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NextGen Africa Workforce Fellowship

Lead Locally.
Compete Globally.

A selective fellowship combining a US-accredited degree with mentorship from Africa’s most respected leaders.

Start Your Application

NOMINATE A FUTURE FELLOW

What Is the NextGen Africa Workforce Fellowship?

The NextGen Africa Workforce Fellowship is a selective program for ambitious Africans aged 18–28 who want to be part of the next generation shaping Africa’s talent and leading the way in the global workforce.

As the continent becomes the engine of global workforce growth, this Fellowship prepares you not just to participate, but to lead, compete globally, and shape the systems of the future.

The Fellowship combines:

A US-accredited Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Structured mentorship from respected public leaders and curated executive sessions with industry decision-makers

An AI-relevant, workforce-aligned curriculum designed for today’s global job market

A selective cohort of ambitious, impact-driven peers across Africa

This is not education for credentials alone. It is education designed for better jobs, income growth, global competitiveness, and long-term leadership impact.

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Why This Fellowship Exists

Africa has the youngest and fastest-growing population on the planet. In the coming decades, more young people will enter the workforce from Africa than from any other continent. Too many of them are ambitious, capable, and eager to contribute but are entering adulthood without the skills, education, or global exposure they need to compete.

Every year, millions of young Africans finish secondary school but cannot access a university. Fewer than 10% of Africa's population holds a college degree. And as AI continues to reshape industries and redefine the skills employers need, those without the right preparation will be left further behind. The ambition is there, but the preparation gap remains. This Fellowship exists to close it.

Why This Fellowship Exists

Africa has the youngest and fastest-growing population on the planet. In the coming decades, more young people will enter the workforce from Africa than from any other continent. Too many of them are ambitious, capable, and eager to contribute but are entering adulthood without the skills, education, or global exposure they need to compete.

Every year, millions of young Africans finish secondary school but cannot access a university. Fewer than 10% of Africa's population holds a college degree. And as AI continues to reshape industries and redefine the skills employers need, those without the right preparation will be left further behind. The ambition is there, but the preparation gap remains. This Fellowship exists to close it.

Fellowship Financial Structure

The Fellowship provides a 50% tuition reduction scholarship for the first half of the program.

Tuition is localized by country to remain accessible.

Fellowship Award Terms and Conditions

Scholarship and fellowship awards are limited and granted on a selective basis.
Awards are confirmed only upon completion of enrollment and receipt of the first course tuition payment.
Approved awards remain valid for 15 days from the date of approval.
Due to limited availability, awards cannot be held beyond the stated validity period.
If enrollment is not completed within the 15-day validity period, the award will no longer be valid.

Calculate program tuition

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Learn from Leaders Shaping Nations and Markets

A degree gets you the skills. Our mentors give you the perspective. Gain structured access to the people who have led nations, governed global institutions, and built major companies. See exactly how top-level decisions are made so you can step up, lead under pressure, and drive real impact.

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Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

Former Deputy President of South Africa

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Dr. Oby Ezekwesili

Former Vice President of the World Bank and Former Minister of Education, Nigeria

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Ms. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

Former President of Mauritius

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Mr. Chude Jideonwo

Media entrepreneur and storyteller

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Mr. Seun Onigbinde

Civic tech founder and public finance reform advocate

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Ms. Rinu Oduala

Youth civic leader and social impact advocate

Guest Speakers

This list represents examples only. Each cohort engages with a broader network of leaders across business, policy, technology, and civil society.

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Mr. Obinna Ukachukwu

Growth Executive, Sterling Financial Holding Company

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Mr. Precious Ekezie

CEO, Airvend Payment Services

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Ms. Selpha Zennealle Akhamuru

Talent development leader in the BPO industry across Kenya and Nigeria

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Mr. Marcel Awori

Chief of Staff at Twende Sports

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Dr. Lawrence Nderu

Kenyan artificial intelligence researcher, academic leader, and innovation ecosystem builder.

Cohort Dates

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close early once capacity is reached.

Cohort Start	Application Window	Application Deadline
June 1	March – May	May 13

What Makes This Fellowship Different

Join Africa’s Next Generation of Global Leaders

This is a selective community for high-potential Africans ready to shape the workforce of the next decades. Admission is competitive, with a limited number of Fellows chosen each cohort. Being selected signals not just talent, but readiness to lead, influence systems, and compete on a global stage.

Learn Directly from Africa’s Most Respected Leaders

Fellows gain structured access to public figures, senior executives, and industry decision-makers through mentorship and curated sessions. This is hands-on exposure to how leaders think, decide, and execute insights you won’t get in a classroom.

Eligibility criteria

This Fellowship is designed for early-career builders, and focuses on individuals at the start of their leadership trajectory, when skill-building and exposure have the highest long-term return.

