The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is the United States government’s signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. The Accra Regional Leadership Centre (RLC) caters to 9 West African countries: Togo, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone. The RLC is hosted by the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). The Center offers an innovative and game-changing leadership training program and develops the skills of young people so that they become the change they want to see in their communities.

The RLC would like to announce that starting October 21st, 2024, applications will be opened for the fully funded 52nd cohort. The YALI Regional Leadership Center West Africa provides young African leaders who meet the above criteria with the necessary skills, tools, and opportunities to serve their organizations, communities, and countries better. Cohort 52 application which is currently open would offer in-person training in leadership for the Public Policy Management, Business and Entrepreneurship, and Civic Leadership track.

Eligibility Criteria:

• You must be between the ages of 18 – 35
• Must be a citizen of Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone or The Gambia
• Proficient in English language
• A young person driving change within your organization, community or country
  With demonstrated leadership capabilities and interest in Public Policy Management, Business and Entrepreneurship, and Civic Leadership

Applications are encouraged from:

• Rural-based and economically disadvantaged young leaders
• Young leaders living with disabilities
• Women
• Other minority groups

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 16th November 2024

 For further inquiries contact us at recruitment-yali@gimpa.edu.gh

Applying for YALI Cohort doesn’t have to be daunting. We have step-by-step guides on starting your application, kindly read the instructions carefully before you start your application.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Know your Training Track

Carefully read through the three (3) training tracks to select the track that suits you.

• Business and Entrepreneurship: This track caters to the range of emerging or aspiring entrepreneurs who expect to take on leadership roles within the private sector or build their own business ventures on the continent.
• Civil Society Management: This track is oriented to those who are or aspire to be civically engaged and serve the public through non-governmental organizations, community based organizations, or volunteerism.
• Public Policy and Management: This track is tailored to those who work or aspire to work in any level of government (including elected positions), regional organizations such as the African Union or the West Africa Community, international organizations such as the United Nations, or other publicly minded organizations or think tanks

2. Create Account

Before you can apply, you need to first register with some basic personal details to create an account. An email will be sent to you with a link, click on the link to activate your account. You can now login with your email and password to begin your application.

3. Complete Application Form

Take some time to fill out the application yourself. The application will ask for general information like your personal details, extracurricular activities, etc. The application will also include some questions on the specific training track you selected that require some thought.

During the application, kindly take note and adhere to the following:

a) Profile Picture

Should be your real passport size picture taken up to your chest, should be clear enough to recognize you. Should have no dark spectacles on unless you have sight impairment.

b) Profile

This section of the application is one of the most crucial. Your response is therefore critical in distinguishing yourself from other candidates. Pay attention to your leadership journey than family, marriage, early education and all others that are not very relevant.

c) Track

You are highly advised not to change your track once you answer the related questions.  Read from the website what all the three tracks entail and choose a track that best fits your initiative. Be certain of your choice of track before responding to the question to confirm your choice of track. You will not have the opportunity to change once you confirm your choice of track.

d) Rural / Urban

• Rural: YALI considers a community as rural if it lacks basic amenities like portable water connected to homes, sparing electricity connection, inadequate schools: schools under trees, dilapidated school buildings, public schools, insufficient classrooms and/or sharing with animals etc., bad road networks without drains/inexistent road networks, improper disposal of waste within the community, inexistent health facility, adherence to primitive practices etc.  If your community has more than three of these areas, you are most likely to be a rural community.
• Urban: A community with a population of over 5,000 without most of the amenities spelt out in the rural communities can be considered an urban area.

How do I input my name into the application?
You should type your name exactly as it appears in your passport or other official government identification documents.

Who is eligible to apply?
Admission is open to young West African leaders aged 18 to 35 who are citizens and residents of specific West African countries, proficient in English, and eligible to receive a visa to Ghana.

Can I submit a paper copy of my application?
No, applications must be submitted through the online application system.

Can persons with special needs apply?
Yes, individuals with special needs are encouraged to apply.

Can I save my application and complete it later?
Yes, you can save progress, return later and resume filling out the form. However, applications must be submitted before it will be considered.

Where is the YALI RLC West Africa located?
The center is located on the GIMPA campus in Accra, Ghana.

If I am selected, what does the program cost?
The program covers expenses such as visa fees, round-trip travel to Accra, accommodation, and meals.

If you have any other questions or need further details, feel free to ask recruitment-yali@gimpa.edu.gh