Application deadline is 31 october, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2027 I AM NALA Fellowship, a leadership development programme designed to support young African women who are refugees, internally displaced persons or stateless.
The fellowship, organised by Nalafem, will run from January to July 2027 and is aimed at young women with leadership potential who are contributing to political participation, peacebuilding, reconciliation, democratic transitions and decision-making in their communities.
The programme will provide fellows with capacity-building and technical support, mentorship, solidarity, networking opportunities and access to resources that can strengthen their leadership journeys.
Participants will take part in bi-monthly online sessions featuring training programmes and masterclasses. The sessions will also provide opportunities for fellows to interact with experienced mentors and senior leaders from different institutions and organisations. The programme may also include in-person engagements.
Who can apply?
The fellowship is open to young African women between 18 and 40 years old who meet the programme’s leadership criteria.
Eligible applicants may include:
- Leaders of campaigns or women’s groups
- Members of alliances, collectives or consortia focused on building partnerships
- Young women involved in cross-conflict negotiations
- Young female politicians currently serving in political office
Applicants should demonstrate leadership or engagement in one or more areas identified in the Africa Young Women Beijing +25 Manifesto and should align with Nalafem’s core values of solidarity, social justice, dignity, equity and decolonial feminist Pan-Africanism.
Fellowship benefits
Selected participants will receive access to leadership development opportunities, technical assistance and mentorship designed to strengthen their capacity to influence decision-making and contribute to peace and democratic processes.
The fellowship will also create opportunities for participants to learn directly from experienced leaders while building connections with other young women working across Africa and related communities.
Application deadline
Interested candidates have until October 31, 2026, to submit their applications.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, with notifications expected by November 6, 2026.
Young African women who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
