Applications open for YALI RLC West Africa Emerging Leaders Program – Cohort 48 (Onsite) Application

The YALI RLC West Africa seeks out young individuals who are eager to take on leadership roles and put in the effort to bring about positive change in their nations. Launched by the U.S. government, the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is a key initiative aimed at investing in the future leaders of Africa.

The YALI RLC West Africa Emerging Leaders Program is designed to educate young African leaders on contemporary leadership practices over a 17-week period. The program consists of four phases, including a 5-week coursework phase that can be completed in-person or online, followed by 12 weeks divided equally among a mentorship program, internship or community service, and a report writing phase.

Tracks of the Program: YALI RLC West Africa Emerging Leaders

Business and Entrepreneurship: This track is tailored for emerging entrepreneurs looking to assume leadership positions in the private sector or establish their own businesses in Africa.
Civil Society Management: Geared towards individuals engaged in or aspiring to engage in civic activities, serving the public through NGOs, community-based organizations, or volunteer work.
Public Policy and Management: Specifically designed for those currently working or aspiring to work in government, regional organizations like the African Union or the West Africa Community, international organizations such as the United Nations, or other public service-oriented organizations.

Benefits: YALI RLC West Africa Emerging Leaders

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate and become part of the YALI Alumni network.
Participants will undergo comprehensive leadership training to equip them for leadership roles in their respective fields.

Eligibility: YALI RLC West Africa Emerging Leaders

Participation in the YALI Regional Leadership Center West Africa competition is based on merit and is open to young leaders from West Africa who fulfill the following requirements:

1. Must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of submitting the application,
2. Must be citizens and residents of one of the following countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Burkina Faso,
3. Must not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency,
4. Must be able to obtain any necessary visa to Ghana, and
5. Must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English.

Selection: YALI RLC West Africa Emerging Leaders

The selection process for participation in Cohort 48 (Onsite) of the YALI Regional Leadership Center West Africa, Accra, will be conducted through a merit-based, open competition. A selection panel will review all eligible applications and shortlist candidates. Shortlisted applicants will then undergo interviews before a final selection is made and an invitation to join the program is extended.

The selection panels will evaluate applications based on the following criteria:

1. Demonstrated leadership in public service, business and entrepreneurship, or civic engagement.
2. Active engagement in public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.
3. The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and respect the opinions of others.
4. Strong social and communication skills.
5. An energetic and positive attitude.
6. A demonstrated knowledge, interest, and professional experience in the selected sector/track.
7. A commitment to applying leadership skills and training to benefit their country and/or community after the program.

Applicants will not face discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Reasons to Apply to the YALI Accra RLC:

1. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive certificates and become esteemed members of the YALI Alumni.

2. The program offers comprehensive leadership training in various forms to equip participants with the necessary skills for leadership roles in their respective fields.

3. The YALI Regional Leadership Center, West Africa – Accra, ensures equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

4. The management of the YALI Accra RLC reserves the right to verify all information provided in the application, ensuring transparency and authenticity.

What We Offer: YALI RLC West Africa Emerging Leaders

1. Business and Entrepreneurship: This track is designed for emerging or aspiring entrepreneurs who aim to take on leadership roles in the private sector or establish their own business ventures in Africa.

2. Civil Society Management: This track caters to individuals who are currently engaged or aspire to be involved in civic activities, serving the public through non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, or volunteerism.

3. Public Policy and Management: This track is specifically tailored for individuals working or aspiring to work in government at any level, regional organizations like the African Union or the West Africa Community, international organizations such as the United Nations, or other public-minded organizations or think tanks.

Application for the YALI RLC West Africa Emerging Leaders

To learn more about the program, go Here
To apply for the cohort, go Here