2024/2025 Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Programme

The Fellowship aims to support aspirational public health leaders (Fellows) in Africa in acquiring advanced skills and competencies to strategize, manage and lead public health programmes that will positively transform public health in Africa. Fellows admitted to the programme will be senior public health professionals from African Union Member States who will contribute to and lead the implementation of a new public health order for Africa, and in turn, develop the next generation of public health leaders. 

As the fellowship reflects on the remarkable progress of the Kofi Annan Fellowship in the Global Health Leadership Programme, having graduated 59 Fellows from over 33 African nations and currently nurturing 25 more from 19 African countries, it has witnessed the tangible impact of this visionary initiative. The program’s alumni have not only honed their leadership qualities but are also actively shaping the future of healthcare across the continent. With fellows authoring books, creating transnational partnerships, with some replicating the program within their institutions, and one even ascending to the role of a Minister of government, the ripple effect of this leadership program is undeniable.

For Cohort 5 the fellowship continue to encourage a diversity of applicants from across the continent, and specifically for Cohort 5 Sexual and Reproductive Health and Public Mental Health Professionals are encouraged to apply. In addition, senior cadres working within government ministries and National Public Health Institutes (NPHI) are also strongly encouraged to apply. The programme is now open and accepting applications for the 5th cohort, scheduled to commence in June of 2025.

Who should apply?

This program targets aspirational leaders across the African Union member states with a background in any field of public health including, but not limited to, One Health, human medicine, finance, health policy, animal health, Sexual and reproductive health, or environmental health. Successful applicants are leaders who want to acquire advanced skills in leading impactful health initiatives, employing health diplomacy, as well as enhancing their ability to develop bold, strategic and achievable goals to propel Africa towards achieving Agenda 2063.

What is included?

The Fellowship will support one year of high-level professional development in public health leadership that includes skills in health diplomacy, change management and influencing policy, among others. Fellows will be supported by experienced experts in key fields from Africa and other parts of the world.

Fellowship eligibility criteria

Applicants for the Fellowship must: 

• be citizens of an African Union Member State; 

• possess a postgraduate degree in a relevant field of public health; 

• have 10 years of professional experience after gaining a master's degree in any field of public health, including but not limited to Sexual and Reproductive health, one health, human medicine, finance, health economics, health policy, animal health, or environmental health 

• be in full-time employment in any area of public health, in a public or private institution in Africa; 

• have a good track record or be able to demonstrate the potential for effective public health leadership where they can positively impact the public health outcomes of populations in Africa.

Fellowship selection 

Fellowship Selection Selection to the Fellowship will be by an independent committee comprising experts from the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, and their global partners. The selection process will emphasize an equal opportunity approach to secure the representation of women and underrepresented groups. 

Financing 

Africa CDC will provide all learning and development materials and meet all costs associated with the fellowship, including travel, daily allowance and insurance during the residential placements. Fellows will be supported to ensure that they have the relevant software for online learning.

How to apply 

All applications must be submitted using the online application form. Incomplete applications will not be considered. All applicants must provide the following required information: 

• A support letter from the current employer to confirm employment, guaranteeing that the candidate will be allowed enough time to participate in the Fellowship programme and to attend the full eight weeks of institutional residential experience. 

• Letters of recommendation from two reputable professional referees. 

• A personal statement (maximum 400 words) providing evidence of the candidate’s commitment to public health in Africa detailing the following: 

• Their leadership experience and professional attainment

 • Their vision of, and the future impact of effective public health leadership in Africa 

• How they would champion public health initiatives in Africa 

• A leadership challenge project proposal (maximum 400 words) that outlines a potential leadership challenge project they will implement which is feasible to complete within the 12 months of the fellowship. The proposal should include a title, a brief description of the challenge (the what, the who is affected, and the why), a proposed strategy for a solution, and the expected outcome. 

• Completed applications with all supporting documents should be submitted through Africa CDC  Incomplete applications and applications sent over email will not be considered