The Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Program for Africans (Fully Funded) is an exceptional opportunity designed to build a new generation of visionary public health leaders across Africa. Organized by the African Union (AU) through the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the program seeks to equip African health professionals with the leadership and strategic management skills needed to transform the continent’s public health systems.
This prestigious fellowship not only provides advanced training but also fully funds fellows’ participation by covering tuition, travel, insurance, and daily allowances throughout the program. Through a combination of digital learning, in-person sessions, and mentorship, the initiative creates an environment where fellows can strengthen their leadership capacities and implement sustainable health solutions within their respective countries.
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Summary of the Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Fellowship
- Host Institution: African Union (AU) through Africa CDC
- Program Name: Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Program
- Eligible Applicants: Citizens of African Union Member States
- Category: Fellowship / Postgraduate Professional Training
- Coverage: Fully Funded (Tuition, Airfare, Insurance, Allowances)
- Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
- Program Duration: Multiple months combining virtual and residential learning
- Key Areas: Public Health Leadership, Policy Implementation, Global Health Management
Overview of the Kofi Annan Global Health Fellowship Program
The Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Fellowship was established to continue the legacy of Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, whose work emphasized leadership, integrity, and sustainable development. The fellowship was officially launched on May 25, 2020, by the African Union Commission and Africa CDC, in partnership with the Kofi Annan Foundation. Its creation followed the Africa CDC Governing Board’s approval in March 2018.
This program focuses on equipping mid- to senior-level African health professionals with leadership skills that allow them to design, implement, and manage public health programs. The ultimate goal is to develop a skilled network of leaders capable of advancing the “New Public Health Order for Africa”, which emphasizes self-reliance, collaboration, and innovation across the continent’s health sectors.
Purpose and Objectives of the Fellowship
The Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Program aims to address the leadership gap that continues to hinder effective health system management in Africa. By developing strong leaders, the program enhances the continent’s ability to respond to public health challenges and achieve long-term health security.
Its core objectives include:
- Developing transformational health leaders capable of leading sustainable change within African health systems.
- Strengthening strategic thinking and management capacity among mid- and senior-level professionals.
- Creating a continental network of health leaders who will collaborate to shape and implement public health policies.
- Supporting innovation and mentorship, ensuring that experienced fellows guide the next generation of health professionals.
Eligibility Criteria for the Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Program
To qualify for the Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Fellowship, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements. These criteria ensure that selected fellows are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s health transformation:
1. Citizenship Requirement
Applicants must be citizens of any African Union Member State. Proof of citizenship, such as a passport or national identification, will be required.
2. Educational Background
Candidates must hold a postgraduate degree in a public health–related field, such as epidemiology, health policy, global health, or healthcare management.
3. Professional Experience
Applicants should have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience following their master’s degree, demonstrating strong engagement in public health practice, research, or policy.
4. Current Employment
Participants must be full-time employees in a public or private health institution—such as ministries of health, hospitals, universities, or NGOs—across Africa.
5. Leadership Capacity
Candidates must demonstrate proven leadership ability or potential, as evidenced through professional achievements, community service, or prior involvement in strategic health initiatives.
Program Duration and Structure
The Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Fellowship follows a multi-phase structure designed to balance learning, practice, and mentorship:
1: Virtual Learning
Fellows begin with online training modules focused on global health policy, strategic leadership, ethics, and communication. These modules are designed to build theoretical understanding and prepare participants for the in-person component.
2: Residential Learning
During the residential stage, fellows participate in face-to-face leadership sessions conducted by experts in global health, policy development, and organizational strategy. All expenses, including travel, accommodation, and daily allowances, are fully covered.
3: Applied Leadership Project
Each fellow designs and implements a Leadership Challenge Project (LCP)—a practical initiative aimed at solving a pressing public health problem in their home country. Fellows receive mentorship from Africa CDC professionals and global health leaders throughout this phase.
Benefits of the Kofi Annan Global Health Fellowship (Fully Funded)
The fellowship provides one of the most comprehensive and supportive packages among leadership programs for African professionals. Benefits include:
- Full Funding Coverage: Complete sponsorship for digital and in-person training sessions.
- Travel and Accommodation: Round-trip airfare, insurance coverage, and accommodation provided for all residential activities.
- Daily Living Allowances: Fellows receive stipends during residential periods to support their living expenses.
- Professional Mentorship: Access to global experts in public health leadership, management, and communication.
- Networking Opportunities: Collaboration with peers from across Africa and partnerships with international health organizations.
- Capacity Development: Advanced leadership training and exposure to global best practices in health management.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents as part of their online application:
- Employer Support Letter: A formal letter confirming the applicant’s employer’s approval for full participation in the program.
- Two Recommendation Letters: References from supervisors or professional mentors who can assess the applicant’s leadership potential.
- Personal Statement (Maximum 400 Words): An essay explaining the applicant’s motivation, vision for Africa’s health systems, and commitment to public health improvement.
- Leadership Challenge Project Proposal (Maximum 400 Words): A summary outlining the proposed leadership project and its expected impact on local or regional public health outcomes.
All documents should be submitted in PDF format and written clearly to reflect professionalism and clarity of purpose.
Selection Process and Evaluation
Applications undergo a rigorous review process overseen by an independent selection committee. The committee consists of experts from the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, and international partner institutions.
The evaluation process follows transparent and inclusive criteria to ensure fair representation of women, youth, and underrepresented regions. Selection is based on academic merit, professional experience, demonstrated leadership potential, and the relevance of the proposed project to Africa’s public health priorities.
How to Apply for the Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Program for Africans (Fully Funded)
Interested and qualified candidates should follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official Africa CDC website through the fellowship application link.
- Complete the Online Application Form: Fill in all required personal, academic, and professional details accurately.
- Upload Required Documents: Attach all listed documents, ensuring that they are complete and properly formatted.
- Submit Before the Deadline: The deadline for submission is January 30, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email and may undergo an interview or additional verification process before final selection.
Why African Health Professionals Should Apply
The Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Program represents more than an educational opportunity—it is a platform to redefine public health leadership in Africa. Fellows gain the tools to drive policy, coordinate health programs, and influence decision-making at both national and continental levels.
Graduates of this fellowship become part of a network of health professionals dedicated to implementing Africa’s new public health order—one that emphasizes self-sufficiency, proactive leadership, and continental solidarity in addressing health challenges.
By participating, professionals not only enhance their personal growth but also contribute to Africa’s capacity to prevent and manage future epidemics and public health emergencies.
Conclusion
The Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Program for Africans (Fully Funded) remains one of the most transformative leadership development initiatives on the continent. Through this fellowship, the African Union and Africa CDC continue to honour Kofi Annan’s vision of an empowered, self-reliant Africa led by capable and ethical leaders.
Eligible professionals across Africa are encouraged to apply early and prepare thoroughly. The program’s combination of funding, mentorship, and world-class training offers a rare opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the future of public health in Africa.
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