The UNDP African Young Women Leaders Fellowship Programme (AfYWL) gives young African women an opportunity to build leadership experience through one-year assignments across UNDP country, regional and global offices.
Established in 2019, the programme is a joint initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union Commission (AUC). Its purpose is to cultivate a new generation of African women leaders capable of contributing to development programmes connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
Unlike a short leadership workshop, AfYWL places fellows inside UNDP offices where they gain hands-on experience across different development contexts.
The programme is currently in its fourth phase covering 2025–2026. This cohort consists of 45 fellows representing 31 African countries, deployed across 24 UNDP country, regional and global offices.
Prospective applicants should note, however, that the supplied UNDP programme page does not announce applications for a new cohort. It should therefore be treated as a current programme profile rather than an open 2026–2027 fellowship call.
UNDP African Young Women Leaders Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | United Nations Development Programme |
| Partner | African Union Commission |
| Programme | African Young Women Leaders Fellowship Programme |
| Acronym | AfYWL |
| Established | 2019 |
| Opportunity Type | Leadership and professional development fellowship |
| Target Group | Young African women leaders |
| Duration | One-year assignments |
| Placement | UNDP country, regional and headquarters/global offices |
| Focus | Leadership, SDGs, Agenda 2063 and development |
| Current Phase | Fourth phase, 2025–2026 |
| Current Fellows | 45 |
| African Countries Represented | 31 |
| UNDP Offices Hosting Current Fellows | 24 |
| Current Application Status | New application call not stated |
| Current Deadline | Not specified |
| Stipend | Not specified on the supplied programme page |
| Funding Package | Not specified on the supplied programme page |
What Is the African Young Women Leaders Fellowship?
AfYWL was established to develop young African women capable of contributing to development leadership both within Africa and internationally.
The programme focuses on the design and implementation of development programmes within the context of the SDGs and Agenda 2063.
It is also explicitly connected to advancing gender equality by investing in women’s leadership.
The fellowship is therefore particularly relevant to young women who want practical exposure to international development rather than only classroom-based leadership training.
What Makes This Fellowship Different?
Opportunities Feed Analysis
The strongest feature of AfYWL is its placement-based model.
Fellows are not simply attending a conference or completing an online course.
They undertake year-long assignments across UNDP offices.
That matters because a sustained professional placement can expose a fellow to how development programmes are designed, coordinated and implemented in real institutional environments.
The programme also connects leadership development with international development practice.
For someone seeking a long-term career in development, public policy or multilateral institutions, this kind of experience can help build a stronger understanding of how large international organizations operate.
The Three Pillars of AfYWL
The programme is organized around three major objectives.
Developing Women Leaders
AfYWL aims to equip outstanding young African women with leadership skills and experience needed to advance the SDGs and contribute to decision-making.
The programme specifically identifies opportunities for leadership in:
- Public institutions
- Private institutions
- Multilateral institutions
- Organizations at home and abroad
Building a Stronger Talent Pipeline
The programme aims to create a diverse talent pool capable of contributing to UNDP’s organizational efficiency and to more responsive policies and programmes.
Creating a Network of African Women Professionals
AfYWL also seeks to build a professional network of young African women engaged in innovative, sustainable and inclusive development through South-South development exchange.
How Long Is the Fellowship?
The programme deploys fellows for:
One-year assignments
These assignments take place across UNDP country, regional and headquarters offices.
The one-year structure is important because it provides significantly more time for professional development than a short-term training programme.
Where Can Fellows Be Placed?
AfYWL placements are not restricted to one city or country.
Previous cohorts demonstrate the programme’s international reach.
The second cohort, for example, included fellows deployed across UNDP offices in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States.
The current fourth cohort is deployed across country, regional and global UNDP offices.
Applicants should nevertheless wait for the specific placement information in a future call rather than assuming they can choose any UNDP office.
Current 2025–2026 Cohort
The fourth phase is the latest cohort confirmed on the supplied UNDP page.
It includes:
45 fellows
representing:
31 African countries
deployed across:
24 UNDP country, regional and global offices.
This demonstrates substantial growth compared with the programme’s first cohort.
How the Programme Has Grown
The first cohort, covering 2019–2021, included 21 fellows from 20 African countries, deployed to 20 UNDP offices globally.
