FELLOWSHIP OVERVIEW
Fellowship Name: Kofi Annan Fellowship – Global Health Leadership (Cohort 6)
Host Organization: Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
Req ID: 2898
Employment Class: Fellows
Number of Fellows: 25
Programme Start Date: June 1, 2026
Eligible Nationality: African Union Member States
Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
Introduction
The Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership is a flagship leadership development programme established to strengthen public health leadership across Africa. The fellowship equips senior public health professionals with advanced competencies to design, manage, and lead complex public health programmes that support Africa’s new public health order.
Since its launch, the fellowship has produced over 84 graduates from 34 African countries, with current fellows representing 17 nations. Alumni have gone on to influence health governance, lead national and regional institutions, publish influential research, and occupy senior leadership and cabinet-level positions.
The Cohort 6 Fellowship, commencing in June 2026, encourages applications from all regions of Africa, with particular emphasis on professionals specializing in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Public Mental Health, as well as senior staff working within government ministries and National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs).
About Africa CDC
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a specialized technical institution of the African Union established to strengthen Africa’s public health institutions, detect and respond rapidly to disease threats, and promote evidence-based public health decision-making across the continent.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Hold a postgraduate degree in a public health–related field, including but not limited to:
- Public Health, One Health, Human Medicine
- Health Economics, Finance, Health Policy
- Animal Health, Environmental Health
- Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Be a citizen of an African Union Member State
- Have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience after completion of a master’s degree
- Be in full-time employment in public health within a public or private institution in Africa
- Demonstrate a strong record or clear potential for high-impact public health leadership
- Commit to participating fully in all fellowship activities
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents through the online portal:
- Employer support letter confirming time release for fellowship activities
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Personal statement (maximum 400 words) addressing:
- Leadership experience and professional achievements
- Vision for the future of public health leadership in Africa
- How the applicant will champion public health initiatives
- Leadership challenge project proposal (maximum 400 words) including:
- Project title
- Description of the public health challenge (context, affected population, and relevance)
- Proposed strategy and expected outcomes
Selection is conducted by an independent committee composed of experts from the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, and global partners, ensuring equal opportunity and strong representation of women and under-represented groups.
Fellowship Benefits
Africa CDC covers all fellowship-related costs, including:
- International and local travel
- Daily allowances
- Insurance during residential sessions
- Learning materials
- Required digital tools and platforms
How to Apply
- Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official online application portal
- Applications sent by email or submitted incompletely will not be reviewed
Key Dates
Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
Notification of Successful Applicants: April 31, 2026
Programme Start Date: June 1, 2026
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