If you are between 18 and 28 years old, have a valid high school diploma (or equivalent) and you are in a window where:

Career direction is still flexible

Capability compounds fastest

Leadership identity is forming

Global competitiveness can still be engineered early

This is not about exclusion, it is about intentional design for maximum impact.

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Eligibility criteria

This Fellowship is designed for early-career builders, and focuses on individuals at the start of their leadership trajectory, when skill-building and exposure have the highest long-term return.

If you are between 18 and 28 years old, have a valid high school diploma (or equivalent) and you are in a window where:

Career direction is still flexible

Capability compounds fastest

Leadership identity is forming

Global competitiveness can still be engineered early

This is not about exclusion, it is about intentional design for maximum impact.

APPLY NOW

How the Application Works

Selection is competitive. Early application recommended.

Check
Eligibility

Review the criteria. If you have the drive, we have the platform.

The Video Submission

Don't just fill out a form. Record a video telling us why you are a future leader.

Review & Selection

Our team reviews submissions based on potential, grit, and clarity.

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15-Day
Window

Selected Fellows have 15 days to claim their award. Miss the window, lose the spot.

APPLY NOW

What Happens After Nexford?

Results.

97% of alumni are employed or pursuing further education.

Over 60% enrolled to accelerate their careers—and they did.

Many are landing global jobs, promotions, or even founding businesses.

The ROE (Return on Education) is clear: career growth without the debt and delay of traditional universities.

SEE OUR ALUMNI OUTCOMES REPORT

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Is this a fully funded scholarship?

No.

The NextGen Africa Workforce Fellowship provides a 50% tuition scholarship for the first half of the program, significantly reducing the cost of earning a US-accredited Bachelor of Business Administration through Nexford University.

Fellows are expected to contribute the remaining tuition.

This co-investment model ensures commitment, discipline, and long-term completion.

Is Nexford University accredited?

Yes.

Nexford University is a US-accredited, fully online university recognized by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education.

Graduates earn a US-accredited degree recognized by employers globally.

Is this program online or in-person?

The degree is fully online and designed for working professionals.

Fellowship programming, including mentorship sessions, executive talks, and curated experiences are virtual.

The model is intentionally flexible so Fellows can work and study simultaneously.

How competitive is admission?

Admission is selective.

Applicants are evaluated based on:

Purpose and clarity of impact
Discipline and time management readiness
Demonstrated follow-through
Leadership potential
Risk awareness and mitigation plans

Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

I am already working full-time. Can I still apply?

Yes - and many strong candidates will be working professionals.

However, you must be able to commit at least 15 hours per week to coursework.

This Fellowship is rigorous.

Time discipline is essential for success.

What happens if I cannot continue the program after starting?

The Fellowship is awarded based on demonstrated commitment.

If a Fellow withdraws:

The scholarship may be revoked
Reapplication is not guaranteed
Cohort placement cannot be deferred indefinitely

We select candidates prepared to complete the journey.

Will I be guaranteed a job after graduation?

No program can guarantee employment.

However:

97% of Nexford graduates are employed or pursuing further education
73% are promoted within 18 months
82% report salary growth

The curriculum is designed for workforce relevance and career acceleration.

Outcomes depend on effort, performance, and initiative.

What makes this different from other scholarships?

Most scholarships focus only on tuition access.

This Fellowship combines:

A US-accredited business degree
Structured mentorship exposure
Executive-level guest sessions
Workforce-aligned curriculum
A selective peer cohort
Visibility pathways for high performers

It is designed as a leadership accelerator, not simply a financial award.

Can I defer my Fellowship if selected?

No.

Scholarship offers are valid for 15 days after approval and confirmed upon enrollment.

This policy ensures fairness and protects the integrity of each cohort.

Who is this Fellowship NOT for?

This program is not for:

Individuals seeking casual enrollment
Applicants unwilling to commit consistent weekly study time
Those looking for a fully sponsored, no-investment pathway
Candidates uninterested in leadership growth

It is for disciplined, future-focused individuals prepared to compete globally.

How does the application process work?

Stage 1: Pre-Screening

Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria before proceeding to the full application.

Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old at the time of application.
Applicants outside this age range will not proceed.
Applicants must have a valid high school diploma (or equivalent). Subject to review by Admissions.

Stage 2: Video Submission Questions

Eligible applicants must submit a recorded video addressing the following questions. This allows us to evaluate your vision, commitment, and readiness for the program.

Video questions:

Identify one specific problem you have personally observed in your community or industry. Explain why does it exist, and how this degree might help you address that problem.
The program requires consistent weekly time committed to learning and participating in courses (min 15 hours / week). Explain how you will realistically allocate time to complete to stay on track in the program while balancing your other commitments - and what you might deprioritize to succeed.
Tell us about a time you committed to something challenging (work, study, project, or personal goal) and saw it through to completion. What helped you stay consistent and what obstacles did you face?
What is the biggest realistic risk to you completing this program? And what is your plan if that risk materializes?