The second cohort, covering 2022–2023, included 38 fellows from 22 African countries, deployed across 26 UNDP offices in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States.
The third cohort, covering 2024–2025, included 36 fellows representing 24 African countries, deployed to 25 UNDP country, regional and global offices.
The fourth phase, covering 2025–2026, has 45 fellows from 31 African countries across 24 UNDP offices.
That progression shows that AfYWL has developed into a recurring multi-country leadership programme rather than a one-off initiative.
What Will Fellows Actually Do?
The current programme overview does not provide one universal job description for all fellows.
UNDP does confirm that participants undertake assignments providing hands-on experience across diverse development contexts.
In practical terms, the exact work will depend on the UNDP office and assignment.
Applicants should therefore use the specific future fellowship announcement to determine responsibilities rather than assuming every fellow performs the same duties.
Who Should Consider This Fellowship?
Opportunities Feed Career-Fit Analysis
Based on the programme’s stated objectives, AfYWL is particularly worth monitoring for young African women interested in careers involving:
- International development
- Sustainable development
- Public policy
- Programme management
- Governance
- Gender equality
- International organizations
- Social development
- Development research
- Partnerships
- Innovation
- Multilateral cooperation
Applicants whose academic, volunteer or professional experience demonstrates an interest in Africa’s development priorities may find the programme particularly relevant.
These are career-fit observations rather than additional official eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Explained
This section requires particular care because the current UNDP programme page describes AfYWL and its existing cohorts but does not provide the complete eligibility rules for a future application cycle.
Gender and Target Group
The official programme is designed to cultivate:
Young African women leaders.
Its three pillars also explicitly refer to equipping outstanding young African women and developing a network of African young women professionals.
Nationality and Geographic Eligibility
AfYWL is an Africa-focused programme.
The latest cohort includes participants representing 31 African countries. Previous cohorts have also drawn fellows from numerous African countries.
However, the current programme page does not provide a definitive country-by-country eligibility list for a future cohort.
It would therefore be inaccurate to claim that every African nationality is automatically eligible for the next application cycle until UNDP publishes the relevant call.
Age Requirement
The organization has not specified an age range for the next cohort on the supplied page.
Although the programme is explicitly for “young” African women leaders, no numerical age limit should be invented.
Education Requirements
The organization has not specified the minimum academic qualification for a future cohort on the supplied page.
Applicants should not assume that a bachelor’s or master’s degree is universally required unless the next official application announcement states this.
Professional Experience
The supplied programme overview does not state a universal minimum number of years of professional experience.
Language Requirements
The supplied page does not specify a language test or minimum English-language qualification for a future cohort.
Applicants should wait for the official eligibility requirements.
Residency Requirements
The organization has not specified universal residency requirements for the next cohort on the supplied programme page.
Can Recent Graduates Apply?
The current overview does not provide enough information to confirm universal eligibility for recent graduates.
A recent graduate interested in AfYWL should therefore monitor the next official application call and compare her education and experience against the published requirements.
Can Students Apply?
The current programme page does not specifically describe AfYWL as a student fellowship.
Its focus is on young African women leaders undertaking professional assignments.
Students should therefore not assume eligibility until the next application requirements are released.
What Academic Background Is Best?
Opportunities Feed Assessment
Because AfYWL focuses broadly on sustainable development and leadership, there may not necessarily be one ideal academic discipline.
Depending on future assignments, potentially relevant backgrounds could include:
- Development studies
- Economics
- International relations
- Public policy
- Political science
- Social sciences
- Gender studies
- Environmental studies
- Data and statistics
- Communications
- Business and management
- Law
- Public administration
This is career guidance, not an official UNDP degree list.
The specific fellowship call should always take precedence.
Skills That Could Strengthen an Applicant’s Profile
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The programme emphasizes leadership, decision-making and development.
Prospective applicants may therefore benefit from building evidence of:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Project coordination
- Research
- Problem-solving
- Collaboration
- Community engagement
- Policy interest
- Initiative
- Cross-cultural communication
- Commitment to sustainable development
The strongest evidence is usually practical.
Instead of simply writing “I am a leader,” an applicant could demonstrate how she organized a project, improved a programme, led a team, supported a community initiative or helped solve a measurable problem.
Why the Fellowship Could Be Valuable for Your Career
Opportunities Feed Analysis
For young women seeking international-development careers, the programme potentially offers three particularly valuable forms of experience.
Institutional Experience
Working within a UNDP office can provide exposure to the systems and processes used by a major multilateral development organization.
Development Programme Experience
The programme is explicitly connected to designing and implementing development programmes.
That experience may be relevant to future careers in development agencies, governments, NGOs, foundations and multilateral institutions.
Professional Network
One of AfYWL’s official pillars is creating a network of African young women professionals engaged in sustainable and inclusive development.
This makes networking part of the programme’s design rather than an assumed benefit.
Funding, Stipend and Benefits
The current programme overview does not provide a stipend amount or detailed financial package.
Therefore:
The organization has not specified the amount.
The supplied page also does not confirm universal coverage for:
- International airfare
- Accommodation
- Visa expenses
- Health insurance
- Meals
- Relocation
- Local transportation
For this reason, the programme should not be advertised as fully funded based solely on the supplied page.
Any future article about an open cohort should update this section using the financial terms contained in that specific application call.
Does UNDP Pay a Salary?
The supplied programme page does not state a salary amount.
No salary should therefore be advertised based on this source.
Is the Fellowship Fully Funded?
The current source does not provide enough evidence to classify the programme as fully funded.
A future application announcement may contain more detailed financial information, but that should be verified separately.
How Competitive Is AfYWL?
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The programme appears selective based on the relatively limited cohort sizes.
The first cohort had 21 fellows, the second 38, the third 36 and the current fourth cohort 45.
However, UNDP does not state how many people applied.
It would therefore be inaccurate to calculate or estimate an acceptance rate.
A cohort of 45 fellows representing 31 countries suggests applicants should prepare carefully, but no numerical selection probability can be responsibly provided.
How to Improve Your Chances
A future applicant should start preparing before the next application window rather than waiting until a deadline is announced.
Build Evidence of Leadership
Document specific situations where you:
- Led a team
- Organized a project
- Created an initiative
- Solved a community problem
- Coordinated volunteers
- Influenced a programme
- Mentored others
Quantify results where possible.
Understand the SDGs
The fellowship is explicitly connected to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Applicants should be able to explain which development issues they care about and how their previous work connects to them.
Understand Agenda 2063
Because Africa’s Agenda 2063 is also central to the programme, applicants should understand its broad development ambitions and be able to connect their interests to African development priorities.
Tailor Your CV Around Impact
Do not submit a CV consisting only of job titles and duties.
Instead of:
“Responsible for coordinating community activities.”
A stronger achievement might explain:
“Coordinated a five-person volunteer team delivering career workshops to 300 university students.”
Use accurate numbers from your own experience.
Build Relevant Experience Now
Applicants without substantial professional experience can strengthen their profiles through:
- Volunteer work
- Community projects
- Research
- Student leadership
- Development organizations
- Youth initiatives
- Social-impact projects
- Internships
The objective should be to create genuine evidence of leadership and development engagement.
Documents You May Need
The current programme page does not provide the application-document checklist for a future cohort.
Prospective applicants could nevertheless prepare common professional materials in advance, such as:
- Updated CV
- Academic certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Identification documents
- Professional references
- Evidence of leadership activities
- Records of volunteer experience
- Examples of development projects
- Personal or motivation statement drafts
These are preparation recommendations, not confirmed requirements for the next cohort.
Application Guidance
There is currently no new application process stated on the supplied AfYWL programme page.
Prospective applicants should therefore avoid unofficial application forms or websites claiming to guarantee selection.
When the next official call is announced, applicants should:
- Read the complete eligibility criteria.
- Confirm nationality and age requirements.
- Check academic and professional requirements.
- Review available assignments if provided.
- Prepare the exact documents requested.
- Tailor the CV to the programme’s leadership and development focus.
- Complete the official application form.
- Review every response carefully.
- Submit before the official deadline.
- Save the application confirmation.
Applications should be submitted only through the application channel identified by UNDP or the African Union Commission in the relevant official announcement.
Application Deadline
No new application deadline is stated on the supplied UNDP programme page.
The latest confirmed phase is:
2025–2026
A fifth-cohort deadline should not be invented or inferred from previous application cycles.
Is the Next AfYWL Application Open?
The supplied UNDP page does not announce a new application cycle.
It documents the programme and confirms that the fourth phase is currently underway.
