The WIA Young Leaders Programme is an initiative by WIA Philanthropy, delivered in partnership with global organisations such as KPMG and Havas.
Launched in 2021, the programme is designed to identify, support, and empower young African women who are actively contributing to leadership, innovation, and inclusive development across the continent. It forms part of a broader mission to promote equal opportunities and strengthen women’s representation in leadership positions across Africa and globally.
Programme Vision and Purpose
The initiative focuses on building a new generation of African women leaders by offering structured professional support, mentorship, and high-level exposure. It aims to strengthen the leadership pipeline by equipping participants with the tools required to thrive in senior roles across sectors.
The programme supports participants in:
- Advancing professional careers
- Strengthening leadership capacity
- Enhancing social and economic impact
- Contributing to Africa’s development agenda
The overall goal is to enable participants to fully realise their leadership potential while contributing meaningfully to a more dynamic and inclusive African future.
Core Programme Pillars
The WIA Young Leaders Programme is structured around five key pillars:
High-Level Networking
Participants gain access to exclusive networking opportunities with:
- Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
- Government ministers
- Journalists and media professionals
- Public figures and policymakers
- Entrepreneurs and business leaders
This exposure helps participants build influential professional connections across industries and regions.
Leadership Training Programme
The programme offers a comprehensive training curriculum that includes:
- Board-level leadership training
- Media and communication training
- Career coaching and professional development
- Women’s leadership development modules
- Tailored training based on individual needs
This training is designed to strengthen both technical and soft leadership skills.
Mentorship Support
Each selected participant is paired with an experienced international mentor. These mentors are senior leaders from diverse industries who provide:
- Strategic career guidance
- Leadership coaching
- Personal development support
- Industry insights and networking access
This one-on-one mentorship is a core component of the programme’s long-term impact.
Visibility and Recognition
Participants benefit from increased visibility through:
- WIA communication platforms
- Media features and interviews
- Public recognition of achievements
This visibility helps amplify the professional profiles of participants and their work across Africa and beyond.
Learning Expedition
In the third quarter of the programme, participants take part in a business and learning expedition to a major global economic hub. This experience provides:
- Exposure to international business ecosystems
- Meetings with global industry leaders
- Cross-cultural professional exchange
- Insights into global leadership practices
Eligibility and Participant Profile
The programme targets high-potential African women aged:
- 25 to 40 years old (flexibility may be considered based on experience)
Eligible applicants must:
- Be born in an African country or have at least one parent born in Africa
- Demonstrate leadership potential and professional achievement
- Show involvement in Africa’s development or social impact initiatives
- Possess strong communication skills, ideally in multiple languages
Preferred linguistic backgrounds include:
- Francophone
- Anglophone
- Lusophone
Key Leadership Attributes
Successful candidates typically demonstrate:
- Strong leadership capabilities
- Humility and emotional intelligence
- Resilience in challenging environments
- A clear vision for impact and development
- A self-driven and responsible mindset
- Commitment to advancing Africa’s growth and transformation
Programme Impact and Network
The WIA Young Leaders Programme has built a strong and growing community of 43 alumnae, who continue to make significant contributions across various professional fields.
These alumnae represent a diverse network of leaders working in business, governance, social innovation, and development sectors. The programme continues to expand its influence by fostering long-term collaboration among participants and partners.
Strategic Partnerships
The programme is supported by global partners including KPMG and Havas, which contribute expertise, visibility, and institutional support.
These partnerships enhance the programme’s ability to deliver high-quality leadership development and global exposure for participants.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the official application portal. Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- Leadership experience or potential
- Commitment to African development
- Professional achievements and ambition
- Alignment with the programme’s values of inclusion and impact
Only selected candidates are admitted into the programme following a competitive selection process.
Organisational Context
WIA Philanthropy operates as a platform dedicated to scaling the impact of African women leaders and entrepreneurs. Based in Paris, France, the organisation works across Africa and globally to promote gender equality, leadership development, and economic empowerment.
Conclusion
The WIA Young Leaders Programme represents a high-impact leadership initiative designed to empower young African women through mentorship, training, visibility, and global exposure. By combining professional development with strategic networking and international learning experiences, the programme plays a key role in shaping the next generation of African women leaders.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the programme. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
