I AM NALA Fellowship 2027: Call for Applications for Young African Women Leaders

Applications are now open for the I AM NALA Fellowship Programme for 2027. Nalafem invites young African women who are refugees, internally displaced persons, or stateless to apply for this opportunity to develop their leadership skills in peacebuilding and political engagement.

Application Closing Date: October 31, 2026
Location: Not specified (online sessions with potential in-person engagements)
Programme Duration: January 2027 to July 2027
Stipend: Not specified
Opportunity Type: Fellowship

About the I AM NALA Fellowship

The I AM NALA Fellowship is designed to support and empower young African women who are aspiring or current political leaders. This program focuses on building capacity and providing technical support, mentorship, and access to resources. The fellowship aims to equip participants to play a critical role in negotiations, decision-making, democratic transitions, and other peacebuilding efforts within their countries of origin or host countries.

The fellowship will involve bi-monthly online sessions. These sessions will include training and masterclasses, offering participants the chance to engage in dialogues with mentors. These mentors are experts and acclaimed senior leaders with extensive experience across various institutions and organizations. While the program is primarily online, there may be opportunities for in-person engagement.

The fellowship is guided by Nalafem’s values, which include solidarity, social justice, dignity, equity, and decolonial feminist Pan-Africanism. It seeks to support leaders who are actively working on issues aligned with the Africa Young Women Beijing +25 Manifesto demands.

About Nalafem

Nalafem is an organization dedicated to advancing the rights and leadership of women in Africa. They focus on issues related to gender equality, social justice, and political participation. Through various programs and initiatives, Nalafem aims to empower women and girls across the continent to become active agents of change in their communities and beyond.

Available Fellowship Opportunities

The I AM NALA Fellowship is open to young women leaders in various capacities. While specific fields are not listed as separate opportunities, the program targets individuals who are:

• Leaders of a campaign or women group.
• Members of an existing consortium or collective focused on alliance building.
• Young women engaged in cross-conflict negotiations.
• Young women politicians currently in political office.

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful applicants, known as fellows, will benefit from a structured development program. The fellowship provides:

• Capacity and technical support for leadership roles.
• Mentorship from experienced senior leaders.
• Opportunities for solidarity and networking with peers.
• Access to resources that support their work.
• Bi-monthly online training sessions and masterclasses.
• Dialogues with experts in peacebuilding and political leadership.
• Potential for in-person engagement opportunities.

Programme Duration and Location

The I AM NALA Fellowship programme will run from January 2027 to July 2027, lasting for a period of seven months. The program primarily consists of online sessions, meaning participants can engage from their respective locations. However, there is a possibility of in-person engagements, though specific details on these are not provided.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the I AM NALA Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a young woman between the ages of 18 and 40 years.
• Be a refugee, internally displaced person, or stateless individual.
• Demonstrate leadership in a campaign, women’s group, or political office.
• Be involved in alliance building, consortiums, or cross-conflict negotiations.
• Embrace Nalafem’s core values: solidarity, social justice, dignity, equity, and decolonial feminist Pan-Africanism.

Competencies Required

The fellowship seeks individuals with strong leadership potential and a commitment to social change. Key competencies include:

• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Commitment to peacebuilding and political engagement.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build alliances.
• Willingness to learn and engage with mentors and peers.
• Alignment with Nalafem’s values.
• A proactive approach to addressing challenges in their communities.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for young African women who are refugees, internally displaced, or stateless, and who are actively involved in leadership roles or aspire to be. If you are passionate about driving change, engaging in political processes, and contributing to peacebuilding efforts in your region, this program offers valuable support and development. It is suited for those who want to enhance their leadership skills and network with experienced professionals.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents for their application:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A certified copy of your South African ID or relevant identification document.
• Proof of your status as a refugee, internally displaced person, or stateless individual.
• Evidence of your leadership role (e.g., letter from an organization, campaign details).
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the fellowship and how you meet the requirements.
• Any other documents requested on the application portal.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates can apply for the I AM NALA Fellowship by completing the online application form.

Click here to apply for the I AM NALA Fellowship 2027.

Please ensure you read the requirements carefully and prepare all necessary documents before starting your application. Complete the form accurately and upload all required certified documents. Double-check all personal details before submitting your application.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by November 6, 2026. Late applications will not be considered. Ensure that you meet all the minimum requirements before applying. Incomplete applications may be disqualified. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the closing date.

Closing Date

The closing date for the I AM NALA Fellowship 2027 applications is October 31, 2026.

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