The Obama Foundation has opened applications for its 2027–2028 Leaders Programme, giving Kenyans and other aspiring changemakers across Africa a chance to join an international leadership development initiative.
The programme targets individuals aged between 24 and 45 who are actively contributing to positive change in their communities, organisations and professional fields.
Successful applicants will participate free of charge, with access to leadership training, professional coaching, collaborative learning sessions and an international network of emerging leaders.
The application window opened on November 9, 2026. The Foundation is encouraging candidates to apply before the priority deadline of November 23, 2026. The final deadline is December 4, 2026.
The Leaders Programme is designed to equip emerging leaders with practical skills, knowledge and networks to address complex challenges and create lasting change in society.
Participants will take part in virtual learning sessions, leadership coaching, discussions with experts and collaborative activities with fellow participants from different backgrounds and professional sectors.
The programme is expected to run from September 2027 to May 2028, with participants committing about eight to 12 hours every month. Those who complete it will become members of the Obama Foundation's Leadership Network, an international community of former participants working towards positive social change.
The opportunity is open to eligible applicants across African countries, including Kenya. Applicants must meet several conditions set by the Foundation:
• They must be between 24 and 45 years old as of September 1, 2027.
• They must demonstrate at least three years of relevant experience in their area of work.
• They must be citizens or permanent residents of an eligible African country, or have lived in one for at least five years.
• They must demonstrate a commitment to creating positive change in their communities or across Africa.
• They must be professionally proficient in English.
• They must be available to participate throughout the programme.
The Foundation does not prescribe a specific academic qualification for admission, so applicants from different educational and professional backgrounds can be considered if they meet the other requirements.
Participation is free for successful candidates, who will not be required to pay programme fees. The Foundation does not, however, provide stipends or financial grants to support participants' personal projects or initiatives.
Interested Kenyans can access the application portal through the Obama Foundation's website at https://www.obama.org/programs/leaders/africa/.
Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare applications that show their leadership experience, the challenges they are addressing and the impact of their work. The application also requires the names and email addresses of two referees, whom the Foundation will contact directly.
The priority deadline is November 23, 2026, while the final deadline is December 4, 2026, at noon US Central Time. Applications submitted after the priority deadline but before the final deadline may still be considered subject to available spaces, but late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
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