Emerging Leaders Africa (ELA) Program
Are you stepping into your first leadership role and ready to move from managing tasks to leading people with confidence?
Emerging Leaders Africa (ELA) Program is designed just for you
- Cohort based
- Virtual program
- Networking with peers across Africa
- Globally recognised certificate
Why Emerging Leaders Africa (ELA) Program?
As a new manager or founder, the shift from doing the work yourself to leading others can feel overwhelming. You are expected to motivate teams, manage performance, make sound decisions, and think more strategically, often without having received any formal leadership or management training.
You need the right Competence , Confidence and Connections to become a great leader.
About the Program
Emerging Leaders Africa (ELA) Program is designed to close the gap many women face when stepping into people leadership roles. It equips you with the competence, confidence, and connections needed to lead effectively, make sound decisions, and progress with clarity.
The program:
- Builds essential people leadership capability
- Introduces core strategy and decision-making frameworks
- Strengthens managerial confidence through practical tools to lead teams, manage performance, and navigate the transition from individual contributor to people leader.
Applications for the 2026 cohort opens May 22, 2026
On Completion of This program, You Will Walk Away With:
1.
A personalised leadership and management development plan that supports your transition into management, grounded in self-awareness, people leadership, and core management responsibilities.
2.
Practical people leadership, strategy, and decision-making frameworks to lead teams, manage performance, prioritise work, and make sound decisions in complex and fast-paced environments.
3.
A clear understanding of your leadership style, strengths, and growth areas, with the ability to apply structured frameworks to adapt your approach across different people, situations, and organisational contexts.
4.
Access to a Pan-African peer network of emerging managers and leaders, creating ongoing opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional growth, alongside a globally recognised certificate.
This Program is for You If:
- You are a new or first-time manager, or a startup founder leading a growing team, and want to build strong people leadership and management capability.
- You have not had access to structured leadership or management training and want to develop confidence, clarity, and practical skills to lead effectively.
- You want to strengthen your people leadership, decision making, and strategic capability to navigate the challenges of managing others and growing in your role.
How Is the Program Structured
Weekly Masterclasses
Two-hour live sessions every Saturday led by experienced executives and industry experts.
Real-World Action Projects
Apply leadership strategies in practical scenarios.
Peer Engagement
Weekly peer-to-peer and collaborative activities with fellow participants to deepen learning.
Mentorship
Access to seasoned leaders who provide tailored guidance, perspective, and practical insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Emerging Leaders Africa (ELA) Program curriculum entail?
The Emerging Leaders Africa (ELA) Program is a leadership foundations program featuring weekly masterclasses, applied learning activities, peer engagement, and guided mentoring. It is designed to equip participants with practical people leadership skills, core strategy and decision-making frameworks, and the confidence to lead teams effectively.
Is the program virtual or in-person?
The program is delivered virtually, enabling participation from women leaders across Africa.
What time commitment is required?
Participants should plan to dedicate approximately 3–5 hours per week. This includes a weekly two-hour live masterclass and additional time for practical assignments, peer learning, and reflection activities during the week.
Is the Emerging Leaders Africa (ELA) Program free?
Emerging Leaders Africa (ELA) Program is not free. Program fees and any available early application offers will be communicated during the application period.
What happens after I complete the program?
Upon completion, you will become part of the PAWEN leadership alumni network, gaining access to continued learning opportunities, peer connections, and resources to support your ongoing leadership and career progression.
Do I need prior leadership experience to apply?
Some leadership or people management experience is recommended. However, the program is designed for new and first-time managers and founders who may not have had access to structured leadership training. Applications are reviewed based on readiness and leadership potential.
Are there age restrictions for the program?
No. The program is open to African women of all ages who meet the eligibility and leadership readiness criteria.
Ready to start your board leadership journey?
Applications for the 2026 cohort opens Mar 2, 2026