The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was launched by former President of the United States Barack Obama as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. Further, The need to invest in grooming strong, results-oriented leaders comes out of the statistics: nearly 1 in 3 Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60% of Africa’s total population is below the age of 35.

Who will empower and lead these young Africans? Who will shape the future of business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management? In order to answer these questions, YALI promotes three models designed to identify and empower young leaders: the YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship, YALI Network, and the Regional Leadership Centers across Africa.

Moreover, Selected participants will engage in leadership training in a 4-week residential format with a focus on individual and team leadership skills, innovation, creative learning, and communication. Further,  The program’s emphasis is on interactive and experiential learning which fosters each participants ability to contribute both individually and in teams.

The three tracks of study are:

• Business and Entrepreneurship
• Civic Leadership
• Public Management

Benefit

• Visa to Kenya (if required);
• Also, Round-trip travel from your country of citizenship* to Nairobi, Kenya;
• Transportation to/from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to/from the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa for all non-Kenyan participants;
• Further, For Kenyans, transportation to/from the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa will be provided for from your location of residence;
• Customized academic and leadership course;
• Accident and sickness benefit plan;
• Also, Housing and meals; and
• Stipend to cover miscellaneous costs when in Nairobi.

Eligibility

• Are 18 to 35 years of age at the time of application submission,
• Are citizens and residents of one of the following countries: Burundi, Central African Republic. Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda,
• Further, not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.
•  eligible to receive any necessary visa to Kenya, and
•  proficient in reading, writing, listening and speaking English.

Selection Criteria

Selection panels will use the following criteria to evaluate applications:

• A demonstrated leadership in public service, business and entrepreneurship, or civic engagement.
• Also, Active engagement in public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.
• The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and respect the opinions of others.
• Further, Strong social and communication skills.
• An energetic, positive attitude.
• A demonstrated knowledge, interest, and professional experience in the sector/track selected, and
• A commitment to apply leadership skills and training to benefit your country and/or community after the program.