence the week of September 9, 2024, concluding no later than May 1, 2025, with planned breaks. The exact dates are subject to change. Participants must attend 8 to 12 hours of mandatory virtual programming each month, engage in required leadership coaching sessions, and actively participate in community group discussions throughout the program.
Jurisdiction and Ability to Participate in a U.S.-Based Program: As the Obama Foundation is based in the United States, participants must not be under any legal or regulatory restrictions that would limit their involvement in virtual Foundation programming or travel to the U.S. for potential in-person programming. (if any).
For additional details,
Application Deadline: Friday, February 9, 2024.
