Are you a passionate young African woman ready to lead change across the continent? The UNDP African Young Women Leaders Fellowship Program 2025 is your gateway to a fully funded international experience in education, leadership, and development.
If you’re looking for fully funded scholarships, impactful education internships, or study abroad opportunities, this program brings it all together—with real-world experience, mentorship, and global exposure.
What Is the African Young Women Leaders Fellowship?
Jointly organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union Commission (AUC), the AfYWL Fellowship is a prestigious 12-month initiative designed to equip the next generation of African female leaders.
It focuses on four key pillars: Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Engagement—offering hands-on experience in real development settings across UNDP offices globally.
Program Summary
- Host Organizations: UNDP & African Union
- Category: Internship | Fellowship
- Eligibility: Young women from African Union member countries
- Duration: 12 months (2025–2026)
- Deadline to Apply: June 1, 2025
- Location: UNDP offices (HQ, regional or country-based)
- Language Requirement: Strong English; other AU languages are an asset
- IELTS: Not required
What You Get: Fellowship Benefits
This fully funded fellowship covers nearly every expense:
- Monthly living stipend
- Accommodation support
- Round-trip travel costs
- Medical insurance
- Paid leave
- Personal learning and development budget
- Joint leadership training by UNDP & AUC
- Ongoing mentorship and coaching
And yes—there’s no IELTS requirement, making this ideal for candidates without standardized language test scores.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be female and a national of an African Union member state
- Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a development-related field (e.g., Economics, Political Science, International Development, Law, Digitalization, etc.)
- Be under 30 years of age at the time of application
- Have no more than two years of relevant professional experience
- Be available to relocate for 12 months in 2025–2026
- Demonstrate a strong interest in sustainable development, SDGs, Agenda 2063, and gender equality
Bonus: Experience in digital transformation, strategic partnerships, research, and innovation will boost your application.
Real Experience, Global Impact
As an AfYWL Fellow, you’ll be placed within a UNDP office, working directly on global development challenges like:
- Climate change & sustainability
- Gender & youth empowerment
- Peacebuilding & governance
- Innovation in energy and economic transformation
Your daily activities may include conducting research, drafting policy briefs, supporting high-level initiatives, and participating in field missions—all while gaining leadership skills and growing your network.
How to Apply for the Fellowship
Applying is simple. Visit the official application portal and follow the steps outlined:
- Prepare your resume/CV
- Write a compelling cover letter outlining your motivation
- Gather academic and reference documents
- Submit your application online before June 1, 2025
Why This Fellowship Is a Game-Changer
This is more than an internship. It’s a launchpad for career-building, international exposure, and policy-level influence. Whether you dream of working in global development, diplomacy, or nonprofit leadership, the AfYWL program offers one of the most robust study abroad and internship experiences available to African women.
Final Thoughts: Your Time Is Now
Opportunities like the UNDP African Young Women Leaders Fellowship are rare—but they are also real. If you meet the criteria and are driven by purpose, this is your moment to lead, learn, and make a lasting impact.
Don’t wait. Apply now and be part of Africa’s next generation of changemakers.
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