Igniting African Potential

Shaping Africa's Future

Lead Boldly with YALI

Nurturing Future Leaders

What is YALI

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was launched by the United States government as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. The need to invest in grooming strong, results-oriented leaders comes out of the statistics: nearly 1 in 3 Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60% of Africa’s total population is below the age of 35.

Who will empower and lead these young Africans?
Who will shape the future of business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management?
In order to answer these questions, YALI promotes three models designed to identify and empower young leaders:

The YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship
YALI Network
The Regional Leadership Centers across Africa

To learn more about the three components of YALI, please view this video.

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Leadership Centers

Location

The YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa, is located at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Center is overseen by Kenyatta University and is supported by a growing number of African and international partners.

Served Countries

Serves 14 countries in East and Central Africa:

1. Burundi	8. Rwanda
2. Uganda	9. Tanzania
3. Kenya	10. Somalia
4. Djibouti	11. South Sudan
5. Eritrea	12. Sudan
6. Ethiopia	13. Republic of Congo
7. Democratic Republic of Congo	14. Central African Republic

Training

Selected participants will engage in leadership training across three tracks of study:

Business and Entrepreneurship
Civic Leadership
Public Management

This is done in a 4-week residential format with a focus on individual and team leadership skills, innovation, creative learning, and communication. The program's emphasis is on interactive and experiential learning which fosters each participant's ability to contribute both individually and in teams.

RESIDENTIAL AND ONLINE LEARNING

At YALI RLC EA, we offer a range of dynamic learning experiences designed to equip young African leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to drive change in their communities. Our programs are delivered in three distinct formats—blended, virtual, and residential—each tailored to meet the diverse needs of our participants.

Blended Cohorts:Combining the best of both worlds, our blended cohorts offer a mix of online and in-person learning. Participants benefit from the flexibility of virtual sessions, coupled with the enriching, face-to-face interactions during the residential phase. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of course content while fostering strong networks among peers.
Virtual Cohorts:Our fully online cohorts provide an accessible and flexible option for participants who may not be able to attend in person. These cohorts are designed to deliver high-quality, interactive learning experiences that can be accessed from anywhere in the world, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to leadership development.
Residential Cohorts:For those who thrive in a collaborative, in-person environment, our residential cohorts offer an immersive learning experience. Participants live and learn together, engaging in hands-on activities, discussions, and networking opportunities that help to solidify the concepts learned and build lasting connections..

Regardless of the format, all our cohorts share a common goal: to nurture a new generation of African leaders who are well-prepared to tackle the continent's most pressing challenges. Join us at YALI RLC EA, and be part of a transformative journey that will shape your future and the future of Africa.

Download Information Brochure(PDF)

Who should Apply?

Competition for the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa is merit-based and open to young East African leaders who meet the following criteria:

Are 18 to 35 years of age at the time of application submission,
Are citizens and residents of one of the following countries: Burundi, Central African Republic. Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda,
Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.
Are eligible to receive any necessary visa to Kenya, and
Are proficient in reading, writing, listening and speaking English.

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SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

Selection for participation in the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa will be conducted as a merit-based, open competition. All eligible applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. Chosen semi-finalists will then be interviewed before a final selection is made and an invitation to join the program is issue.

Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Selection Process and Criteria

Selection panels will use the following criteria to evaluate applications:

A demonstrated leadership in public service, business and entrepreneurship, or civic engagement.
Active engagement in public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.
The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and respect the opinions of others.
Strong social and communication skills.
An energetic, positive attitude.
A demonstrated knowledge, interest, and professional experience in the sector/track selected, and
A commitment to apply leadership skills and training to benefit your country and/or community after the program.

The YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa, is located at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya. The Center is overseen by Kenyatta University and is supported by a growing number of African and international partners.

P.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

+254 020 870 4290

info@yalieastafrica.org

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