Young Nigerians and other aspiring changemakers across Africa can apply for the 2027 Obama Foundation Leaders Program, an international leadership development opportunity designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, connections and practical tools needed to create lasting change in their communities.
The programme, organised by the Obama Foundation, is open to applicants from eligible countries across Africa, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the United States. Successful participants will receive leadership training, coaching, networking opportunities and access to a global community of changemakers.
Applications for the 2027 programme are expected to close on December 4, 2026.
Unlike conventional university scholarships, the Obama Foundation Leaders Program focuses on leadership development and community impact rather than academic qualifications. It is designed for individuals who are already working to address challenges in their communities and want to strengthen their ability to create meaningful change.
What Is the Obama Foundation Leaders Program?
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is an initiative that brings together emerging changemakers from different backgrounds to develop their leadership abilities and strengthen their contributions to society.
Launched in Africa in 2018, the programme later expanded to Asia-Pacific in 2019, Europe in 2020 and the United States in 2023.
The initiative draws inspiration from former US President Barack Obama’s approach to leadership, with an emphasis on shared values, inclusion, collaboration and sustainable community development.
Participants take part in group sessions, leadership coaching, discussions with influential thinkers and activities that encourage personal development.
The programme also creates opportunities for participants to learn from people working on different challenges across their regions.
For Nigerians, the Africa programme provides an opportunity to connect with emerging leaders from other African countries, exchange ideas and develop strategies for addressing issues affecting their communities.
Benefits of the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027
Selected applicants will participate in a structured leadership development experience that combines practical training with mentorship and networking.
The programme offers:
1. Leadership training: Participants receive practical tools and training to strengthen their leadership abilities and develop a values-based approach to creating change.
2. Individual leadership coaching: Selected Leaders receive coaching designed to help them identify their strengths, improve their decision-making and advance their community-focused work.
3. Networking opportunities: Participants connect with emerging leaders, professionals and changemakers from across their respective regions.
4. Community groups: The programme provides smaller group sessions where participants can share experiences, discuss challenges and learn from one another.
5. Conversations with thought leaders: Participants engage with influential individuals and experts through organised discussions.
6. Cultural programming: Activities showcase the diversity and experiences of people across participating regions.
7. Access to a global leadership network: After completing the programme, participants become members of the Obama Foundation’s Leadership Network, providing opportunities for continued engagement with other changemakers.
The programme requires an average commitment of 8–12 hours monthly.
Who Can Apply for the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027?
The fellowship is open to individuals who meet the eligibility conditions for their respective regions.
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
1. Residency in an Eligible Region
Candidates must currently reside in an eligible country or territory within the region for which they are applying.
For the Africa programme, all countries and territories on the African continent are eligible.
This means Nigerians currently living in Nigeria can apply under the Africa regional programme, provided they meet the other requirements.
2. Citizenship or Residency Requirements
Applicants must satisfy at least one of the following conditions for their chosen region:
- Be a citizen of an eligible country or territory.
- Be a permanent resident of an eligible country or territory.
- Be a refugee or asylum seeker in an eligible country or territory.
- Have lived in an eligible country or territory for at least five years, regardless of documentation status.
3. Relevant Leadership Experience
Applicants must demonstrate at least three years of relevant experience in the issue area they are working to address.
Their experience should show a commitment to creating positive change, whether through professional work, community initiatives or volunteer activities.
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4. Age Requirement
Candidates must be between 24 and 45 years old during the programme’s specified eligibility period.
5. English Language Proficiency
Applicants must have professional proficiency in spoken and written English to participate effectively in programme activities.
6. Geographic Focus
Candidates must demonstrate that their current and future work focuses on creating positive change in their local communities, eligible countries or territories, or the wider region.
7. Political Campaign Restrictions
Applicants must not be involved in an electoral campaign for political office between February 1 and July 15.
What Makes an Applicant Competitive?
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee selection.
The Obama Foundation also considers the quality of an applicant’s leadership experience, the impact of their work and their willingness to collaborate with others.
Its preferred candidates are individuals who:
- Have a clearly defined issue they are working to address.
- Can explain or measure the impact of their work so far.
- Hold a leadership position in their changemaking activities, either professionally or as volunteers.
- Demonstrate ethical, inclusive and collaborative leadership.
- Are willing to learn from and share experiences with other participants.
The selection process also considers the diversity of applicants’ backgrounds, identities and experiences.
Because the programme has limited spaces, not everyone who meets the eligibility requirements will be selected.
How Long Does the Obama Foundation Leaders Program Last?
The duration depends on the region in which a participant is selected.
The Africa programme lasts six months, while the programmes for the United States, Europe and Asia-Pacific run for eight months.
Throughout the programme, participants take part in weekly activities and sessions, with an average time commitment of 8–12 hours per month.
The activities combine group discussions, individual coaching, leadership development exercises and opportunities to engage with other changemakers.
How to Apply for the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027
Interested applicants should visit the official Obama Foundation website and follow the application instructions for the 2027 Leaders Program.
Applicants should review the eligibility requirements for their region and prepare information that clearly explains their leadership experience, the issue they are addressing and the impact of their work.
The application deadline is December 4, 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date and ensure that all required information is provided.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Obama Foundation Leaders Program
1. Is the Obama Foundation Leaders Program 2027 open to Nigerians?
Yes. Nigerians are eligible to apply through the Africa regional programme. Applicants must currently reside in an eligible African country and satisfy the other eligibility requirements.
2. Is the Obama Foundation Leaders Program fully funded?
The programme listing describes the opportunity as fully sponsored. However, the published details provided do not specify individual allowances, travel coverage, accommodation arrangements or other financial provisions. Applicants should confirm the exact sponsorship terms in the official application information.
3. What is the age limit for the Obama Foundation Leaders Program?
Applicants must be between 24 and 45 years old during the programme’s specified eligibility period.
4. How many years of work experience are required?
Applicants must demonstrate at least three years of relevant experience in the issue area they are working to address. This can include professional or volunteer leadership experience.
5. How long does the Africa programme last?
The Africa regional programme lasts six months, while the programmes in the United States, Europe and Asia-Pacific run for eight months.
6. Do applicants need to be university graduates?
The published eligibility requirements do not specify a university degree as a compulsory condition. The programme places greater emphasis on leadership experience, community impact and the applicant’s commitment to creating positive change.
7. When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the 2027 Obama Foundation Leaders Program is December 4, 2026.
8. What happens after completing the fellowship?
Successful participants become members of the Obama Foundation’s Leadership Network, allowing them to remain connected with other changemakers after completing the programme.