Nalafem is inviting applications from young African women who are refugees, internally displaced, stateless or otherwise displaced as a result of political or climate-related crises and insecurity to join the I AM NALA Fellowship Programme for the January to July 2027 fellowship period. The programme is designed to support emerging and current women political leaders who have the potential to influence decision-making, peacebuilding, democratic transitions, negotiations, reconciliation and other processes affecting their countries of origin or host communities.

The fellowship will bring together 20 young African women political leaders, including displaced Africans living in the diaspora. Applicants must be between 18 and 40 years old and should demonstrate leadership or active engagement in areas such as leading a campaign or women’s group, participating in an existing consortium or collective focused on alliance building, engaging in negotiations across conflict settings, or holding political office. Candidates should also demonstrate leadership in one or more areas reflected in the Africa Young Women Beijing +25 Manifesto demands and align with Nalafem’s values of solidarity, social justice, dignity, equity and decolonial feminist Pan-Africanism.

The I AM NALA Fellowship will provide participants with capacity building, technical support, mentorship, solidarity, access to networks and potential resourcing opportunities. Fellows will take part in online sessions held every two months, including training sessions and masterclasses that will provide opportunities to engage with mentors, experienced political leaders and experts from a range of institutions and organisations. The programme may also include opportunities for in-person engagements.

A key requirement of the fellowship is that applicants must have experienced displacement. The programme specifically welcomes young African women who are refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), stateless or displaced due to political or climate-related crises and insecurity. Applications from individuals who do not fall within one of these displacement categories will not be considered.

The deadline to apply for the I AM NALA Fellowship 2027 is 31 October 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, with notifications expected by 6 November 2026. Eligible young African women who meet the requirements and are interested in strengthening their leadership and contributing to political, peacebuilding and decision-making processes are encouraged to apply.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity