Fully-funded African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship Programme 2025 (Monthly Stipend Available). The AfYWL Fellowship Programme 2025 offers exceptional young African women a unique opportunity to gain global exposure and professional development through a 12-month paid placement with UNDP offices around the world. Ideal for future leaders in international development, gender equality, climate change, and related fields, this prestigious fellowship empowers African women under 30 to drive progress across Africa and beyond. If you are passionate about shaping the future of Africa, the AfYWL Fellowship Programme 2025 is the perfect stepping stone to leadership.
Background & Job Description
The African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship Programme is a high-impact initiative launched in partnership between the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This initiative is part of the AUC Chairperson’s 1 Million Next Level Initiative, designed to empower young African women by providing access to meaningful work experiences in global governance and sustainable development.
The 2025 edition of the fellowship will place up to 40 African women in UNDP Headquarters (New York) or at regional and country offices across Africa and other global locations. These roles are focused on development, governance, innovation, peacebuilding, climate resilience, youth engagement, and digital transformation—key areas aligned with both the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint for inclusive and sustainable development.
Unlike many development programs, AfYWL is designed exclusively for young African women under the age of 30, aiming to build a pipeline of future African female leaders in international and public service.
Please note: I am not affiliated with UNDP or the African Union. This is an independent job advertisement posted to inform readers about this opportunity.
Why the AfYWL Fellowship Matters
Africa has the youngest population in the world, and women form a significant portion of that demographic. However, despite their numbers, African women remain underrepresented in decision-making positions at national, continental, and global levels. The AfYWL Fellowship seeks to change this narrative by investing in the education, empowerment, and exposure of future women leaders.
This fellowship is not just a professional program—it is a transformational leadership journey. Fellows will work on the frontlines of major development initiatives, helping shape policy, deliver impactful projects, and advocate for inclusive growth.
Through this opportunity, fellows will:
- Build leadership, diplomacy, and policy skills
- Collaborate with top global professionals and mentors
- Contribute to meaningful projects with long-term development impact
- Gain exposure to multilateral institutions and development agencies
Tasks
AfYWL Fellows will be integrated into the daily operations of UNDP teams and will contribute to a wide range of meaningful activities. These tasks are aligned with the core priorities of the UNDP and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Some of the expected responsibilities include:
- Policy and Research Support: Gather and analyze data to inform policy decisions; produce research reports, briefs, and presentations.
- Program Implementation: Assist in the planning and execution of UNDP programs in areas like youth empowerment, gender equality, climate action, and peacebuilding.
- Digital Transformation & Innovation: Participate in initiatives that explore innovative approaches to solving Africa’s development challenges using technology.
- Strategic Communication: Create engaging content, assist with event planning, contribute to knowledge products, and support campaigns that promote development goals.
- Partnership Development: Support relationship-building with development partners, regional bodies, civil society, and government institutions.
- Field Engagement: Participate in community development projects and interact with stakeholders on the ground during field visits and missions.
- Capacity Building: Help facilitate workshops, webinars, or learning sessions targeting youth and women at national and regional levels.
Qualifications
To be eligible for the 2025 AfYWL Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Education and Certification
- A completed Master’s degree or equivalent qualification by the time of application
- Fields of study may include:
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Development Studies
- Law
- Economics
- Business Administration
- Communication and Media
- Environmental Sciences
- Public Policy
- Digitalization/ICT
Experience
- A maximum of two years of full-time, paid experience in project management, policy research, analysis, development work, or a related area
- Strong academic record and demonstrated interest in gender issues, social justice, sustainable development, or related fields
- Must be under 30 years old at the time of application
- Must hold citizenship of a member state of the African Union
- Proficiency in English is required
- Proficiency in French, Arabic, Portuguese, or Spanish (AU working languages) is an added advantage
Additional Skills and Competencies
Ideal candidates for the AfYWL Fellowship will also demonstrate the following:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Leadership potential and passion for public service
- Interest or experience in digital transformation, innovation, or strategic communication
- Ability to adapt and work effectively across diverse teams and cultural contexts
Fully-funded African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) Fellowship Programme 2025 (Monthly Stipend Available)
Additional Information
Here is what applicants need to know before applying:
- Location: UNDP Headquarters (New York) and regional/country offices across Africa (no hardship locations)
- Salary: Fellows receive a monthly stipend to cover housing and basic living expenses during the fellowship
- Deadline to Apply: 1 June 2025
- Fellowship Duration: 12 months, starting in late 2025 or early 2026
- Training: Fellows will participate in:
- A joint induction workshop hosted by the AUC and UNDP
- A structured mentorship program with senior staff
- Access to a learning and development fund for professional growth
- Participation in the UNDP Young Professionals Network
- Application Process:
- Complete the online application by the deadline
- Submit a CV, academic transcripts, and motivational letter
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo a series of assessments and interviews
- Required documentation includes proof of nationality and academic qualifications
Why You Should Apply
The AfYWL Fellowship Programme 2025 provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young African women to take a leap into international development, work with world-class professionals, and play a key role in advancing Africa’s development goals.
Whether you aspire to work in diplomacy, government, NGOs, or global institutions, this fellowship gives you the tools, exposure, and network to make a real impact. With a strong emphasis on gender equality, innovation, and youth empowerment, the AfYWL program is a gateway for African women to rise as change-makers, policy influencers, and global leaders.
If you are a passionate young woman ready to lead Africa into the future—this is your moment. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a transformative journey that equips you with the skills and experience to shape your continent’s future.
Top Keywords:
AfYWL Fellowship 2025, UNDP fellowship for African women, African Union fellowship program, international development careers, global youth leadership Africa, UN internships for Africans, women in leadership Africa, Agenda 2063 jobs, SDG fellowships, gender equality in Africa, African Union 1 million initiative, youth empowerment Africa, African women in diplomacy, UNDP youth programs, African youth fellowships 2025
