The Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2025/2026 COFP Fellowship Program.

Individuals with a passion for peacebuilding and sustainable development in Africa, as well as those aspiring to join a dynamic community dedicated to fostering dialogue, resolving conflicts, and promoting social cohesion, are encouraged to apply. This program offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in local communities.

Since its launch in 2018, the COFP Fellowship Program has equipped over 325 individuals from 16 African countries with the knowledge and skills necessary for engaging in interfaith dialogue, conflict management, and peacebuilding. Designed by Africans for Africans, the program ensures its approach remains relevant to the challenges and realities of the African continent.

What Sets the COFP Fellowship Apart?

• African Context: The program is specifically crafted to address the peace and security challenges unique to Africa, with leadership and expertise drawn from the region.
• Structured Learning Experience: The fellowship consists of three modules, where Fellows participate in quarterly, week-long, in-person training sessions in Abuja, Nigeria, over the course of one year.
• Hands-On Peacebuilding: Each Fellow is provided with a small seed grant to implement a community-based peace project before completing the program.
• Professional Certification: Fellows will receive university certification in Interreligious Dialogue, Conflict Transformation, and Mediation upon completing the final module.
• Lifelong Network: Graduates automatically join the COFP Africa Network of Peacebuilders (CANEP), a growing community of professionals dedicated to advancing peace across Africa.

Program Costs & Application Process

The COFP Fellowship Program is completely free of charge. However, selected Fellows are responsible for covering their transportation costs to Abuja, Nigeria, for the three in-person training sessions.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is May 16, 2025.