The Young Leaders Program

A flagship program that connects visionary leaders with influential decision-makers to build sustainable bridges between Africa and France.

vision

Identify

Foster

Strengthen

Identify profiles of excellence with strong leadership and impact potential.

Favoriser les interactions stratégiques entre jeunes leaders et décideurs du secteur public et privé.

Renforcer les partenariats franco-africains à travers des collaborations concrètes et impactantes.

a program to connect Africa, France and the word

The Young Leaders program, the flagship initiative of the French-African Foundation, offers an exceptional platform for networking, training, and mentoring for young African and French talents.
By valuing these talents, the Foundation provides them with exclusive networking opportunities through prestigious events and international collaborations, connecting them with influential leaders and renowned experts.

BECOME A YOUNG LEADER

How to participate in the program?

Key Figures

Network
of Excellence

The Young Leaders network gathers the new generation of African and French leaders
positively engaged in Africa

Alumni 182 with an average age of 34 in 2024

Community +50 African nationalities represented. engaged since 2017

Mentorat +500 high-level engaged since 2017

Présence +40 African countries as well as in the United States, France, and the Middle East.

A Unique Opportunity

the program
Young Leaders

The program offers a unique opportunity for Young Leaders to think and act collectively on tomorrow’s challenges. Over two weeks (one in France and one in an African country), participants engage in:

>Meeting with influential personalities.

>Training sessions led by renowned experts.

> Exchange with public and private decision-makers.

The program is held under the high patronage of the French President and the President of the African host country.

The Young Leaders Cohorts

The New Generation of Committed Leaders

Each initiative of the French-African Foundation is guided by its core mission: to promote ties between France and Africa by highlighting leadership, innovation, and partnership. Each initiative of the French-African Foundation is guided by its core mission: to promote ties between France and Africa by highlighting leadership, innovation, and partnership. To promote ties between France and Africa by highlighting leadership, innovation, and partnership. To promote ties between France and Africa by highlighting leadership, innovation, and partnership.

Malick Diedhiou Senegal

Taking part in the Young Leaders program was a truly defining experience. Through exchanges with high-level decision-makers - including meetings at the Palais de l'Élysée and with business leaders from TotalEnergies - you begin to realize that the paths you once thought out of reach are, in fact, much closer than they seem. What makes the experience truly exceptional, however, is the people: a cohort of remarkably talented, driven individuals, with whom genuine and lasting connections are formed. You come away with a renewed conviction - that these trajectories, once perceived as distant, are in fact within reach. My sincere thanks to the organizers for this inspiring initiative.

Marie-Christine Kameni Cameroon

Being part of the 2025 Young Leaders cohort was a transformative experience. Having evolved between the French and African ecosystems, I have always felt the responsibility to contribute to the development of the African continent by bringing value, at my own level. This programme fits perfectly within this dynamic. It fostered high-level meetings, extremely enriching exchanges, and structuring connections. But beyond that, what I will remember most are the bonds built between Young Leaders who share a common desire to drive change. From these interactions, opportunities for collaboration and innovation naturally emerged, which will have a concrete and lasting impact on the relationship between Africa and France, and I am honored to be part of this remarkable network.

Joëlle Itoua Owona Cameroon

Joining the French-African Foundation Young Leaders program was not just an honor—it was a pivotal step in my journey. At a time when Africa is redefining its place in the global economy, I felt the need to surround myself with leaders who are not only ambitious, but committed to building lasting impact across the continent. Being part of this program meant stepping into a community where vision meets execution—where conversations quickly turn into action. Our very first week together in Paris, as 30 leaders from across Africa and France, was nothing short of transformational. What struck me most was the depth of authenticity, the diversity of perspectives, and the shared drive to solve real challenges. In just a few days, we moved from introductions to collaboration—exchanging ideas, challenging each other, and already identifying concrete opportunities to work together.

Adrien Rebot France

A remarkable week with the #YoungLeaders 2025 cohort of the French-African Foundation. I am honored to have been selected and to be part of this dynamic driven by a vision of an Africa that is moving forward. Incredible meetings with some of the most influential leaders, around a shared ambition. Honest and demanding discussions that push thinking forward. And above all, inspiring and committed laureates, with a real desire to build. A week that confirms that something powerful is emerging.

Aïssa Diaby France

Last December, I had the honor of participating in the first stage of the Young Leaders programme of the French-African Foundation. A week of meetings, exchanges, and inspiration, at the heart of Africa-France relations. From the Élysée Palace to France Médias Monde, and at Université Paris-Saclay discussing the challenges of artificial intelligence, this experience left a deep mark on me. It allowed me to build strong connections with my fellow Young Leaders, to spark new collaborations, and to strengthen my conviction: our generation has a crucial role to play in the transformation of the continent. I am very proud and honored to be part of the 2025 Young Leaders cohort, committed to driving change and reshaping the African narrative. Thank you to the French-African Foundation and all its partners for this profoundly inspiring programme.

2025 EDITION

Applications closed
Thank you to all of those who have applied.

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