AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat 2026 in Gabon | Fully Funded Leadership Program for Young African Women

Applications are now open for the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) 8th Intergenerational Retreat (IGR 8), a prestigious fully funded leadership program that will take place in Libreville, Gabon, in December 2026. Jointly supported by the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), the retreat brings together emerging and established women leaders from across Africa and the African Diaspora to strengthen leadership skills, build lasting networks, and advance Africa’s development agenda.

The AWLN Intergenerational Retreat is the network’s flagship leadership initiative, designed to connect young women changemakers with influential leaders, including Heads of State, ministers, CEOs, policymakers, and civil society leaders. Through mentorship, dialogue, and collaborative learning, participants gain the knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to become transformational leaders in their communities and beyond.

Program Overview

• Host Country: Gabon
• Host City: Libreville
• Organizer: African Women Leaders Network (AWLN)
• Supported By: African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN)
• Program: 8th Intergenerational Retreat (IGR 8)
• Program Type: International Leadership Program
• Program Dates: December 2026
• Number of Participants: 40 Young Women Leaders
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Application Deadline: 3 August 2026

Financial Benefits

Selected participants will receive full sponsorship, including:

• International travel expenses
• Accommodation
• Registration fees
• Participation in all retreat sessions
• Leadership training
• Mentorship from distinguished African women leaders
• Networking opportunities across Africa and the Diaspora
• Eligibility for the AWLN Leadership Award

Program Objectives

The retreat aims to:

• Strengthen women’s leadership across Africa.
• Promote intergenerational mentorship.
• Foster collaboration among emerging and experienced leaders.
• Support the implementation of African Union Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Build a strong pan-African network of women leaders committed to sustainable development.

AWLN Leadership Pillars

Applicants should be actively contributing to one or more of the following six thematic pillars:

• Peace and Security
• Governance and Political Participation
• Financial Inclusion, Economic Development, Natural Resources and Mining
• Agriculture, Rural Economy and Land
• Social Mobilization
• Youth and Emerging Leaders

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be 18–45 years old.
• Be an African woman living on the continent or in the African Diaspora.
• Demonstrate measurable leadership or community impact.
• Be actively engaged in one or more of AWLN’s six thematic pillars.
• Be committed to advancing women’s leadership and sustainable development in Africa.

What Participants Will Gain

Successful applicants will benefit from:

• Mentorship from Heads of State, Vice Presidents, Ministers, CEOs, and other influential women leaders.
• Leadership and personal development training.
• Access to the AWLN continental network.
• Opportunities for future collaboration and partnerships.
• Recognition through the AWLN Leadership Award.
• Continued engagement with AWLN’s extensive network of partners and alumni.

Participant Responsibilities

Selected participants are expected to:

• Attend and actively engage in all retreat activities.
• Share their experiences and perspectives during discussions.
• Foster collaboration across countries and sectors.
• Promote AWLN’s mission within their communities.
• Apply the knowledge gained to strengthen women’s leadership initiatives after the retreat.
• Remain actively involved in the AWLN network beyond the event.

Why Apply?

The AWLN Intergenerational Retreat offers a unique opportunity to:

• Learn directly from Africa’s most accomplished women leaders.
• Build lifelong professional and leadership networks.
• Enhance leadership, communication, and advocacy skills.
• Contribute to Africa’s development agenda.
• Join one of the continent’s most influential women’s leadership platforms.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official AWLN application page.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Provide information about your leadership experience and community impact.
4. Submit your application before 3 August 2026.
5. Await the selection results from the AWLN Secretariat.

Important Dates

The AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for young African women leaders to strengthen their leadership skills, receive mentorship from some of the continent’s most influential women, and become part of a powerful pan-African network committed to advancing gender equality and sustainable development. With all major expenses covered, the program provides an accessible platform for emerging leaders to expand their impact, collaborate across borders, and contribute to shaping Africa’s future. If you are a passionate young woman creating positive change in your community, this fully funded leadership retreat in Gabon is an opportunity not to miss.