Applications Open: 6 to 31 July 2026

The Rising Leaders
Program

A fully funded, 12-week virtual leadership development program for African women who are ready to step into their purpose and build something that lasts.

Apply Now →

Applications close 31 July 2026  ·  Q4 2026 start

About the Program

Built for the leader
you are becoming

The Rising Leaders Program is a 12-week virtual leadership development experience for African women at the start of their leadership journey. Participation is fully funded, and the program is entirely virtual, designed to fit alongside the other commitments in your life.

We are not looking for polished résumés or formal titles. We are looking for women who are ready to understand who they are, clarify what they are building, and do it in community with others.

This is the first program launched by NovaSage Africa, and it is the foundation everything else grows from.

12 Weeks
Funded Fully funded
Virtual Fully online
Q4 2026 First cohort

"A Rising Leader leaves this program knowing who she is, what she is building, and that she does not have to do it alone."

The Curriculum

12 weeks. Four phases.

Each week includes one live 90-minute group session via Google Meet and peer working time. All materials are shared asynchronously to support your participation.

Phase 1 · Weeks 1–3
Who I Am

Know yourself before you lead anyone else.

The first three weeks are about identity, clarity, and voice. You will examine your values, understand your leadership style, and learn to show up with confidence in the way only you can.

Welcome & Orientation Identity & Values Voice & Presence
Phase 2 · Weeks 4–6
What I Am Building

Turn your vision into something real.

Once you know who you are, you turn outward. These weeks are about where you are going, how you get there, what stands in your way, and how you move through it.

Vision & Direction Systems & Strategy Navigating Barriers
Phase 3 · Weeks 7–9
I Do Not Do This Alone

Leadership is not a solo pursuit.

This phase is about community, mentorship, and collaboration. You will build relationships that outlast the program and learn what it means to both give and receive support well.

Community & Network Mentorship & Reciprocity Collaboration
Phase 4 · Weeks 10–12
What Comes Next

Completion is the beginning of what's next.

The final weeks bring everything together: integration, reflection, and public commitment. The program closes with a graduation ceremony. More details on alumni programming will be shared during the program.

Integration Legacy & Contribution Graduation
Time commitment: One 90-minute live session per week, plus peer working time. The program is built for women managing studies, work, or other commitments. Consistent attendance is expected and is how the community is built.

Eligibility

Who is a Rising Leader?

A Rising Leader is a woman who is early in her professional journey, navigating her first real leadership moments, building her sense of direction, and looking for structure, community, and clarity that her environment hasn't provided.

We welcome applications from women aged 20 and above who are within the first five to seven years of their professional life. We recognise that career timelines across Africa are not uniform, and we are not interested in penalising women for starting later, pivoting, or taking unconventional paths.

  • ✓ You are a woman aged 20 or above, in the first five to seven years of your professional life
  • ✓ You are a citizen and current resident of an African country
  • ✓ You are passionate about leadership and creating positive change in your community
  • ✓ You are committed to actively participating in program activities
  • ✓ You are ready to invest in your personal and professional growth

No experience required.

You do not need formal leadership experience to apply. The Rising Leaders Program is designed for women at the beginning of their journey.

There is also no minimum educational requirement. Educational information is collected for demographic and planning purposes only, and will not affect your eligibility.

What matters is your readiness to grow, your commitment to your community, and your willingness to show up, for yourself and for the cohort you will build this with.

Selection

What we're looking for

Applications are reviewed by an independent selection panel. These are the qualities they will be looking for.

01

Leadership Potential

Evidence of initiative, accountability, and a genuine capacity to grow. Not a record of titles or positions held.

02

Commitment to Community

A demonstrated or clearly articulated commitment to creating positive change in your community.

03

Communication

The ability to express your experiences, ideas, and perspective with clarity, honesty, and authenticity.

04

Vision and Purpose

A clear sense of where you are going, and a genuine reason for wanting to be part of this program.

05

Alignment with Our Values

A commitment to leading with responsibility, building with the future in view, and progressing together.

Application Process

How to apply

The application is online and takes most applicants 45–60 minutes to complete thoughtfully.

Complete the form

Fill in your personal details, educational background, and current occupation. All required fields are marked.

Answer the essay questions

Share your story, your vision, and your motivation across five short essays (250–300 words each). Be honest. Be yourself.

Upload your documents

Attach your CV or resume and one recommendation letter from a teacher, employer, mentor, or community leader.

Submit and await results

Review your application carefully and submit. All applicants will be notified of the outcome after the review period closes.

What the five essays cover: Your background and what drives you to create change · A challenge that disproportionately affects women in your community and what you would contribute · A time you demonstrated leadership, initiative, or creative problem-solving · Why you want to join the Rising Leaders Program and what you hope to contribute · The impact you hope to make in the next two to five years.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

There is no application fee and no cost to participate. Selected participants join as fully funded members of the founding cohort. Places are competitive and the selection process is rigorous, but cost is never a barrier.
No. You do not need formal leadership experience to apply. This program is built for women at the beginning of their professional journey.
The Rising Leaders Program is open to citizens who are currently resident in an African country.
The program runs for 12 weeks. Each week includes one live 90-minute session via Google Meet and peer working time. Both are core components of the program. All materials are available asynchronously to support your participation. Consistent attendance is expected and is how the community is built.
Yes. The program is specifically designed for women who are managing other commitments. Sessions are virtual and materials are shared asynchronously, so you can participate alongside your current studies or work.
The first cohort is scheduled to begin in Q4 2026. Successful applicants will be notified before the start date with full onboarding details and session schedules.
The founding cohort is conducted in English. We are exploring additional language options for future cohorts.
Completing the Rising Leaders Program means joining the NovaSage Africa alumni community, a growing network of women across the continent building together for the long term. More details on alumni programming will be shared during the program.
You will need your CV or resume, and one recommendation letter from a teacher, employer, mentor, or community leader who can speak to your character, potential, and commitment.
Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you.

Applications are open

Ready to step into
your leadership?

The founding cohort is a small, intentional group of African women at the start of their professional journey, building together. If this is you, apply now. Applications close 31 July 2026.

Apply Now →

Questions? [email protected]

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