Transformative African Leadership (TAL) has reopened applications for its 2027 cohort, a 10-month executive leadership programme for experienced African professionals. The programme combines online learning with residencies in Kenya and Morocco. Applications are open through the official TAL website.
Background & Programme Description
The Transformative African Leadership (TAL) programme has reopened applications for its inaugural 2027 cohort following strong interest from professionals across Africa.
The 10-month executive leadership programme is designed for experienced African professionals who are already influencing decisions within their organisations, institutions and sectors. It aims to strengthen leadership capacity and help participants address complex governance, economic and development challenges across the continent.
TAL combines online learning with two in-person residencies: the first in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 1–5, 2027, and the second in Rabat, Morocco, from October 4–8, 2027.
The curriculum explores democratic governance, geopolitics, artificial intelligence, climate change, security, industrialisation, regional integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Participants examine how these issues intersect and shape Africa’s development.
The programme is jointly designed and delivered by four African academic institutions, with support from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Transformative African Leadership (TAL) |
| Programme year | 2027 |
| Duration | 10 months |
| Cohort size | 25–30 participants |
| Start date | February 1, 2027 |
| First residency | Nairobi, Kenya, February 1–5, 2027 |
| Second residency | Rabat, Morocco, October 4–8, 2027 |
| Learning format | Online learning and in-person residencies |
| Target participants | Experienced African professionals and leaders |
| Citizenship | African citizens, including those living abroad |
| University degree | Not required |
| Programme fee | €8,000 |
| Application deadline | The supplied announcement does not specify an exact date |
| Official website | TAL Journey |
| Application portal | Apply to the TAL Programme |
Programme Focus and Learning Activities
Leadership and Institutional Transformation
Participants examine how institutions operate and develop approaches to leading organisational change. The programme encourages leaders to question existing systems, rethink assumptions and develop practical responses to complex challenges.
African Governance and Development
The curriculum explores governance, security, democratic development and public policy. Participants consider how leadership decisions influence institutions, communities and development outcomes across Africa.
Economic Integration and AfCFTA
TAL examines regional integration and the opportunities associated with the African Continental Free Trade Area. Participants explore industrialisation, regional value chains and ways to strengthen economic cooperation across African countries.
Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Challenges
The programme engages with artificial intelligence, geopolitics, climate change, sustainability and changing global economic relationships. These themes are explored through African perspectives and their implications for continental development.
African Knowledge Systems and Ubuntu
The programme draws on Ubuntu and African knowledge systems to explore leadership grounded in shared responsibility, dignity, collaboration and accountability.
Applied Leadership Project
Participants work collaboratively on a capstone project focused on building a regional value chain. The project is intended to connect leadership learning with practical questions relating to industrialisation, economic integration and AfCFTA implementation.
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Who Can Apply?
TAL is intended for experienced African professionals who are already contributing to decision-making and want to expand their leadership impact across institutions, sectors and national borders.
Potential applicants include:
- Public officials and policymakers.
- Business leaders and entrepreneurs.
- Academics and researchers.
- Civil society and development professionals.
- Professionals working on governance, economic integration and institutional reform.
- Leaders contributing to regional cooperation and sustainable development.
Is a University Degree Required?
No. According to the programme announcement, a university degree is not compulsory. Relevant professional experience, leadership responsibilities and demonstrated potential to contribute to Africa’s transformation are important considerations in the selection process.
Can Africans Living Outside Africa Apply?
Yes. The programme announcement states that African citizens can apply even if they currently live and work outside the continent.
The programme seeks a cohort with diverse regional and professional experiences, bringing together participants from across West, East, Central, Southern and North Africa.
What Qualities Does TAL Seek?
Applicants should demonstrate relevant professional or leadership experience, a commitment to African development and an interest in addressing complex institutional and economic challenges.
The programme is particularly relevant to professionals who want to improve their ability to lead change, collaborate across sectors and contribute to regional development.
Additional Information
Programme Fee and Costs
The official TAL FAQ lists a programme fee of €8,000.
The fee covers programme materials, facilitation and selected meals during in-person sessions. It does not cover travel fares, medical or travel insurance, accommodation, per diem, visa costs or personal expenses.
Applicants should therefore budget for these additional costs before applying. The supplied programme information does not confirm a scholarship or guarantee financial assistance for participants.
Participating Institutions
TAL is jointly designed and delivered by four African institutions:
- Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Public Policy School, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Morocco
- Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Senegal
- Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
The partnership brings together different academic and regional perspectives to support leadership development and African cooperation.
Application Status and Deadline
TAL has announced that applications for its inaugural 2027 cohort have reopened.
The supplied announcement does not provide a specific closing date. The official website currently displays an open-application notice, while its FAQ gives January 2027 as the closing month but also contains an inconsistent statement about applications being closed.
Applicants should check the latest announcement or contact the programme before submitting their application. Because the cohort is limited to 25–30 participants, prospective applicants should begin the process promptly.
How to Apply
Step 1: Visit the official website.
Go to TAL Journey and review the programme description and leadership journey.
Step 2: Review the eligibility requirements.
Confirm that you are an African citizen and have relevant professional or leadership experience.
Step 3: Understand the programme commitment.
Review the 10-month schedule, online learning requirements and mandatory in-person residencies in Nairobi and Rabat.
Step 4: Review the programme fee.
Consider the €8,000 fee and the additional costs not included in it before proceeding.
Step 5: Submit your application.
Use the official website’s application link and follow the instructions provided by TAL.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Transformative African Leadership programme?
TAL is a 10-month executive leadership programme that prepares experienced African professionals to address governance, institutional, economic and development challenges.
2. When does the 2027 programme begin?
The programme begins on February 1, 2027, with an in-person residency in Nairobi running from February 1–5.
3. Where will the second residency take place?
The second residency is scheduled for Rabat, Morocco, from October 4–8, 2027.
4. Is a university degree compulsory?
No. A university degree is not required. The programme places significant emphasis on relevant professional and leadership experience.
5. Can African citizens living abroad apply?
Yes. The announcement states that African citizens living and working outside Africa are eligible to apply.
6. How much does the programme cost?
The official FAQ lists a fee of €8,000. Travel, accommodation, insurance, visa expenses, per diem and personal expenses are excluded.
7. Is the TAL programme fully funded?
The published information lists a programme fee and does not confirm a fully funded scholarship for participants. Applicants should not assume that the programme fee or travel costs will be covered.
8. What topics are covered?
The curriculum includes democratic governance, geopolitics, artificial intelligence, climate change, security, industrialisation, regional integration, AfCFTA and African knowledge systems.
9. What is the application deadline?
The supplied announcement does not specify an exact closing date. The official FAQ refers to January 2027 but contains conflicting application-status wording, so applicants should confirm the latest deadline directly with TAL.
10. How can I apply?
Visit the official TAL website and follow the application instructions.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Transformative African Leadership programme may be relevant to established African professionals who want to strengthen their leadership capabilities and contribute to institutional reform, regional integration and economic development.
Its cross-sector curriculum and residencies in Kenya and Morocco provide opportunities to explore Africa’s development challenges alongside professionals from different countries and industries.
However, applicants should consider the €8,000 programme fee and additional travel and accommodation expenses before applying. The programme should not be described as fully funded based on the information available. Applicants should also verify the current deadline directly with TAL.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares external educational and professional development opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with TAL or its partner institutions and does not participate in recruitment or selection. Applicants should confirm fees, eligibility, deadlines and programme conditions through the official website.
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