Welcome!

 
The Obama Foundation Africa Leaders Program will inspire, empower, and connect 
emerging leaders from across Africa, through a core set of shared values and leadership 
skills, to build a new generation of active African citizens and positive role models 
prepared to create tangible solutions to the challenges in their communities, countries, and 
continent. 
 
The Program seeks to identify emerging leaders in government, civil society, and the 
private sector who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good 
within their sphere of influence. The objective of the program is to build a growing 
network of innovative and ethical changemakers, who seek to drive change in their 
communities. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated potential for impact and a 
clear commitment to integrity. 
 
Those who are selected to participate in the Africa Leaders Program will need to be 
available to be in Johannesburg, South Africa from July 14 through July 18 and able to 
participate in robust online programming activities throughout the year. Please note that 
the Africa Leaders Program will cover costs related to economy class travel, lodging, and 
meals throughout the July program. Please do not apply to this program if you are unable 
to commit to the full time required. Applications for the Africa Leaders program close at 
6:00 PM EST on March 25, 2018. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. 
We will notify applicants of their status via email on a rolling basis beginning on April 27, 
2018. 
 
The Foundation is committed to recruiting a diverse cohort of Leaders, and encourages all 
individuals to apply regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual 
orientation, political affiliation, religion, or disability status. 
 
   
Personal Information 
All fields with asterisks (*) required. 
 
First name (as on passport) * 
 
 
Last name (family name) (as on passport) * 
 
 
Preferred name 
 
 
Country of citizenship * 
 
 
Country of residence * 
 
 
Residential/physical address * 
 
 
Mailing address * 
 
 
Email * 
 
 
Mobile phone number * 
 
 
Gender * 
 
 
Date of birth * 
 
 
Current job title * 
 
 
Organization (current employer/institutional affiliation) 
 
 
Honors, awards, or fellowships 
 
 
What sector do you work in? * 
 
 
As you anticipate your work going forward, under which issue area below does your work 
most closely align? Check one only. 
● Economic Access and Job Creation 
● Women’s Empowerment 
● Human Rights 
● Freedom of Speech 
● Democracy Building 
● Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention 
● Public Health 
● Girls Education 
● Government Transparency & Accountability 
● Education 
● Entrepreneurship 
● Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution 
● Climate Change/Clean Energy/Environment 
● Food Security 
● Urban Issues/Transportation/Housing 
● Other 
 
Social media 
Type Link  
 
 
How did you hear about the program? * 
   
Essay Questions 
All fields with asterisks (*) required. Answers should be no more than 1,500 characters, 
about 225 words. 
 
Tell us about your current work and the concrete impact you are having on your 
community. * 
 
 
 
What does ethical leadership mean to you? Please describe an example of when you’ve 
seen it demonstrated in your personal experience. * 
 
 
 
If you had six months and access to unlimited resources to work on one thing, what would 
it be and how would you do it? * 
 
 
 
What is the newspaper headline you want to read about your country in 2030? What do 
you see as your place in making that headline a reality? * 
 
 
 
Tell us something about your background, perspective, or experience that would add 
diversity to our cohort * 
 
 
 
Tell us about the last time your mind was changed about a previously deeply held belief. * 
 
   
Materials 
All fields with asterisks (*) required. 
 
Please upload your resume/CV * 
 
 
Please upload any additional items pertaining to your work (business plan, project briefs, 
links to your work, etc.). 
 
   
References 
Please submit the names and contact information for three individuals who can serve as 
references for your work and your commitment to service. All fields with asterisks (*) 
required. 
 
Reference 1: Full name * 
 
 
Reference 1: Title * 
 
 
Reference 1: Organization * 
 
 
Reference 1: Email * 
 
 
Reference 2: Full name * 
 
 
Reference 2: Title * 
 
 
Reference 2: Organization * 
 
 
Reference 2: Email * 
 
 
Reference 3: Full name * 
 
 
Reference 3: Title * 
 
 
Reference 3: Organization * 
 
 
Reference 3: Email *