Open Call poster BY Women In Philanthropy (WIA)
Women In Africa (WIA) Philanthropy, in partnership with Dior, Lazard, KPMG France, and TotalEnergies, has launched the 2025 edition of the WIA Young Leaders Programme.
Since 2021, this initiative has supported and elevated young African women who are actively contributing to building a dynamic, innovative, and inclusive Africa.
The programme is part of the broader mission to promote equal opportunities and to provide quality professional and social support to women leaders across the continent.
It is designed to help young women fully realize their potential through visibility, mentorship, and access to high-level networks.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2025 WIA Young Leaders Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Applicants should be between 25 and 40 years old. Flexibility may be granted depending on the level of professional experience.
- African Origin: Applicants must be born in an African country or have at least one parent born in Africa.
- Language: The programme is open to candidates from Francophone, Anglophone, and Lusophone backgrounds. Applicants who speak multiple languages are especially encouraged.
- Leadership and Values: Candidates must demonstrate humility, empathy, resilience, and a strong commitment to the development of Africa.
- Professional Capacity: Applicants should be self-made individuals with the ability to take on high-level responsibilities and an interest in contributing meaningfully to both public and private sector transformation.
Programme Benefits
The selected Young Leaders will benefit from:
- High-Level Networking: Opportunities to meet and engage with CEOs, government officials, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders.
- Tailored Training: Access to sessions on corporate governance, media relations, career coaching, and leadership development.
- Global Visibility: Featured on WIA’s communication platforms and introduced to international audiences.
- Mentorship: Guided by top-level mentors to accelerate their career progression and impact.
- Immersive Experience: Participation in an exclusive learning expedition in Paris, fostering deeper knowledge-sharing and cross-cultural dialogue.
Testimonials from WIA Young Leaders Alumnae
The programme has already nurtured 33 Young Leaders since its inception, forming a dynamic and growing network of African women leaders who are now driving change in various sectors.
Here are what some of them have to say about their experience:
Tamarah Moutotekema-Boussamba-Founder & CEO, AGRIDIS (Gabon)
“The programme allowed me to develop partnerships. Thanks to the WIA Young Leaders, I was able, for example, to develop a partnership with the Embassy of France in Gabon and organize the One Forest Youth Forum, with a speech during the High-Level Segment in the presence of French and African Heads of State.”
Folake Oni- Director of Business Strategy and Transformation, Sydani Group (Nigeria)
“The networking, the community and network of other amazing women doing fantastic work on the continent, the publicity through the various WIA platforms, the KPMG academy, and the intended mentorship programme have all been very beneficial for my professional growth.”
Programme Calendar
The WIA Young Leaders Programme unfolds in five key phases:
May 19 – June 19, 2025: Call for Applications
Each year, WIA opens a call inviting talented young African women to apply. This phase is aimed at attracting applicants who exhibit strong leadership potential, professional excellence, and a commitment to societal impact.
June – July 2025: Selection Process
All applications are thoroughly reviewed by a selection committee. Candidates are assessed based on their academic achievements, career success, leadership abilities, and dedication to driving positive change. A shortlist of exceptional individuals is drawn up for further consideration.
July – August 2025: Interview with the Jury
Shortlisted candidates are invited for final interviews with a jury comprising 12 international experts and leaders. This is a chance for each candidate to present her personal journey, aspirations, and vision for Africa, while demonstrating her capacity for leadership and influence.
September 2025: Official Announcement
Once the jury process concludes, the new cohort of WIA Young Leaders is officially announced to the public via WIA’s digital platforms and media partners. This announcement shines a spotlight on the achievements and potential of the selected candidates and introduces them to a global audience.
November – December 2025: Learning Expedition
The WIA Young Leaders embark on a prestigious business trip to Paris. During this immersive experience, they engage in high-level networking opportunities, attend industry-specific workshops, and meet with influential leaders in business, philanthropy, and social innovation. The learning expedition is designed to broaden their perspectives, expand their professional networks, and provide actionable insights for their future careers.
About Women In Africa (WIA)
Women In Africa (WIA) is an international platform dedicated to the economic development and support of African women entrepreneurs and leaders.
Founded on the principle of promoting inclusive growth through female empowerment, WIA designs and implements high-impact programmes that provide African women with tools, visibility, resources, and connections to lead transformational change across the continent.
Through flagship initiatives such as the WIA Young Leaders Programme, WIA has committed to equipping the next generation of women with the knowledge, support, and access they need to excel in leadership roles, both in Africa and globally.
