Apply Now: African Women Leaders Network Opens Applications for 8th Intergenerational Retreat 2026 in Gabon (Fully Funded)
LIBREVILLE, Gabon – The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) has officially opened applications for its 8th Intergenerational Retreat (IGR 8), inviting young African women leaders from across the continent and the Diaspora to apply for a fully funded leadership programme scheduled to take place in Libreville, Gabon, in December 2026.
Jointly supported by the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), the flagship retreat aims to strengthen women’s leadership by connecting emerging leaders with accomplished women shaping Africa’s future.
Applications are open until August 3, 2026.
AWLN to Select 40 Young Women Leaders for Fully Funded Retreat
The network will select 40 young women leaders to participate in the fully sponsored retreat, with all major expenses covered, including:
- Registration fees
- International travel
- Accommodation
The Intergenerational Retreat serves as AWLN’s premier leadership platform, providing opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and cross-generational dialogue that contribute to Africa’s transformation in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Programme Aims to Build Africa’s Next Generation of Women Leaders
According to AWLN, the retreat is designed to strengthen leadership capacity by bringing together emerging and established women leaders from diverse sectors and countries.
Participants will engage in discussions, mentorship sessions, and collaborative activities aimed at developing practical leadership skills while building lasting professional networks across Africa and the Diaspora.
The programme seeks to transform mentorship and dialogue into meaningful action that advances women’s leadership and sustainable development across the continent.
Eligibility Criteria for the AWLN Intergenerational Retreat 2026
AWLN is inviting applications from young African women leaders who have demonstrated measurable impact within their communities.
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 45 years of age.
- Be from Africa or the African Diaspora.
- Demonstrate recognised or measurable community impact.
- Be innovators or active contributors in at least one of AWLN’s six thematic pillars.
The six focus areas include:
- Peace and Security
- Governance and Political Participation
- Financial Inclusion, Economic Development, Natural Resources and Mining
- Agriculture, Rural Economy and Land
- Social Mobilisation
- Youth and Emerging Leaders
Selected Participants Will Receive Mentorship and Leadership Development
Successful applicants will benefit from a range of leadership development opportunities throughout the retreat.
Participants will receive:
- Mentorship from distinguished women leaders, including Heads of State, Vice Presidents, Cabinet leaders, and Chief Executive Officers.
- Access to AWLN’s extensive network of influential women leaders across Africa and the Diaspora.
- Advanced leadership and personal development training.
- Eligibility for the AWLN Leadership Award.
- Strategic support through AWLN’s partnerships and leadership ecosystem.
Participants Expected to Champion Women’s Leadership Beyond the Retreat
AWLN emphasised that participation extends beyond attending the event, with selected delegates expected to become long-term ambassadors for the network.
Participants will be expected to:
- Engage actively in all retreat sessions and collaborative activities.
- Share knowledge, experiences, and best practices with fellow participants.
- Build partnerships across countries, sectors, and generations.
- Promote AWLN’s mission and values within their communities.
- Implement or strengthen initiatives that advance women’s leadership and gender equality after the programme.
- Remain active within the AWLN network through mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
The organisation noted that participants will be selected not only for their achievements but also for their commitment to contributing to the continued growth and impact of the African Women Leaders Network.
How to Apply
Applications for the AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat 2026 must be submitted through the official online application platform before the closing date.
Application Deadline: August 3, 2026
Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered. Applicants seeking additional information can contact the AWLN Secretariat via [email protected].
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE TO LEARN MORE
For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. 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.
