About the Fellowship
The Fellowship supports aspirational public health leaders in Africa to acquire advanced skills to strategize, manage and lead public health programmes that will transform public health on the continent. Fellows admitted will lead and contribute to the implementation of the Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda and the new public health order for Africa and help shape the next generation of leaders.
Since its launch, the fellowship has graduated 84 Fellows from over 34 African countries, with many now leading transformative initiatives, authoring books, creating cross-border partnerships, and one even serving as a Minister of Government.
Who Should Apply?
Senior public health professionals from AU Member States with backgrounds in One Health, human medicine, sexual & reproductive health, public mental health, animal health, finance, health policy, epidemiology, and related fields.
What is Included?
- Full access to digital and residential learning resources.
- Travel, insurance, daily allowances during residential placements.
- Software support for online learning.
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizen of an African Union Member State.
- Postgraduate degree in a public health related field.
- 10+ years professional experience after Master’s degree.
- Full-time employment in a public or private health institution.
- Demonstrated or potential leadership capacity.
Fellowship Selection
Selection is conducted by an independent committee of experts from the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, and global partners. The process upholds equal opportunity principles to ensure representation of women and underrepresented groups.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online and include:
- Employer support letter confirming full participation.
- Two recommendation letters.
- Personal statement (max 400 words) demonstrating public health commitment and vision.
- Leadership challenge project proposal (max 400 words).
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 30 January 2026
- Applicants notified: 30 April 2026
- Programme begins: 1 June 2026
For more information, please click below to access the prospectus in your preferred language.
About Africa CDC
Africa CDC is an autonomous health institution of the African Union dedicated to strengthening the continent’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to disease threats through science, policy, and data-driven programmes.
About the Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Programme
Named after Kofi Atta Annan, former UN Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, the programme fosters visionary leaders to drive Africa’s health security and sovereignty agenda, contributing to Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
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