The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially opened applications for the Kofi Annan Fellowship – Global Health Leadership (Cohort 6). This prestigious fellowship is designed to strengthen Africa’s public health leadership by equipping experienced professionals with advanced skills to lead, influence policy, and transform health systems across the continent.
If you are a seasoned public health professional seeking to make a continent-wide impact, this opportunity offers world-class leadership training, mentorship, and full financial support.
About the Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership
The Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership is a flagship leadership programme of Africa CDC aimed at building a new generation of visionary public health leaders. Since its inception, the fellowship has produced over 84 graduates from 34 African countries, many of whom now occupy senior leadership and cabinet-level positions.
The fellowship focuses on developing leaders who can:
- Strengthen health governance
- Drive cross-border health collaboration
- Influence public health policy
- Lead complex health programmes at national and regional levels
- The Cohort 6 programme begins in June 2026 and welcomes applications from across all African regions.
Priority Areas for Cohort 6
While applications are open to all qualified public health professionals, Africa CDC strongly encourages applications from experts in:
- Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Public Mental Health
- National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs)
- Government ministries and public health agencies
This focus aligns with Africa CDC’s vision for resilient and inclusive health systems across Africa.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Kofi Annan Fellowship 2026, applicants must:
Hold a postgraduate degree in a public health-related field such as:
- Public Health
- One Health
- Medicine
- Health Economics
- Health Policy
- Environmental Health
- Sexual and Reproductive Healthy a
- Be a citizen of an African Union Member State
- Have at least 10 years of professional experience after completing a master’s degree
- Be in full-time employment within the public health sector in Africa
- Demonstrate strong leadership experience or high leadership potential
Provide an employer support letter confirming time release for fellowship activities
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following through the official online portal:
- Employer support letter
- Two professional letters of recommendation
A personal statement (maximum 400 words) covering:
- Leadership experience and achievements
- Vision for public health leadership in Africa
- Commitment to championing public health initiatives
A leadership challenge project proposal (maximum 400 words) including:
- Project title
- Description of the public health challenge
- Proposed strategy and expected outcomes
⚠️ Incomplete or emailed applications will not be considered.
Fellowship Benefits
Africa CDC fully funds the fellowship. Selected fellows will receive:
- Full travel coverage
- Daily subsistence allowances
- Health insurance during residential sessions
- Learning materials and digital tools
- Access to a powerful network of African and global health leaders
This makes the Kofi Annan Fellowship one of the most fully funded public health leadership programmes in Africa.
Selection Process
Selection is carried out by an independent panel of experts from:
- African Union Commission
- Africa CDC
- Global partner institutions
The process ensures fairness, inclusivity, and strong representation of women and under-represented groups.
Important Dates to Remember
Application Deadline: 30 January 2026
Notification of Successful Applicants: 31 April 2026
Programme Start Date: 1 June 2026
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted through the official Africa CDC recruitment portal:
👉 Apply here: https://jobs.au.int/job/Kofi-Annan-Fellow-Global-Health-Leadership-%28Cohort-6%29/2898-en_US
Final Thoughts
The Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership is more than a training programme—it is a platform to shape Africa’s public health future. If you are committed to transformative leadership, policy impact, and sustainable health outcomes across Africa, this fellowship is an opportunity you should not miss.
Apply early and take the next step toward becoming one of Africa’s leading public health champions.
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