iLEAD Fellowship Cohort 13 is a leadership development and mentorship programme for young African leaders aged 18 to 35 who are passionate about creating positive change in their communities and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
The programme is offered by the Emerging Leaders Foundation-Africa (ELF-Africa) and focuses on developing values-based leadership through training, mentorship and coaching.
iLEAD Fellowship Cohort 13 Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | iLEAD Fellowship |
| Cohort | Cohort 13 |
| Organization | Emerging Leaders Foundation-Africa |
| Target Group | Young African leaders |
| Age Range | 18–35 years |
| Nationality | Citizens of any African country |
| Location | Africa and African diaspora |
| Language | English |
| Focus | Leadership, SDGs, civic engagement and policy |
| Programme Approach | Training, mentorship and coaching |
About the iLEAD Fellowship
The iLEAD Fellowship is a leadership development and mentorship programme designed to help young Africans develop the skills, knowledge and networks needed to create meaningful change.
The programme is based on values-based leadership and aims to equip participants with practical life skills, civic consciousness and exposure to policy work.
Participants are supported through a three-dimensional approach consisting of:
- Training
- Mentorship
- Coaching
Through these components, fellows can develop their leadership potential while connecting with a wider community of young African leaders.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for young Africans between 18 and 35 years old.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Age Requirement
Applicants must be 18 to 35 years old.
2. Demonstrated Leadership
Candidates should be proven leaders within their:
- Profession
- Educational institution
- Community
- Wider society
Leadership does not appear to be restricted to one particular professional field.
3. African Citizenship
The programme is open to citizens of any African country.
The source also states that Africans living either within Africa or in the diaspora can apply.
4. English Proficiency
Applicants must be proficient in:
- Reading English
- Writing English
- Speaking English
What Does the Fellowship Focus On?
The iLEAD Fellowship focuses on leadership development while encouraging young people to contribute towards important development challenges.
The programme specifically highlights several Sustainable Development Goals, including:
No Poverty
Participants can develop leadership approaches relevant to tackling poverty and socioeconomic challenges.
Quality Education
The programme recognizes education as an important area for young leaders working toward sustainable development.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
The fellowship also supports leadership focused on employment, economic participation and inclusive growth.
Climate Action
Young leaders interested in environmental and climate-related challenges can connect their leadership work to climate action.
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
The programme also emphasizes civic consciousness, governance and policy engagement.
What Will Fellows Gain?
The iLEAD Fellowship is designed to help participants:
- Develop leadership skills
- Strengthen life skills
- Build civic consciousness
- Gain exposure to policy work
- Receive mentorship
- Receive coaching
- Connect with other young leaders
- Develop their potential
- Become more effective leaders in their communities
The programme also seeks to provide participants with tools, platforms and linkages that can support their personal and professional development.
A Values-Based Leadership Approach
Leadership development is central to ELF-Africa’s founding vision.
The organization emphasizes the belief that leadership can contribute to social, economic and political transformation.
The iLEAD Fellowship therefore goes beyond traditional skills training by focusing on values-based leadership and encouraging participants to apply their knowledge within their communities and wider society.
Diversity and Inclusion
ELF-Africa states that it is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion throughout its selection process.
The organization says applicants are valued regardless of factors including:
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Colour
- Gender
- Religion
- Socioeconomic status
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
Who Should Consider Applying?
The iLEAD Fellowship may be particularly relevant to young Africans who are:
- Community leaders
- Student leaders
- Young professionals
- Social impact leaders
- Entrepreneurs
- Civic engagement advocates
- Development practitioners
- Young people working on the SDGs
- Emerging policy leaders
- Young climate advocates
The key requirement is demonstrated leadership and a commitment to contributing positively to society.
How the Programme Can Support Young Leaders
Young leaders often need more than technical knowledge to create lasting impact.
The iLEAD Fellowship combines training, mentorship and coaching, giving participants different forms of support as they develop their leadership capabilities.
The programme also aims to provide platforms and linkages that can help fellows turn their potential into meaningful action.
Application Information
The information provided confirms that iLEAD Fellowship Cohort 13 is available for eligible young African leaders.
However, the supplied source does not provide a specific application deadline, fellowship start date, funding amount or application fee amount. Therefore, these details should not be assumed.
Applicants should check the official ELF-Africa programme information and application instructions for the current Cohort 13 application process.
Visit the official iLEAD Fellowship page
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the iLEAD Fellowship?
Young Africans aged 18 to 35 who demonstrate leadership in their profession, educational institution, community or society can apply.
Do I have to live in Africa?
No. The information states that citizens of any African country can apply whether they are living in Africa or in the diaspora.
Do I need to speak English?
Yes. Applicants must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.
Is the fellowship only for university students?
The provided information does not restrict the programme to university students. It refers broadly to young Africans who have demonstrated leadership in their profession, educational institution, community or society.
What are the main areas of focus?
The fellowship focuses on values-based leadership and highlights SDGs including No Poverty, Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Climate Action, and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
What support does the fellowship provide?
The programme uses training, mentorship and coaching and provides tools, platforms and linkages intended to help participants develop their leadership potential.
Is there an application fee?
The supplied source lists this as a frequently asked question but does not provide the answer. Applicants should verify the current application information directly with ELF-Africa.
Final Thoughts
The iLEAD Fellowship Cohort 13 Opens for Young Leaders Across East Africa provides an opportunity for young African leaders aged 18–35 to strengthen their leadership capabilities through training, mentorship and coaching.
The programme is particularly relevant for young people working on social, economic, civic, environmental and development challenges and those interested in contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Importantly, the opportunity is open to African citizens regardless of whether they currently live in Africa or in the diaspora, provided they meet the stated eligibility requirements.
Check the iLEAD Fellowship details and application information
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