Kenyan Women Among 23 Selected from 4,000 Applicants in Elevate Africa Fellowship 2026 Cohort
Winnie Rugutt(2nd left,down bar) and Nadia Ahmed ( 2nd right, upper bar) among 23 mid-career professionals selected from over 4,000 applicants for the 2026 Cohort II.
Nairobi ,Kenya, April 3, 2026 — Two Kenyan women are among 23 mid-career professionals selected from over 4,000 applicants for the 2026 Cohort II of the Elevate Africa Fellowship, a leadership programme aimed at strengthening capacity and advancing sustainable development across the continent.
The organisers said more than 700 applicants completed the rigorous selection process, highlighting the rising demand for structured leadership development opportunities in Africa. The final cohort brings together professionals from 18 countries, reflecting a highly competitive and diverse pool of talent.
Founded by Their Majesties, Ogiame Atuwatse III and Olori Atuwatse III, the fellowship targets leaders across key sectors including education, media, governance, business, climate, and social impact. The selected Fellows represent five regions East, West, Southern, North, and the Indian Ocean underscoring Africa’s broad leadership potential.
Speaking on the announcement, Elevate Africa’s Media and Communications Officer, Blessing Collins Igrubia, said the new cohort reinforces the organisation’s commitment to nurturing leaders focused on delivering tangible impact.
“Cohort II represents a continuation of our commitment to identifying and supporting leaders who are not only excelling in their respective fields but are also dedicated to contributing meaningfully to Africa’s development in practical and measurable ways,” she said.
The 10-month fellowship will feature intensive learning sessions, mentorship, and collaborative engagements, including partnerships with the African Leadership University, to equip participants with tools to scale their impact.
Beyond the programme, Fellows will join a growing alumni network designed to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and long-term support, as Elevate Africa continues to build a pipeline of leaders shaping policy, business, and social outcomes across the continent.
