Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership 2026 (Fully-funded)

Deadline: January 30, 2026

Applications are open for the Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership 2026. The Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership is designed to support aspirational public health leaders across Africa in acquiring advanced skills to strategize, manage, and guide public health programmes. The Fellowship nurtures leaders capable of driving the new public health order for Africa and preparing the next generation of leaders.

With over 84 graduates from 34 countries and 25 current Fellows from 17 nations, the fellowship has produced leaders who are shaping health governance, forging transnational partnerships, writing influential works, and advancing public health reforms across the continent. Some alumni have replicated the programme within their institutions or risen to senior leadership roles, including cabinet-level appointments.

Cohort 6 encourages applicants from all regions of Africa, with particular focus on experts in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Public Mental Health, as well as senior professionals working in government ministries and National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs). The next cohort begins in June 2026.

Benefits

Africa CDC covers all fellowship-related costs, including:

• Travel
• Daily allowances
• Insurance during residential sessions
• Learning materials and required digital tools

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Hold a postgraduate degree in a public-health-related field, including but not limited to: One Health, human medicine, health economics, finance, health policy, animal health, sexual and reproductive health, or environmental health.
• Be a citizen of an African Union Member State.
• Have at least 10 years of professional experience after completing a master’s degree.
• Be in full-time employment in public health within a public or private institution in Africa.
• Demonstrate a strong track record or clear potential for impactful public health leadership that can improve health outcomes on the continent.

Application

Submit all required application documents:

• Employer support letter guaranteeing time release for the fellowship activities.
• Two professional letters of recommendation.
• A personal statement (max 400 words) addressing:
  • Leadership experience and professional accomplishments.
  • Vision for the future of public health leadership in Africa.
  • How the applicant will champion public health initiatives.
• A leadership challenge project proposal (max 400 words) including:
  • Project title.
  • Description of the challenge (what it is, who is affected, and why it matters).
  • Proposed strategy and expected outcomes.

Click here to apply

For more information, visit Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership.