Kofi Annan Fellowship 2026: Fully-Funded Global Health Leadership for Africans

Apply for the 2026 Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership. Fully-funded for senior African public health professionals. Deadline: Jan 30, 2026.
The Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership (Cohort 6) is a prestigious initiative by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Kofi Annan Foundation. This program is meticulously designed to empower aspirational public health leaders across Africa with the advanced skills required to strategize, manage, and transform public health programs on the continent.
With a focus on achieving Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, the fellowship aims to shape the next generation of decision-makers in health diplomacy and policy.
Fellowship Highlights & Key Dates
- Host Institutions: Africa CDC & Kofi Annan Foundation
- Target Audience: Senior Public Health Professionals in Africa
- Funding Status: Fully-Funded
- Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
- Notification of Selection: April 30, 2026
- Program Start Date: June 1, 2026
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for this elite leadership program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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- Nationality: Must be a citizen of an African Union (AU) Member State.
- Education: Hold a postgraduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in a public health-related field (e.g., Epidemiology, Medicine, One Health, Health Economics, etc.).
- Experience: Have at least 10 years of professional experience in public health after completing their Master’s degree.
- Employment: Must be currently in full-time employment within a public or private health institution in Africa.
- Leadership Potential: Demonstrate a proven track record or clear potential for impactful leadership to improve health outcomes in Africa.
Special Note for Cohort 6: Africa CDC strongly encourages applications from experts in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Public Mental Health, as well as women in senior government positions.
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Fellowship Benefits (Fully-Funded)
The fellowship is comprehensive, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent the continent’s best minds from participating. Benefits include:
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- Full Tuition & Resources: Complete access to all digital and residential learning materials.
- Travel & Logistics: Coverage of all travel costs for residential placements.
- Stipends: Daily allowances provided during residential training sessions.
- Insurance: Medical insurance coverage for the duration of the residential placements.
- Technical Support: Software and digital tools support for online learning modules.
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Application Documents Needed
Applicants must submit their applications via the official Africa CDC portal with the following:
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- Employer Support Letter: A formal letter confirming your employment and guaranteeing time release for the 8-week residential session and other activities.
- Two Recommendation Letters: From professional referees who can speak to your leadership and impact.
- Personal Statement (Max 400 words): Outlining your vision for public health in Africa and your leadership journey.
- Leadership Challenge Project (Max 400 words): A proposal for a specific public health challenge you intend to solve, including strategy and expected outcomes.
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How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Africa CDC Online Portal.
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- Visit the Official Africa CDC Opportunities Page.
- Review the Prospectus (available in English, French, Portuguese, and Arabic).
- Ensure all documents are in PDF format before uploading.
- Submit before the January 30, 2026 deadline.
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