This means Opportunities Feed should not currently use headlines such as:
“UNDP AfYWL 2027 Applications Open”
unless a separate official UNDP or AUC announcement confirms that applications have opened.
Application Mistakes to Avoid
Using a Generic CV
Your CV should show leadership, development experience and measurable impact.
Claiming Leadership Without Evidence
Provide examples demonstrating what you actually led and what changed because of your involvement.
Ignoring the Programme’s African Development Focus
AfYWL is closely tied to the SDGs and Agenda 2063.
Inventing Eligibility From Previous Cohorts
Age, education and other requirements can change between application cycles.
Assuming Every African Country Is Automatically Eligible
Wait for the official country or nationality criteria.
Assuming the Fellowship Is Fully Funded
The supplied programme page does not provide enough financial information to establish this.
Using Unofficial Application Websites
Use the application channel identified by UNDP or AUC when a future call is published.
What Happens After You Apply?
The current programme overview does not specify the recruitment stages for a future cohort.
It does not confirm whether applicants will complete:
- Interviews
- Written assessments
- Technical tests
- Reference checks
- Multiple shortlisting rounds
These stages should not be invented.
Applicants should follow the recruitment instructions in the specific future application announcement.
Does the Fellowship Guarantee a UNDP Job?
No employment guarantee is stated.
A fellowship assignment should not be interpreted as guaranteed permanent employment with UNDP, the African Union or another UN organization.
Future employment would depend on separate recruitment processes and eligibility requirements.
Opportunities Feed Verdict
The African Young Women Leaders Fellowship Programme is one of the more distinctive leadership-development opportunities for young African women interested in international development because it combines leadership development with one-year assignments across UNDP offices.
Its strongest advantage is practical exposure.
Fellows are placed in real development environments rather than participating only in short-term classroom training. The programme also intentionally builds a network of African women professionals and connects participants to the SDGs and Agenda 2063.
The programme may be particularly worth monitoring for young African women interested in international development, public policy, governance, sustainability, programme management and multilateral institutions.
The biggest consideration right now is application timing.
The supplied UNDP page does not announce a new application cycle, deadline, stipend amount or complete eligibility criteria for a future cohort.
Prospective applicants should therefore use this period to strengthen their CVs, document leadership achievements, understand the SDGs and Agenda 2063 and prepare their professional documents while waiting for an official new cohort announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the African Young Women Leaders Fellowship?
It is a joint UNDP and African Union Commission programme designed to develop a new generation of young African women leaders.
Who is the fellowship for?
The programme is designed for young African women leaders.
How long is the fellowship?
Fellows undertake one-year assignments.
Where are fellows placed?
They are deployed across UNDP country, regional and headquarters/global offices.
Is this only an Africa-based fellowship?
Not necessarily. Previous fellows have been deployed to UNDP offices in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States.
How many fellows are in the current cohort?
The fourth phase includes 45 fellows representing 31 African countries.
Is the AfYWL Fellowship currently open?
The supplied programme page does not announce a new application cycle.
What is the next application deadline?
The organization has not specified a new deadline on the supplied page.
Is there an age limit?
The supplied programme page does not provide a numerical age requirement for a future cohort.
Is a university degree required?
The current page does not specify a minimum academic qualification for the next cohort.
Can recent graduates apply?
The supplied programme page does not establish universal eligibility for recent graduates.
Is the fellowship paid?
The supplied programme overview does not provide enough information to confirm the financial arrangement for a future cohort.
What is the stipend?
The organization has not specified the amount on the supplied programme page.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
The supplied source does not provide sufficient information to classify the programme as fully funded.
Are flights and accommodation covered?
The current programme page does not specify universal travel or accommodation coverage.
Can women from any African country apply?
The programme is Africa-focused and the current cohort represents 31 African countries, but the supplied page does not provide the nationality list for a future application cycle.
What skills should I develop before applying?
Leadership, communication, project coordination, research, collaboration and demonstrated engagement with development issues can help build a relevant profile. These are Opportunities Feed preparation recommendations rather than official eligibility requirements.
Does the fellowship guarantee employment with UNDP?
No employment guarantee is stated.
How can I prepare for the next application?
Keep your CV updated, document measurable leadership achievements, build development-related experience, understand the SDGs and Agenda 2063, and monitor official UNDP and AUC announcements.
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