Program Vision: Connecting Leaders for Global Impact
The Young Leaders Program is designed to detect, promote, and strengthen the leadership potential of outstanding talents from Africa and France. It aims to:
- Identify exceptional individuals with strong leadership skills and high impact potential.
- Foster connections between Africa, France, and the global community.
- Strengthen relationships through meaningful collaborations, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing.
Through this initiative, participants engage in a unique leadership experience that enables them to build strategic relationships with influential decision-makers, industry leaders, and public figures.
How to Participate: Application Criteria
Each year, the program receives thousands of applications from highly qualified professionals. In 2023, a record-breaking 5,000 applications were submitted from more than 40 African countries and France.
To be eligible for the program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Between 28 and 40 years old.
- Language: Bilingual in English (French is an asset).
- Professional Experience: A minimum of five years of professional experience, demonstrating leadership and impact.
- Vision: A strong commitment to fostering connections between Africa and France.
- Nationality: Must be a national of an African country or France.
Applications must be submitted through the French-African Foundation’s website before the deadline.
Selection Process
Candidates are chosen through a rigorous selection process led by an independent high-level jury composed of distinguished African, French, and international figures. The jury evaluates applicants based on their excellence, leadership qualities, and commitment to making a difference.
The Young Leaders Network: A Community of Excellence
Since its inception, the Young Leaders Program has built a vibrant community of high-achieving professionals. The program’s network includes:
- 182 alumni with an average age of 34 years (as of 2024).
- Over 50 African nationalities represented since 2017.
- More than 500 speakers involved in mentoring and training.
- Presence in 40+ African countries, as well as in France, the U.S., and the Middle East.
A Transformative Leadership Experience
The Young Leaders Program offers participants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop their leadership capabilities, engage with influential decision-makers, and gain access to an exclusive network of changemakers.
Two Exclusive Seminars:
- June 2025 in France
- November 2025 in Madagascar
Throughout these two weeks, Young Leaders will engage in:
- Meetings with prominent personalities in politics, business, and civil society.
- Leadership training sessions conducted by renowned experts.
- Strategic discussions with key decision-makers from public and private sectors.
Each year, the program is held under the patronage of the President of France and the President of the African host country, further emphasizing its prestige and impact.
Testimonials from Past Participants
Ndeye Fatou TOURE (Senegal – France)
“Being recognized as a Young Leader by the French-African Foundation has been an eye-opening experience, catalyzing my creativity and broadening my horizons through enriching exchanges with brilliant minds.”
Amine Dabchy (Morocco – France)
“The Young Leaders Program offered me a unique opportunity to reflect on the new economic dynamics between Africa and Europe. It allowed me to better understand common challenges and contribute to building balanced and forward-looking partnerships.”
Moussa Dabo (Guinea)
“A unique opportunity to truly connect with leaders making a difference and creating opportunities between Africa and France.”
Yanis Arnopoulos (Cameroon)
“Changing the Africa-France relationship requires a new generation of committed leaders. The Young Leaders Program strengthened my mission to rethink models, create opportunities, and build a just and ambitious future.”
