Elevate Africa Selects 23 Leaders from 4,000 Applicants for 2026 Fellowship
Elevate Africa has announced the selection of 23 mid-career professionals from 18 African countries for the 2026 Cohort II of its flagship fellowship programme, aimed at strengthening leadership capacity across the continent.
The organisation said the Fellows were chosen from a highly competitive pool of more than 4,000 applicants, with over 700 completing the full application process, reflecting growing demand for structured leadership development opportunities in Africa.
The Elevate Africa Fellowship, founded by Ogiame Atuwatse III and Olori Atuwatse III, brings together professionals working across key sectors including education, media, governance, business, climate and social impact.
According to the organisation, the selected Fellows represent all five regions of Africa—East, West, Southern, North and the Indian Ocean—highlighting the continent’s diverse talent pool and leadership potential.
Speaking on the announcement, Blessing Collins Igrubia, Media and Communications Officer at Elevate Africa, said the new cohort reflects a continued commitment to developing leaders focused on delivering measurable impact.
“Cohort II represents a continuation of our commitment to identifying and supporting leaders who are not only excelling in their respective fields but are also dedicated to contributing meaningfully to Africa’s development in practical and measurable ways,” she said.
The 10-month fellowship programme will include intensive learning sessions, mentorship and collaborative engagements. It will also feature partnerships with African Leadership University to equip participants with the skills and insights needed to scale their impact.
Beyond the formal training, Fellows will join an expanding alumni network designed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and long-term support across sectors and countries.
Elevate Africa said the initiative is focused on building a pipeline of leaders capable of addressing complex challenges and shaping policy, business and social outcomes across the continent.
