by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Mastercard Foundation · Kenyatta University (East Africa), GIMPA (West Africa), UNISA (Southern Africa), CESAG (Francophone Africa)
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🟩 Active🎓 Young Professionals / Non-degree Certificate🌍 Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal📌 Leadership Fellowship / Professional Development
Full program costs including travel, tuition, and board
Duration
4 to 12 weeks (Models vary between fully residential and hybrid)
Deadline
Varies by regional center and cohort (Multiple cycles per year)
Level
Young Professionals / Non-degree Certificate
Acceptance
Estimated 5% - 8% depending on the region
Difficulty
High
Quick Summary
YALI Regional Leadership Center (RLC) Fellowship is a fully funded scholarship offered by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Mastercard Foundation for students pursuing studies in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal. The award covers The fellowship covers all participation costs including tuition, round-trip airfare, lodging, meals, and basic health insurance for the duration of the residential training. and is open to young professionals / non-degree certificate students studying business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, public management. The scholarship runs for 4 to 12 weeks (models vary between fully residential and hybrid). Eligibility is generally based on open to young African leaders aged 18-35 who are citizens and residents of Sub-Saharan African countries with a proven record of leadership. The application deadline is Varies by regional center and cohort (Multiple cycles per year), with an acceptance rate of approximately Estimated 5% - 8% depending on the region. EduAtlasHub tracks updated deadlines, coverage details and eligibility requirements for this scholarship as they change.
✨ Should I Apply for YALI Regional Leadership Center (RLC) Fellowship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
72%
Eligibility Match
8%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Competitive
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Full program costs including travel, tuition, and board
⏳
Duration
4 to 12 weeks (Models vary between fully residential and hybrid)
📅
Deadline
Varies by regional center and cohort (Multiple cycles per year)
💼
Fields
Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, Public Management
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 annually across all centers
🌏
Study Country
Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal
🏛️
Provider
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Mastercard Foundation
📊
Acceptance
Estimated 5% - 8% depending on the region
The YALI Regional Leadership Centers (RLCs) were established to provide young African leaders with the tools, networks, and skills to lead across three tracks: Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, and Public Management. The program provides high-quality training and transition to a massive alumni network across the continent.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to young African leaders aged 18-35 who are citizens and residents of Sub-Saharan African countries with a proven record of leadership.
🏛️ Host University
Kenyatta University (East Africa), GIMPA (West Africa), UNISA (Southern Africa), CESAG (Francophone Africa)
🤝 Sponsor
USAID, Mastercard Foundation, and Private Sector Partners
💼 Fields of Study
Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, Public Management
✨ Key Benefits
The fellowship covers all participation costs including tuition, round-trip airfare, lodging, meals, and basic health insurance for the duration of the residential training.
🎯 Target Students
African Young Leaders, Social Entrepreneurs, and Public Servants
Varies by center; approximately 100-150 per cohort
Winners
Estimated 5% - 8% depending on the region
Acceptance Rate
Competitive
Competition Level
Win Probability
8%
Match Score
72%
Competition
75%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes (100%)
Living Stipend
Yes (Meals and incidental stipends provided during residency)
Total Award
Full program costs including travel, tuition, and board
✈️ Travel: Yes (Round-trip airfare to the regional center provided)🏠 Accommodation: Yes💊 Health Insurance: Yes (Accident and sickness insurance for the duration of the program)🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: Free ($0)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (100%)
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes (Meals and incidental stipends provided during residency)
🏡 Accommodation
Yes
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (Round-trip airfare to the regional center provided)
💊 Health Insurance
Yes (Accident and sickness insurance for the duration of the program)
🎁 Other Benefits
Alumni network access, mentorship, professional networking, leadership coaching, and community service opportunities
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable as it is a one-time fellowship
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Sub-Saharan African citizens, age 18-35, proficient in English (or French/Portuguese depending on center)
🎓 Academic Level
Young Professionals / Non-degree Certificate
📊 Minimum GPA
Not applicable
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency in English is required for most centers (French for Dakar center)
🍢 Age Limit
18 to 35 years old
💼 Work Experience
Evidence of community service or professional involvement is required
🏆 Leadership
Mandatory; applicants must demonstrate active leadership roles in their communities or workplaces
💰 Financial Need
Not a primary requirement; focus is on leadership potential
🎯 Target Students
African Young Leaders, Social Entrepreneurs, and Public Servants
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Multiple personal statements regarding leadership and community impact)
Rec Letters
Yes (Professional or community references)
Interview
Yes (Shortlisted candidates are interviewed virtually or by phone)
Application Fee
Free ($0)
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Professional or community references) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Proficiency in English is required for most centers (French for Dakar center)
Interview: Yes (Shortlisted candidates are interviewed virtually or by phone)
Min GPA: Not applicable
📋 Application Process
Focus on specific examples of your leadership impact. Clearly articulate how the fellowship tracks align with your career goals for Africa.
💡 Insider Tip: Submit early to avoid technical issues. Ensure your vision for 'Giving Back' to your community is realistic and impactful.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Varies (Check specific regional center website periodically)
⏰ Deadline
Varies by regional center and cohort (Multiple cycles per year)
🎤 Interview
Yes (Shortlisted candidates are interviewed virtually or by phone)
🎓 Study Starts
Multiple dates throughout the year based on cohort assignment
Varies (Check specific regional center website periodically)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies by regional center and cohort (Multiple cycles per year)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (Shortlisted candidates are interviewed virtually or by phone)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Multiple dates throughout the year based on cohort assignment
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Leadership track record, commitment to public service, communication skills, and ability to work in a diverse team.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
YALI Regional Leadership Center (RLC) FellowshipCurrent
Open to young African leaders aged 18-35 who are citizens and residents of Sub-Saharan African countries with a proven record of leadership.
This scholarship covers: The fellowship covers all participation costs including tuition, round-trip airfare, lodging, meals, and basic health insurance for the duration of the residential training.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Varies by regional center and cohort (Multiple cycles per year). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Competitive. Acceptance rate: Estimated 5% - 8% depending on the region. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficiency in English is required for most centers (French for Dakar center), Yes (Professional or community references) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.