2026 Leadership Accelerator Programme (LEAP) For Young African Women

February 12, 2026
Application ends: February 28, 2026
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Opportunity Description

2026 Leadership Accelerator Programme (LEAP) For Young African Women 

LEAP Africa is a youth-focused leadership development organization committed to raising leaders who will transform Africa through interventions for young people that bridge the gap in five areas: education, entrepreneurship, employability, active citizenship, and health and wellbeing.

The Leadership Accelerator Programme is a capacity-building initiative designed to address the gender disparity in women’s leadership on the African continent.

Specifically tailored for high-potential young African women in corporate settings, this program aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to ascend to leadership positions.

 

Overview
  • Type: Accelerator Program
  • Location: Online
  • Sponsor: LEAP Africa
  • Duration: 3 months
  • Who Can Apply: This program targets a cohort of young African women aged 23 – 35
  • Benefits: Mentoring and training, Networking Opportunities, Free online courses, Brand visibility, etc
  • Deadline: February 28, 2026

 

Program Phases

Free Online Course: 

  • The online course comprises 10 short, concise online modules that can be completed within 3 weeks, designed for high-potential young African women to address topical issues affecting women in the workplace and hindering their professional growth.
  • In collaboration with the expertise of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning Team, a need for assessment was identified, and responses from over 200 respondents informed the development of our modules.

 

1-Week Paid Intensive Bootcamp: 

  • The bootcamp is a physical event that spans over 1 week and targets a cohort of young African women aged 23–35 who have completed the online course within the designated time frame of 3 weeks upon onboarding.
  • These aspiring leaders are seeking to advance their careers and secure leadership roles within their respective organizations or fields.

 

Capstone Projects:

  • Following the completion of a leadership training BootCamp, participants will undertake a capstone project they have identified.
  • This project serves as a culmination of their post-bootcamp plans, showcasing the application of insights gained from the program.
  • Participants will demonstrate their ability to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired during the BootCamp.
  • The capstone projects will be shared widely across LEAP Leadership Institute communication channels, aiming to inspire and engage female career professionals to actively participate in or replicate the showcased initiatives.

 

3-Month Intensive Mentorship:

  • Participants will be paired with mentors; the selection will be based on the specific needs identified in the forms they have filled out.
  • The mentorship program will be for 3 months. Meeting times will be based on the agreed-upon scheduled time, with participants and their mentors meeting once or twice a month.
  • These mentorship conversations will encompass a wide spectrum of topics, including career development, leadership, and personal growth.
  • Additionally, there will be a monthly check-in to ensure that the objectives of the mentorship are being met.