Africa CDC/Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership Programme 2026 (Fully Funded)

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Application Deadline: January 30, 2026

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in collaboration with the Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Programme, is now accepting applications for the 2026 Fellowship. This prestigious fully funded initiative nurtures a new generation of public health leaders equipped to advance Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda.

Designed for visionary professionals committed to improving health outcomes across the continent, the Fellowship empowers participants with advanced leadership, strategic management, and policy implementation skills to transform Africa’s public health landscape.

About the Fellowship

Since its inception, the Africa CDC/Kofi Annan Fellowship has built a strong community of health professionals across the continent. To date, 84 Fellows from over 34 African countries have successfully graduated, many of whom now lead national health programs, spearhead cross-border collaborations, and influence policy reforms. One former Fellow even serves as a Minister of Health, demonstrating the transformative impact of the program.

This Fellowship is more than a training experience — it’s a launchpad for Africa’s next generation of public health leaders.

Who Should Apply

The Fellowship is tailored for senior public health professionals from African Union (AU) Member States working in both the public and private sectors. It welcomes individuals with backgrounds in:

  • One Health
  • Human medicine and epidemiology
  • Sexual and reproductive health
  • Public mental health and animal health
  • Health policy and systems management
  • Finance, health economics, and related fields

Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership potential and a passion for advancing Africa’s public health systems.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2026 Africa CDC/Kofi Annan Fellowship, candidates must:

  • Be a citizen of an African Union Member State.
  • Hold a postgraduate degree in a field related to public health.
  • Have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience after completing a Master’s degree.
  • Be currently employed full-time in a public or private health institution.
  • Demonstrate a proven or emerging capacity for strategic leadership and management in public health.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful Fellows will receive comprehensive support to enhance their learning and leadership journey, including:

  • Full access to digital and in-person learning resources.
  • Travel costs, insurance, and daily allowances for residential placements.
  • Technical and software support for online learning.

The program integrates both virtual and residential modules, ensuring Fellows gain global perspectives while maintaining connections with local public health realities.

Selection Process

An independent committee composed of experts from the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, and global partners oversees the selection process. The Fellowship emphasizes equal opportunity and diversity, ensuring fair representation of women and underrepresented groups.

The selection committee evaluates candidates based on their professional achievements, leadership potential, and proposed leadership challenge projects.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit a complete online application that includes:

  • A letter of support from their current employer confirming participation approval.
  • Two letters of recommendation from professional referees.
  • A personal statement (maximum 400 words) describing their public health commitment and leadership vision.
  • A Leadership Challenge Project Proposal (maximum 400 words) that highlights a pressing public health issue they aim to address.

Note: Incomplete applications or email submissions will not be considered.

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 30 January 2026
  • Notification of Selection: 30 April 2026
  • Programme Commencement: 1 June 2026

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Fellowship represents a powerful step toward achieving a resilient, independent, and health-secure Africa. By investing in visionary leaders, Africa CDC is building the capacity needed to prevent and manage health crises while driving long-term systemic change across the continent.

Graduates of this Fellowship continue to shape Africa’s health future — leading groundbreaking research, influencing global policy, and mentoring the next generation of health professionals.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the official portal.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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