Nomination-only. Continent-wide. Designed to develop leaders who will shape Africa's future — from within its institutions, its communities, and across its borders.
Inaugural Cohort Nominations for the inaugural TLNA Fellowship cohort open soon. Register your interest →
TLNA is not a conventional fellowship. It is a continental leadership ecosystem built around a single conviction: that the right leaders, properly formed and deeply connected, can change Africa.
Express InterestEach annual cohort consists of 20–25 carefully selected leaders drawn from across Africa and the African diaspora. Admission is by nomination only — candidates cannot apply directly. Every nomination must be submitted by a senior leader or recognised institution, accompanied by a motivation outlining the candidate's leadership impact and potential.
From a competitive continental pool, only 20–25 participants are selected each year. Selected fellows must commit fully to both programme phases, including residential learning, academic partnership, and applied leadership assignments.
TLNA seeks values-driven leaders with demonstrated influence beyond their formal roles — people who are already shaping systems and are committed to doing so at continental scale.
We seek Africa's most exceptional emerging leaders — individuals who are already driving change and are ready to lead at a continental level. Selection is rigorous, criteria are high, and the calibre of every cohort is paramount.
Emerging and senior leaders at a pivotal stage of their leadership trajectory.
Holds executive, senior management, or recognised emerging leadership roles.
Recognised as a change-maker within their sector with demonstrated influence beyond formal roles.
Demonstrates deep commitment to ethical leadership, integrity, and continental impact.
The Fellowship is structured across two integrated phases, each building on the other to create depth, rigour, and lasting impact.
The programme opens with a one-week intensive residential immersion at Mont Fleur in Stellenbosch — a site of historic significance in Africa's leadership story. Fellows engage with senior African leaders, policymakers, and executives who have driven political, economic, and institutional transformation across the continent.
The second phase is delivered in partnership with a leading African university, providing formal academic structure and accreditation. Fellows complete capstone leadership impact projects designed to address real challenges affecting African societies and institutions.
Participation in TLNA extends far beyond structured learning. Fellows are positioned for sustained visibility, influence, and leadership activation throughout their careers.
Public speaking and advocacy opportunities across Africa and internationally.
Structured access to continental and international professional leadership communities.
Exposure to leadership summits, governance conferences, and multilateral institutions.
Evaluated for inclusion on boards, advisory councils, and governance structures.
Collaboration on cross-border initiatives addressing pressing African challenges.
Awards, leadership profiling, and public recognition platforms across the continent.
Completion of the TLNA Fellowship is not an ending — it is an entry point into a lifelong leadership community. Alumni become part of a trusted, high-level network spanning all of Africa and the global diaspora.
The long-term impact of TLNA lies in mobilising this alumni network and unleashing its collective power as a coordinated leadership ecosystem for Africa's transformation.
Mobilise collective leadership influence across borders and sectors
Enable cross-country collaboration on strategic continental initiatives
Facilitate partnerships, investment, and institutional engagement
Strengthen governance capacity and leadership systems across Africa
Build a coordinated, trusted continental leadership force
Admission to TLNA is among the most selective leadership processes on the continent. Candidates cannot apply directly — they must be nominated by a senior leader or recognised institution.
This ensures every cohort is composed of leaders who have already earned the trust and recognition of their peers and institutions.
A senior leader or recognised institution nominates a candidate, accompanied by a detailed motivation.
TLNA's selection panel evaluates nominations against experience, influence, ethical leadership, and continental impact potential.
From a highly competitive continental pool, 20–25 participants are selected to form the annual cohort.
Selected fellows commit to all programme phases — residential immersion, academic partnership, and applied assignments.
The inaugural TLNA Fellowship cohort is accepting expressions of interest. Nominations open soon.