Applications are now open for the 2026 Africa CDC / Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership, a flagship leadership development programme created to strengthen Africa’s public health leadership pipeline. This prestigious, fully funded fellowship is jointly implemented by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and partners in honour of the late Kofi Annan, whose legacy continues to shape global health diplomacy and leadership across the continent.
The programme is targeted at senior public health professionals who are already influencing policy, systems, and practice, and who are ready to scale their impact at national, regional, and continental levels. Through an intensive blend of academic learning, practical leadership training, and real-world application, the fellowship prepares participants to design, manage, and lead complex public health programmes that improve health security and public health outcomes in Africa.
The fellowship places a strong emphasis on leadership, strategic management, systems thinking, and policy influence. Fellows actively contribute to Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda and the New Public Health Order for Africa, while building the skills required to lead resilient and responsive health systems. Since its inception, the programme has trained 84 Fellows from more than 34 African countries, many of whom now occupy senior leadership positions across governments, multilateral organisations, academia, and global health institutions.
Why this fellowship matters
Africa continues to face interconnected public health challenges ranging from disease outbreaks and climate-related health risks to health financing gaps and workforce shortages. Addressing these challenges requires leaders who can think beyond technical expertise and drive system-wide change. This fellowship responds directly to that need by investing in experienced professionals who can translate knowledge into action, strengthen institutions, and inspire the next generation of health leaders. Graduates of the programme have gone on to lead national reforms, influence continental policy, publish influential research, and serve at the highest levels of public service, including ministerial roles.
Who should apply
The fellowship is open to senior public health professionals from African Union Member States working across a wide range of disciplines, including human medicine, One Health, epidemiology, sexual and reproductive health, public mental health, animal health, health finance, health policy, and related fields. Applicants should be individuals who are already making meaningful contributions to public health and demonstrate the potential to lead transformative change.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must be citizens of an African Union Member State and hold a postgraduate degree in a public health–related discipline.
They are required to have at least 10 years of professional experience after completing their Master’s degree and must be in full-time employment within a public or private health institution.
Applicants should demonstrate current or emerging leadership capacity in public health and show a clear commitment to advancing health outcomes across Africa.
Fellowship benefits
The programme offers comprehensive support to selected Fellows, including full access to digital and residential learning programmes, coverage for travel, insurance, and daily allowances during residential placements, and software and technical support for online learning. Fellows also gain exposure to a high-level network of African and global public health leaders, creating long-term opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career advancement.
Selection process
Fellows are selected through a highly competitive, merit-based process conducted by an independent panel of experts drawn from the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, and global partners.
The selection process follows equal opportunity principles and actively promotes strong representation of women and underrepresented groups.
How to apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications online.
Required documents include an employer support letter confirming full participation in the fellowship, two letters of recommendation
A personal statement of no more than 400 words outlining commitment to public health and leadership vision, and a leadership challenge project proposal of no more than 400 words.
Incomplete applications or submissions sent via email will not be considered.
Important dates
Applications close on 30 January 2026.
Successful applicants will be notified by 30 April 2026
