Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship 2027: Prestigious African Leadership Fellowship for Emerging Leaders Across Africa
The Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship Programme 2027 is inviting nominations for high-potential African leaders expected to drive transformation across the continent. Organised by the African Leadership Institute, the programme selects approximately 25 emerging leaders annually.
Overview
The Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship Programme is the flagship leadership development initiative of the African Leadership Institute (AFLI). Established in 2006, the fellowship is designed to identify, develop, and connect promising young African leaders across diverse sectors to help them advance into senior leadership roles over the following five to ten years. For the Class of 2027, approximately 25 high-potential individuals from across Africa will be selected following a rigorous and competitive process.
Unlike many other fellowships, direct self-applications are not accepted. Prospective candidates must first be nominated by another person. Following nomination and screening, eligible nominees are invited to complete the formal application process.
Eligibility
- Age Requirement: Candidates must be between 30 and 39 years of age.
- Geographic & Professional Scope: Open to emerging leaders from African countries (as well as those born outside Africa under specific criteria) across all sectors of society, including government, business, civil society, non-profits, education, technology, health, law, and the arts.
- Nomination Rule: Candidates must not self-nominate and should receive only one nomination to avoid abuse of the process.
Benefits
- Participation in tailored leadership learning activities designed to strengthen insights, leadership tools, and personal confidence.
- Opportunities to understand complex African challenges and build collaborative professional networks across countries and sectors.
- Membership in a lasting network of fellows committed to Africa's social, economic, and political transformation.
How to Apply
Interested individuals must secure a nomination rather than applying directly. Nominators must complete the official nomination form, providing personal insights into the candidate's character, achievements, and potential without merely copying their résumé or CV.
The nomination process requires confirmation that the candidate has been contacted and has granted permission to be nominated. Selected nominees will subsequently be invited to proceed with the formal candidate application and recommendation letters.
Deadline
Nominations for the Class of 2027 close on September 20, 2026, at midnight Johannesburg, South Africa time. The candidate application process begins around September 25, 2026, with full applications and letters of recommendation due by October 25, 2026, at midnight Johannesburg time.