FAQs
Will I get a degree after completion of the fellowship ?
Participants will be awarded a certificate of participation after successfully completing the 10-month programme. Fellows will not be awarded degrees or any form of academic credential after completion of the fellowship.
Do I need special academic qualifications to qualify for the fellowship ?
No. We do not consider academic qualifications in the application and selection process. We are interested in your role and implementation responsibilities in the public sector. You should be either leading or supervising implementation of impactful projects in the public sector.
What projects should candidates submit during the application process?
Eligible implementation projects should be related to solving an identified challenge in the public sector. It should be an approved project an applicant is currently leading/supervising that will last the duration of the fellowship program. This does not include proposed projects that are yet to be approved or scheduled within the applicant’s ministry.
Do I have to quit my job to participate in the fellowship?
No, fellows continue to work full time in their public sector roles. The programme is designed to be practical and fellows must apply learnings and skills gained in their jobs.
How much does the fellowship cost ?
The programme is fully sponsored by the African Leadership University (ALU). Selected fellows do not have to pay any tuition or participation fees to enrol into the fellowship program.
Will fellows cater for the cost of in-person travel and accommodation?
The full sponsorship for admitted fellows includes travel and accommodation expenses during in-person sessions. ALU will make air travel arrangements for fellows who are not residents in the city in which the in-person sessions will take place.
How many in person sessions will there be and how many days will they last ?
There are three in-person sessions during the duration of the 10 month fellowship, roughly one every three to three and a half months. Each in-person session will last between 4-5 business days.
How will online learning be done ?
(a) Self-paced learning on our online learning platform. Content will be available on the platform and fellows can access it on their laptops or smartphones.
(b) Interactive online forums with their facilitators. This will be live discussions with the module facilitators and peers. Facilitators will use this opportunity to discuss the learning content and questions from fellows. Attendance is mandatory, however sessions recording will be made available on the learning platform for reference.
How many hours will be required to study each week during the fellowship ?
The number of hours is dependent on the fellow. The reading content requires 5-8 hours of online self-paced learning each week.
What is the selection process, and how long does it take?
The selection process takes between 3 - 4 weeks. The selection committee reviews submitted applications and invites qualified shortlisted candidates to participate in the pre-program engagement phase. After participation in this phase, successful fellows will receive an admission letter to confirm their participation in the fellowship program.
Does the fellowship provide funding for projects?
No. The fellowship does not include funding for projects.
What support will fellows receive throughout the program?
Fellows receive mentorship, access to expert networks, and resources to support their leadership development and project implementation.
Are there opportunities for collaboration with other fellows?
Yes, the program fosters a collaborative environment where fellows work together, exchange ideas, and collaborate on cross-sector initiatives.
What happens after the fellowship ends?
Fellows become part of an active alumni network and continue to receive support through Phase 3, which includes lifelong learning opportunities and project guidance.
What leadership skills will I develop during the fellowship?
Fellows will develop skills in ethical leadership, product management, digital transformation, and citizen-centered service delivery.
What are the benefits of participating in the fellowship?
The fellowship offers the opportunity to strengthen leadership skills, gain hands-on experience with real-world projects, access to a vast network of professionals, and improve public service outcomes.
How is the fellowship aligned with digital transformation?
The fellowship focuses on equipping leaders with the knowledge and skills to leverage digital technologies to improve public services and drive innovation.
What kind of impact is expected from fellows after completing the fellowship?
Fellows are expected to implement projects that significantly improve service delivery, citizen satisfaction, and overall efficiency within their respective public sectors.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship spans 8 months, though this may adjust based on program updates. It includes a blend of in-person and online components, followed by a lifelong commitment as part of Phase 3.
Can non- African public sector leaders apply?
Only public sector leaders currently working within African public sector organizations are eligible to apply for the fellowship, and they must also be nominated by their organization's leadership. Unfortunately, non-African public sector leaders are not eligible for this fellowship. Eligibility may vary slightly depending on specific regional criteria, but it is exclusively open to those serving in African public sector roles.
Is there a cap on the number of fellows selected each year?
Yes, the fellowship has a limited number of spots each year to ensure a focused and personalized experience for all participants.
Can I reapply if I’m not selected?
Yes, candidates who are not selected are encouraged to reapply in future years, provided they receive a new nomination from their organization's leadership.