Nominations are Open for Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship 2027

Deadline: September 20, 2026

Applications are now open for nominations for the Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship 2027, one of Africa’s notable leadership development programmes. The fellowship is designed to identify and develop exceptional emerging African leaders who are already creating impact and have the potential to influence their sectors and communities in the years ahead.

Led by the African Leadership Institute (AFLI), the programme selects approximately 25 high-potential individuals each year through a competitive process. It is open to leaders across sectors, making it relevant to professionals working in business, government, civil society, social impact, entrepreneurship and other fields.

For ambitious African professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership capacity, expand their networks and contribute more effectively to Africa’s transformation, the fellowship offers more than a credential. It is an opportunity to learn alongside other emerging leaders and become part of a wider leadership community.

About the Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship

The Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship is AFLI’s flagship programme and has been offered since 2006. Its purpose is to nurture a network of high-potential African leaders who are expected to take on increasingly influential leadership roles and contribute to positive change across the continent.

Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement or professional titles, the fellowship looks for individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, ethical values, commitment to service and evidence of positive impact.

The programme is particularly suited to individuals who are building a track record of leadership and are likely to occupy senior positions or significantly expand their influence within the next five to ten years.

Approximately 25 Fellows are selected annually following a rigorous nomination, screening and selection process.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Selected Fellows can expect a leadership development experience designed to strengthen their ability to lead and create impact.

Benefits include:

• Leadership learning, tools and practical insights.
• Exposure to African and global leadership perspectives.
• Opportunities to learn alongside other high-potential African leaders.
• Access to a network of Fellows and AFLI alumni.
• Opportunities to strengthen leadership confidence and effectiveness.
• Greater exposure to cross-sector perspectives and ideas.
• Long-term engagement with a community focused on Africa’s development.

The fellowship’s value therefore extends beyond the programme itself: the relationships and leadership community can become an important part of a Fellow’s professional journey.

Who Is Eligible?

The Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship is aimed at exceptional emerging African leaders.

Generally, candidates should:

• Be 30–39 years old.
• Be African citizens and be living in Africa, subject to AFLI’s applicable requirements.
• Demonstrate significant leadership potential.
• Have a record of achievement, service or positive impact.
• Show commitment to contributing to Africa’s long-term development.
• Come from any sector, including business, government or civil society.
• Demonstrate ethical leadership and the ability to inspire and empower others.

Important: This is not a self-application fellowship. Candidates must first be nominated by another person. AFLI accepts only one nomination per candidate, so prospective nominees should coordinate carefully with their chosen nominator.

Application Process and Key Dates

The process begins with nomination rather than a direct application.

Key dates for the Class of 2027

• Nominations opened: 26 August 2026
• Nomination deadline: 20 September 2026, midnight Johannesburg time
• Candidate application begins: Around 25 September 2026
• Application deadline: 25 October 2026, midnight Johannesburg time
• Recommendation letter deadline: 25 October 2026
• Selection begins: Early November 2026
• Shortlisted candidates notified: Mid-December 2026
• Class finalisation: Mid-January 2027
• Final candidate communication: Beginning February 2027

The Class of 2027 is expected to be announced before the first programme workshop.

Nomination/Application: Visit the official Tutu Fellows platform for nomination instructions and programme information:

Why You Should Consider This Fellowship

This opportunity is particularly valuable if you have moved beyond simply building a career and are now thinking about the scale and significance of your leadership.

The strongest candidates are unlikely to be those with the longest list of certificates. Instead, your leadership story should demonstrate what you have done, whom you have influenced, what problem you are addressing and what you have learned along the way.

Application Tips

1. Work closely with your nominator.
Because you cannot nominate yourself, choose someone who understands your leadership journey and can provide specific examples of your impact.

2. Focus on impact, not titles.
Explain the change you have helped create rather than simply listing your job responsibilities.

3. Show your leadership trajectory.
Help selectors understand where you are now, where you are heading and why you have the potential to become a significant African leader.

4. Connect your work to Africa’s future.
Demonstrate how your leadership contributes to solving challenges or creating opportunities within your community, sector or continent.

5. Start early.
The nomination deadline comes first, followed by the formal application stage. Do not wait until the final days to coordinate with your nominator.

Conclusion

The Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship 2027 presents a valuable opportunity for African professionals who are already demonstrating leadership and are ready to expand their influence.

If you are aged 30–39 and believe your leadership journey aligns with AFLI’s vision, begin the nomination conversation now. Remember that the first step is securing a nomination before the 20 September 2026 deadline.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE