Elevate Africa has unveiled 23 mid-career professionals from 18 countries as the latest cohort of its prestigious Elevate Africa Fellowship, distilling a continent-wide pool of over 4,000 applicants into a select group of emerging leaders poised to drive change.
The organisation revealed that while thousands expressed interest, just over 700 candidates completed the rigorous application process highlighting both the programme’s competitiveness and the growing appetite for structured leadership development across Africa.
Founded by Their Majesties, Ogiame Atuwatse III and Olori Atuwatse III, the Fellowship brings together professionals from diverse sectors including education, media, governance, business, climate, and social impact fields seen as critical to Africa’s transformation.
This year’s cohort reflects a broad continental spread, drawing Fellows from East, West, Southern, North Africa, and the Indian Ocean region, an indication of the depth of talent and rising leadership ambition across Africa.
Speaking on the announcement, Elevate Africa’s Media and Communications Officer, Blessing Collins Igrubia, described Cohort II as a bold step in building a new generation of impact-driven leaders.
“Cohort II represents a continuation of our commitment to identifying and supporting leaders who are not only excelling in their respective fields but are also dedicated to contributing meaningfully to Africa’s development in practical and measurable ways,” she said.
The 10-month Fellowship will combine intensive training, mentorship, and collaborative learning, alongside strategic partnerships including with the African Leadership University to equip Fellows with the skills and networks needed to scale their impact.
Beyond the programme, participants will join an expanding alumni network designed to foster long-term collaboration, knowledge exchange, and sustained support across borders.
With this latest cohort, Elevate Africa continues to position itself as a catalyst for a new wave of leaders equipped not just with ambition, but with the tools to shape policy, influence business, and tackle the continent’s most pressing challenges.
