I AM Fellowship 2027: Call for Applications for Young African Women

Key Summary: The I AM NALA Fellowship 2027 is inviting applications from young African women aged 18–40 who are refugees, internally displaced, stateless, or displaced in the diaspora and are aspiring or current political leaders. The fully supported fellowship runs from January to July 2027, with capacity-building, mentorship, technical support, solidarity, networking and leadership opportunities. Application deadline: 31 October 2026.

I AM NALA Fellowship 2027

Nalafem has opened applications for the I AM NALA Fellowship Programme 2027, a leadership initiative designed to support young African women affected by displacement and insecurity who are playing or seeking to play meaningful roles in political leadership, peacebuilding and decision-making. The fellowship will run from January 2027 to July 2027 and will engage 20 young women political leaders from across Africa, including displaced Africans in the diaspora. The programme is particularly focused on women who have been displaced because of political or climate-related crises and insecurity. Important: Applicants who are not refugees, internally displaced, displaced or stateless will not be considered.

Who Can Apply for the I AM NALA Fellowship?

The fellowship is looking for young African women aged 18–40 who demonstrate leadership and engagement in political, social justice, peacebuilding or advocacy efforts.

Applicants may include

Leaders of a campaign or women’s group

Members of an existing consortium or collective focused on alliance building

Young women involved in cross-conflict negotiations

Young women politicians currently serving in political office

Aspiring or current political leaders working on issues aligned with the Africa Young Women Beijing +25 Manifesto demands. We are looking for political leaders in one or more of the Africa Young Women Beijing +25 Manifesto demands and who embrace Nalafem Values Applicants should also demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Nalafem’s values, including:

Solidarity

Social Justice

Dignity

Equity

Decolonial Feminist Pan-Africanism

What Does the Fellowship Offer?

The I AM NALA Fellowship is designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of displaced and stateless African women who can contribute to political and peacebuilding processes.

Fellows will receive access to

Capacity-building and technical support

Mentorship from experienced leaders and experts

Leadership development

Solidarity and networking opportunities

Access to resources

Training and masterclasses

Opportunities to participate in dialogues with senior leaders and experienced practitioners

Potential in-person engagements

The fellowship will include bi-monthly online sessions, providing fellows with opportunities to learn alongside mentors and experts from a range of institutions and organisations.

Who Is the Fellowship For?

The programme is specifically intended for refugee, internally displaced, displaced and stateless young African women, including displaced Africans living in the diaspora.

The fellowship seeks women who have the potential to contribute to

Political negotiations

Decision-making

Democratic transitions

Reconciliation

Peacebuilding

Political leadership

Advocacy and social justice

Conflict resolution

The programme therefore provides an opportunity for young women whose experiences of displacement have shaped their leadership and who are positioned to contribute to positive change in their countries of origin or host countries.

I AM

Important: Applicants who are not refugees, internally displaced, displaced or stateless will not be considered. Who Can Apply for the I AM NALA Fellowship? The fellowship is looking for young African women aged 18–40 who demonstrate leadership and engagement in political, social justice, peacebuilding or advocacy efforts.

Interested applicants should complete the full I AM NALA Fellowship application form before the deadline.