Closed Closed — the 2026–27 application closed on 12 December 2025 at 12:00 US Central Time (GMT-6)
Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa — virtual values-based leadership programme
This cycle is closed. The requirements below are kept as they were published. The Foundation says to check back for updates on the 2027–28 Obama Leaders application. The next round's dates are not published yet.
At a glance
Where
Online (live in Africa)
Length
About 6–8 months, 8–12 h/month
Age
24–45
Deadline
Closed 12 Dec 2025; 2027–28 TBA
Apply
Obama Foundation online application
Who can apply
Criteria stated by the funder on the official source.
Nationality / residence
All nations and territories on the African continent are eligible. Applicants must live in Africa for the programme and be a citizen, permanent resident, refugee/asylum seeker or five-year resident of an eligible country; those living outside Africa are not eligible.
Stated
Age
Between 24 and 45 years of age on 1 September 2026 (for the 2026–27 cohort).
Stated
Experience
At least three years of relevant experience in the applicant's issue area, with work focused on local communities, an African country or the wider African region. No education requirement.
Stated
Language
Applicants must be professionally proficient in English.
Stated
Other conditions
No candidacy for political office from acceptance to the end of the programme; no legal restrictions on joining a US-based programme; previous Obama Leaders are not eligible.
Stated
Funding and what it does not cover
Selected participants pay no fees. The Foundation states that Leaders are not paid a stipend and that it does not offer grants or other financial support for participants' work.
Covered by the funder
Programme sessions, leadership coaching and community groups at no cost
Not covered — you pay these
Stipend
Grants or financial support for participants' work
