Call for Applications: Online Cohort 22 and Hybrid Cohort 27

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is the US Government’s signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. The YALI Regional Leadership Center Southern Africa (RLC-SA) is hosted by the University of South Africa at the Graduate School of Business Leadership in Midrand, South Africa. The RLC-SA aims to create critical thinkers who can solve complex, multidisciplinary problems; foster entrepreneurial and innovative thinking, and encourage cross-border communication and multicultural collaboration. The RLC-SA develops the skills of young African leaders by providing core training in contemporary African issues, as well as specialized training in Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, and Public Management.

Cohort Details 

• Hybrid Cohort 27
  • Hybrid Cohort 27 consists of:
    • Four weeks of online training scheduled from February 17th to March 14th, 2025.
    • Three weeks of in-person training scheduled from March 17th to April 4th, 2025.
• Online Cohort 22
  • Online Cohort 22 is fully virtual from February
  • 10th to March 28th, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Age range: 18-35 years
• Must be a citizen of Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Lesotho, Malawi, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, or Zimbabwe
• Proficient in the English language
• Demonstrated commitment to making a positive impact in their communities, countries, and the African continent
• Proven experience and a solid track record in Public Management, Business, Entrepreneurship, or Civic Leadership
• Willingness to participate in a four-week online and three-week residential program for Hybrid Cohorts
• Willingness to participate in a seven-week virtual program for Online Cohorts
• Applications are encouraged from
  • Women
  • Other minority groups
  • Young leaders with disabilities
  • People who are HIV positive or who are living with AIDS
  • Rural based and economically disadvantaged young leaders
  • Individuals that represent and advocate for the rights of LGBTQIA+ communities across the region.

For more information, visit YALI Regional Leadership Center.