APPLY: 2024 YALI RLC West Africa Emerging Leaders Programme

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was launched by the United States government as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders.

TRACKS

Business and Entrepreneurship: This track caters to the range of emerging or aspiring entrepreneurs who expect to take on leadership roles within the private sector or build their own business ventures on the continent.

Civil Society Management: This track is oriented to those who are or aspire to be civically engaged and serve the public through non-governmental organisations, community based organisations, or volunteerism.

Public Policy and Management: This track is tailored to those who work or aspire to work in any level of government (including elected positions), regional organisations such as the African Union or the West Africa Community, international organisations such as the United Nations, or other publicly minded organisations or think tanks

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Competition for the YALI Regional Leadership Center West Africa is a merit-based and open to young West African leaders who meet the following criteria:

Are 18 to 35 years of age at the time of application submission,

Are citizens and residents of one of the following countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Burkina Faso.

Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.

Are eligible to receive any necessary visa to Ghana, and

Are proficient in reading, writing, listening and speaking English.

BENEFITS

If you are selected to participate in the YALI Regional Leadership Center, West Africa – Accra programme, all of the following expenses will be covered by the programme:

Visa to Accra (if required)

Round-trip travel from your country of citizenship* to Accra, Ghana

Transportation to/from Kotoka International Airport to/from the YALI Regional Leadership Center, West Africa – Accra, for all non-Ghanaian participants

For Ghanaian, transportation to/from the YALI Regional Leadership Center, West Africa – Accra will be provided for from your location of residence

Customized academic and leadership course;

Accident and sickness benefit plan during the course

Housing and meals

SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection for participation in Cohort 48 (Onsite) of the YALI Regional Leadership Center West Africa, Accra will be conducted as a merit-based, open competition. All eligible applications will be reviewed by a selection panel and shortlisted. Shortlisted applicants will then be interviewed before a final selection is made and an invitation to join the programme issued.

Selection panels will use the following criteria to evaluate applications:

Demonstrated leadership in public service, business and entrepreneurship, or civic engagement.

Active engagement in public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.

The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and respect the opinions of others.

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 programme.

Application procedure

Applications can be completed through the online portal.