The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) has opened applications for its 8th Intergenerational Retreat (IGR 8), inviting young African women leaders from across the continent and the Diaspora to apply for a fully sponsored leadership programme in Libreville, Gabon, this December.
Jointly supported by the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), the flagship retreat aims to strengthen women’s leadership, foster intergenerational mentorship, and build networks that advance Africa’s development agenda.
40 Young Women Leaders to Receive Full Sponsorship
AWLN will select 40 outstanding young women leaders aged 18 to 45 years who have demonstrated measurable impact within their communities.
Successful applicants will receive full sponsorship covering registration, travel, and accommodation, enabling them to participate in one of Africa’s leading leadership development platforms for women.
Building Africa’s Next Generation of Women Leaders
The Intergenerational Retreat serves as AWLN’s premier platform for connecting emerging women leaders with experienced policymakers, business executives, civil society leaders, and influential changemakers from across Africa and the Diaspora.
The programme supports the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by equipping women with the leadership skills, mentorship, and networks needed to drive sustainable development across the continent.
Beyond leadership training, the retreat promotes dialogue, collaboration, innovation, and cross-generational learning that empowers women to lead transformative change in their communities.
Who Can Apply?
AWLN is seeking applications from young African women leaders from Africa and the Diaspora who have demonstrated leadership and community impact.
Applicants should be active in one or more of AWLN’s six thematic pillars:
- Peace and Security
- Governance and Political Participation
- Financial Inclusion, Economic Development, Natural Resources and Mining
- Agriculture, Rural Economy and Land
- Social Mobilisation
- Youth and Emerging Leaders
Benefits of Participating
Participants selected for the 2026 Intergenerational Retreat will benefit from:
- Fully sponsored travel, accommodation, and registration.
- Mentorship from distinguished African women leaders, including Heads of State, Vice Presidents, Ministers, CEOs, and renowned professionals.
- Access to a powerful pan-African network of women leaders and mentors.
- Leadership development and personal growth opportunities.
- Eligibility for the AWLN Leadership Award.
- Continued engagement through AWLN’s extensive network of partners and alumni.
Participants Expected to Drive Change
AWLN says the retreat is more than a leadership conference. Participants are expected to actively contribute to discussions, share experiences, build lasting collaborations, and champion women’s leadership after returning to their communities.
Graduates of the programme are also expected to remain engaged within the AWLN network through mentorship, knowledge sharing, advocacy, and collaborative initiatives that advance gender equality and women’s leadership across Africa.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications online before 3 August 2026. Only complete applications will be considered.
The 8th Intergenerational Retreat offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging women leaders to gain world-class mentorship, expand their professional networks, and contribute to shaping Africa’s future through inclusive leadership.
For more information and application details, visit the official AWLN website or contact the AWLN Secretariat.
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