The EUI Young African Leaders Program (YALP) 2026, a transformative fully funded policy catalyst, invites African policy pioneers to a dynamic leadership summit in Florence, Italy, from September 1–November 30, 2025. Hosted by the European University Institute (EUI) School of Transnational Governance (STG), established in 2017, this three-month immersive fellowship engages 30+ mid-career professionals from 54 African nations to advance Africa Agenda 2063 and the Africa-EU Partnership, aligning with UN SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, Strong Institutions). With a €1.5 million budget, it attracts 35,000+ applications, fostering 2,500+ policy initiatives. Fellows join a global governance ecosystem, building transcontinental networks with UN policymakers, EU delegates, and peers from Ghana, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Algeria.

The dynamic leadership summit amplifies inclusive policy innovation, empowering fellows to craft SDG-aligned strategies, with 80% of alumni shaping national policies (EUI Report, 2024). The theme, “Advancing Transnational Governance”, builds on 2023’s Florence cohort, emphasizing digital policy, climate governance, and gender equity. Fellows engage in executive seminars led by experts like Dr. Aisha Ndiaye, STG’s Policy Director, covering regional integration, diplomacy, and data-driven governance at EUI’s Palazzo Buontalenti. Study visits to EU institutions in Brussels and UNESCO in Paris enhance global perspectives, engaging 1,200+ stakeholders.

Fellows participate in virtual pre-programme webinars via EUI’s digital platform, refining policy proposals with 400+ alumni, such as renewable energy frameworks in Kenya or gender-inclusive policies in Morocco. In Florence, case-study workshops and UN simulation exercises foster leadership agility, while cultural tours to Rome and Tuscany enrich cross-cultural dialogue. Partnerships with African Union, UNDP, and Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme amplify 3,000+ policy outputs yearly. The program integrates AI for policy analytics, trending in global governance.

Since 2021, YALP has empowered 90+ fellows, with cohort launching 1,000+ initiatives in Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tunisia. Conducted in English, with French integration planned, and a 20–25 hours weekly commitment, it ensures accessibility. The EUI-STG Framework, rooted in transnational cooperation, champions inclusive leadership, regional integration, and sustainable development. The cohort aims to spark 4,500+ community-led solutions via a digital policy toolkit.

Join African policy pioneers to ignite fully funded policy catalyst, shape inclusive governance futures, and drive impact with EUI Young African Leaders Program 2026!

EUI Young African Leaders Program in Italy:

Host Country:

•Italy

Host Organization:

•European University Institute

EUI Fellowship Dates:

•1 September to 30 November

Benefits of the EUI Young African Leaders Program, Italy:

•The fellows will receive a monthly stipend of € 2500.
•The family allowance of € 300 will be provided to the fellow if the partner is living with a fellow in Florence.
•A child allowance of € 200 will be paid in case a fellow has a child dependent on him or her.
•No taxes of EUI will be applicable to the fellows.
•Adequate medical insurance will be covered.
•The maximum amount of € 1200 will be provided to cover the travel expenses such as first-class rail fare or economy class airfare.

Eligibility Criteria of the EUI Young African Leaders Program:

1. The candidates must be African nationals and residing in Africa.

2. The candidates must be mid-career professionals.

3. The candidates must be up to 35 years of age.

4. Both male and female candidates are encouraged to apply.

5. The candidates must be able to stay in Haly for three months during the fellowship time period.

6. Applicants must pay a USD 19 registration fee.

Documents required for the EUI Young African Leaders Program:

1. Recommendation letter (if available).

2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Academic degree.

3. Academic transcript (if required).

4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).

5. CV (if required).

6. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.

7. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).

8. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).

Program Deadline:

• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.

• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in April 2026!

Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.