Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Deadline: June 19, 2025
The Women in Africa (WIA) Young Leaders Programme 2025 is a transformative initiative designed to empower and elevate the next generation of African women leaders. Launched by the Women in Africa Initiative, the programme identifies 10 high-potential African women under 40 who are actively shaping the future of the continent across sectors such as business, education, science, technology, health, and public policy.
This unique leadership programme is backed by global partners, offering participants access to mentorship, visibility, executive education, and international networking opportunities. The goal is to create a powerful community of women committed to driving inclusive growth and impact across Africa.
Benefits
HIGH-LEVEL NETWORKING
with CEOs, ministers, journalists, public figures, accomplished business leaders, and entrepreneurs.
TRAINING PROGRAM
with board training, media training, career coaching, women’s leadership, customized training based on individual needs.
VISIBILITY
through WIA’s communication channels and media presence.
MENTORSHIP
Each awardee is assigned a mentor (an international leader profile).
LEARNING EXPEDITION
in the third quarter with a business trip organized in a major global economic capital.
SEE ALSO: UNFCCC AI for Climate Action Award 2025 for Young Change Agents (Funded to COP30 in Brazil)
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the WIA Young Leaders Programme 2025, applicants must:
- Be a woman of African nationality, living in Africa or abroad
- Be under the age of 40 by the application deadline
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a strong commitment to Africa’s development
- Be proficient in English or French
- Have a track record of impact in their field (entrepreneurship, social innovation, governance, science, etc.)
Application Process and Documents Required
JUNE – JULY 2025: Selection process
Candidates are carefully reviewed based on their academic achievements, career success, leadership abilities, and commitment to making a positive impact. The selection committee narrows down the pool to a shortlist of outstanding individuals.
JULY – AUGUST 2025: Interview with the Jury
Shortlisted candidates proceed to a final interview stage, where they meet with a panel of 12 international jury members. These interviews allow candidates to showcase their ambitions, leadership potential, and personal journeys.
SEPTEMBER 2025: Official announcement
Once the selection process is complete, the new cohort of WIA Young Leaders is officially announced online and in the press. This public announcement celebrates the achievements and potential of these outstanding young African women and introduces them to a global audience.
NOVEMBER-december 2025: Learning Expedition
The selected WIA Young Leaders are then invited on an exclusive business trip to Paris. During this journey, they have the opportunity to engage in high-level networking, attend specialized workshops, and meet influential figures in business, philanthropy, and social leadership. This experience is designed to broaden their perspectives, enhance their professional networks, and provide valuable insights for their future careers.
