AWLN Opens Applications for Fully Funded 8th Intergenerational Retreat in Gabon

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) has officially 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 development programme in Libreville, Gabon.

Jointly supported by the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), the flagship retreat aims to strengthen women’s leadership, foster cross-generational collaboration, and build a powerful network of changemakers working towards Africa’s sustainable development.

Applications are open until 3 August 2026, with 40 outstanding young women leaders set to be selected for the prestigious programme scheduled to take place in December 2026.

AWLN Retreat Strengthens Women’s Leadership Across Africa

The Intergenerational Retreat is one of AWLN’s signature initiatives, designed to connect emerging women leaders with accomplished policymakers, business executives, community leaders, and development practitioners from across Africa and the Diaspora.

The programme supports the broader objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by investing in women who are driving positive social, political, and economic transformation.

Rather than serving as a traditional conference, the retreat functions as an intensive leadership platform where mentorship, dialogue, networking, and practical collaboration equip participants with the skills needed to expand their impact in their respective communities.

By encouraging meaningful engagement between established and emerging leaders, AWLN seeks to cultivate a new generation of women capable of shaping Africa’s future.

Forty Young Women Leaders to Receive Full Sponsorship

Successful applicants will participate in the retreat at no personal cost.

The fully funded package includes:

• Registration fees
• International and local travel
• Accommodation throughout the retreat
• Participation in all official programme activities

The sponsorship ensures that talented women from diverse backgrounds have equal access to leadership development opportunities regardless of financial circumstances.

Who Can Apply?

AWLN is encouraging applications from young African women who have already demonstrated measurable contributions within their communities and who are committed to advancing inclusive development across the continent.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 45 years old
• Be from Africa or the African Diaspora
• Demonstrate recognised or measurable impact within their community
• Be innovators, advocates, entrepreneurs, professionals, or active contributors aligned with one of AWLN’s six thematic pillars

Six Leadership Pillars for Applicants

Applicants should demonstrate experience or active engagement in one of the following focus areas:

• 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

These pillars reflect AWLN’s commitment to promoting women’s leadership across sectors that are critical to Africa’s long-term development and prosperity.

Participants Will Benefit from High-Level Mentorship and Networking

The Intergenerational Retreat offers participants far more than leadership training. Selected women will gain access to influential leaders and institutions that can help accelerate their professional growth and leadership journey.

Programme benefits include:

• Mentorship from prominent African women leaders, including Heads of State, Vice Presidents, Ministers, Chief Executive Officers, and senior policymakers
• Access to AWLN’s extensive network across Africa and the Diaspora
• Leadership development and personal growth opportunities
• Eligibility for the AWLN Leadership Award
• Strategic support from AWLN’s institutional and development partners
• Opportunities for collaboration across countries, sectors, and generations

The retreat is expected to create lasting professional relationships that continue well beyond the programme itself.

Participants Expected to Become Long-Term AWLN Ambassadors

AWLN emphasises that participants are selected not only for their achievements but also for their willingness to contribute to the network after the retreat concludes.

Successful participants will be expected to:

• Engage actively in all retreat sessions and collaborative activities
• Share their knowledge and professional experiences during discussions
• Build lasting partnerships with fellow participants and mentors
• Promote AWLN’s mission and values within their communities and professional networks
• Apply lessons learned by strengthening initiatives that advance women’s leadership and gender equality
• Remain active within the AWLN community through mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge sharing

This ongoing engagement is intended to strengthen the network’s collective impact across Africa and the Diaspora.

Retreat Advances Africa’s Leadership and Gender Equality Agenda

The African Women Leaders Network continues to position itself as a leading platform for advancing women’s leadership on the continent. By creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and policy engagement, the organisation seeks to ensure that more women occupy leadership positions across government, business, civil society, academia, and community development.

The 8th Intergenerational Retreat reinforces this mission by investing in emerging leaders who are already making measurable contributions to their communities while equipping them with the networks and leadership skills needed to scale their impact.

Interested applicants are encouraged to complete and submit their online applications before the 3 August 2026 deadline. Only complete applications will be considered during the selection process.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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