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WIA YOUNG LEADERS

in partnership with
Since 2021, the WIA Young Leaders program has aimed to support and highlight young African women who are actively contributing to building a dynamic, innovative, and inclusive Africa. This initiative is part of the fight for equal opportunities and enables the training of young African women leaders by providing quality support in their professional careers and social advancement, helping them fully realize their potential.
Discover the program

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.

LEADERS

PROFILE

25 to 40 years old

Flexibility possible depending on experience level

African

Born in an African country or having parents born in an African country

Francophone, Anglophone, Lusophone

Ideally speaking several languages

Leadership skills

Humility, empathy, resilience

Involvement and vision

Involvement in the development of the continent

Self-made

& Ability to take on responsibilities at the highest level

PROGRAM

ALUMNAE

The WIA Young Leaders Program boasts a remarkable network of 33 alumnae
who have successfully completed the program and are now making significant strides in their respective fields. 

PROGRAM

TESTIMONIALS

“The program allowed me to develop partnerships, thanks to the WIA Young Leaders I was able for example to develop a partnership with the Embassy of France in Gabon and organize the One Forest Youth Forum, with a speech during the High Level Segment in the presence of French and African Heads of State.”​​

Tamarah Moutotekema-Boussamba ​

“The meetings, individual appointments, and so on were extraordinary.”

Nafissatou Koko Titikpina​

“The networking, the community and network of other amazing women doing fantastic work on the continent, the publicity through the various WIA platforms, the KPMG academy and the intended mentorship programme have all been very beneficial for my professional growth”

Folake Oni

“Thank you for this life-changing opportunity.”​

Megane Boho

“I have been able to meet some World Bank representatives and make good connections for me.”​

Grace Mzumara

PROGRAM

CALENDAR

APRIL 2 - MAY 3RD 2026

Call for applications

Each year, the WIA Young Leaders program opens its call for applications, inviting talented young African women to apply. This phase seeks to attract candidates with strong potential.
Red Check Mark on Box in Close Up View
MAY 2026

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.
A Person Holding a Microphone
JUNE - JULY 2026

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 2026

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. 
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2026

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.

PROGRAM

FAQ

All women aged 25 to 40, born in an African country or having parents born in an African country from an African country are eligible. The WIA Young Leaders Program is open exclusively to women who are citizens of an African country, regardless of their country of residence.

Applicants may live in Africa or abroad, provided they demonstrate a strong commitment to contributing positively to the development of the African continent.

Candidates should already be demonstrating leadership potential and tangible impact through their professional or entrepreneurial activities.

Yes. Candidates who are citizens of an African country but currently living abroad are welcome to apply.

Applicants may therefore indicate:

  • their African nationality

  • any additional nationality

  • their current country of residence

Applicants will be asked to provide information about:

  • Personal information (name, contact details, date of birth)

  • Nationality and country of residence

  • Languages spoken

  • Educational background

  • Professional experience

  • Current organization or initiative

  • Leadership experience and impact

  • Motivation for joining the program

  • Vision for Africa

Applicants may also upload:

  • A CV (optional)

Applicants should select the sector that best reflects their main professional activity or initiative.

If their work spans several sectors (for example health technology or climate finance), they may indicate a secondary sector.

The sectors used in the application form are:

  • Technology, AI & Digital Innovation

  • Finance, Investment & Fintech

  • Health & Life Sciences

  • Agriculture & Food Systems

  • Climate, Energy & Environment

  • Creative Industries (Media, Fashion, Film, Video Games, Design)

  • Industry, Manufacturing & Engineering

  • Infrastructure, Construction, Transport & Logistics

  • Entrepreneurship & Business Services

  • Public Sector, NGOs & International Organizations

The program seeks high-potential leaders who are already demonstrating impact in their professional or entrepreneurial activities.

This includes, for example:

  • founders and entrepreneurs

  • executives and professionals

  • researchers and innovators

  • policy leaders and public sector professionals

  • leaders in civil society and international organizations

Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to Africa, and a clear vision for the future.

Each year, 10 Young Leaders are selected through a highly competitive selection process.

Applications are reviewed by a jury based on several criteria, including:

  • Leadership trajectory

  • Demonstrated impact

  • Commitment to Africa

  • Clarity of vision for the future

  • Potential to benefit from and contribute to the WIA network

Yes. Candidates who applied in previous years are welcome to apply again.

Applications are reviewed through several stages:

  1. Eligibility screening

  2. Pre-selection review

  3. Jury evaluation

Shortlisted candidates may be contacted if additional information is required.

Selected participants join a pan-African community of high-potential leaders and gain access to:

  • a network of senior African and international leaders

  • opportunities for visibility and recognition

  • participation in curated discussions and initiatives

  • connections across sectors and countries

Selected candidates will be contacted directly once the selection process is completed. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application.