Explore AL for Governance:

Umholi we Africa Fellowship

The Umholi we Africa (UwA) Fellowship, initiated by the African Leadership Academy (ALA) is a transformative two-year fellowship designed to cultivate the next generation of African senior leaders in governance and public service.

A group of thirteen people posing for a photo in front of a banner that says "Vision: An ethical and capable state" with logos and a government symbol. They are dressed in business attire, standing in a conference room with a South African flag visible.

Our Vision

At UwA, we envision a continent where young Africans are empowered to actively participate inshaping the future of governance and public policy. Through mentorship, experiential learning, and meaningful engagement with senior leaders, we aim to create a diverse, competent, and inclusive public sector workforce that reflects the dynamism and potential of Africa’s youth.

Program Overview

The UwA Fellowship places high-potential young Africans in Special Advisor roles within Ministerial offices and intergovernmental organizations. These positions offer unparalleled opportunities for fellows to contribute to policy formulation, gain hands-on experience in governance, and expand their professional networks.

Our Theory of Change

We believe that by providing young Africans with a supportive community, clear pathways for engagement in policy-making, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, we can inspire them to pursue careers in politics and the public sector. Through their leadership and innovation, they will drive positive change and contribute to building a more prosperous and equitable Africa.

How to get involved

01

Host a Fellow

Governments can host a Umholi we Africa Fellow within their Ministerial offices or intergovernmental organizations. By providing a platform for young leaders to contribute to policy formulation and implementation, governments can benefit from diverse insights and expertise while offering fellows invaluable hands-on experience in governance

02

Mentorship and Support

Senior government officials can serve as mentors and advocates for Umholi we Africa Fellows during their placement. By offering guidance, support, and access to networks, mentors can help fellows navigate the complexities of public service and maximize their impact.

03

Promote Fellowship Opportunities

Governments can help promote fellowship opportunities within their networks and communities. By raising awareness about the Umholi we Africa Fellowship and encouraging qualified candidates to apply, governments can contribute to building a pipeline of talented young leaders passionate about governance and public service.

04

Long-Term Engagement

Beyond the fellowship period, governments can continue to engage with alumni of the Umholi we Africa Fellowship. By offering opportunities for ongoing collaboration, training, and career advancement, governments can nurture a network of young leaders committed to driving positive change in their countries and across the continent.

Meet the Fellows

  • A man with short hair is smiling and looking slightly to the side. He is wearing a black cardigan over a black shirt against a plain white background.

    John Sankara
    Quénia

    John is an 2009 ALA alumni from Kenya. He currently serves as the Chief of Staff to ALA alumni, Senator Eddy Oketch in Migori County,…

  • A person stands against a plain backdrop, smiling and wearing a dark blue blazer over a light blue button-up shirt. They have short, curly hair and an overall cheerful expression.

    Idris Ibrahim
    USA

    Idris is a Mastercard Foundation alumna from Kenya. He holds a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley. He currently serves as…

  • A person with short, curly hair, wearing glasses, a dark blazer, and a checkered shirt smiles while posing against a plain light gray background.

    Zecha Mpemba
    Quénia

    Zecha is an ALA alumnus from Kenya. He is the incoming Special Advisor to the Chief Justice of the Kenya Judiciary. Zecha is a graduate…

  • A person with short curly black hair and a beard is seen wearing a light pink shirt and a tan jacket. They are facing the camera with a neutral expression. The background is gray.

    Yesubet Dereje
    Ethiopia

    Yesubet is a 2011 ALA alumni from Ethiopia. He currently serves as a special advisor to the African Union Youth Envoy in the Chairperson’s Cabinet….

  • A person with long, dark hair and glasses, smiling at the camera. They are wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and stand in front of a plain, light-colored background.

    Aicha Fall
    Senegal

    Aicha is a 2016 ALA alumni from Senegal. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in International Relations from Ashoka…

  • A woman wearing a blue patterned headwrap, a black sleeveless top, and a black vest poses confidently against a gray background. She has gold hoop earrings and a matching necklace, and sports a natural and composed expression.

    Leonor Fall
    Senegal

    Leonor is a 2009 ALA alumni from Senegal. She is an incoming advisor to the AU Special Envoy for Women, Peace & Security, Madame Bineta…

  • Black and white photo of a person with braided hair smiling at the camera. They are wearing a black sleeveless top and an earring. The background appears to be outdoors with a blurred landscape.

    Arlette Akingeneye
    RWANDA

    Arlette Akingeneye is a Mastercard Foundation alumna from Rwanda with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Health Policy from Quest University Canada. She is…

  • A woman with long dark hair and glasses stands in front of a plain background. She is wearing a black blazer over a black top and is smiling at the camera.

    Gabriella Stadhauer
    Namibia

    Gabriella is a 2014 ALA alumni from Namibia. She isthe Special Aide to the Whippery of PDM in Namibia. Gabriella has worked for companies such…