Call for Applications: 2026 Emerging Leaders Program

Theme: “Vision. Action. Impact”

September 7-9, 2026

Yaoundé, Cameroon

About the Emerging Leaders Program

The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation launched the Emerging Leaders Program in 2019 to prepare a new generation of transformational leaders driven by strong moral values and committed to a progressive and democratic Africa. This program identifies highly skilled and motivated Cameroonians under the age of 35 who have demonstrated remarkable leadership and a strong understanding of public policy, along with a dedication to implementing positive change in the country. Each year, twenty (20) highly accomplished individuals are selected to join the Emerging Leaders class.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Emerging Leaders Program, candidates must:Be of Cameroonian nationality and resident in Cameroon.

Be under 35 years of age by September 2026.
Be proficient in both English and French.
Have proven experience in community engagement.
Have experience leading teams.
Have a good understanding of the history and geopolitical complexity of Cameroon.
Have good writing experience.
Ability to speak in public and engage with policymakers is an added advantage.

Why you should apply

Engagement in a 3-day immersion training in policy and public service in Yaoundé, with all associated costs covered by the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation.
Participation in the 2026 Central Africa Think Tank Forum.
One-year affiliation with the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation.

Expectations of the Program

The 20 emerging leaders will be divided into four groups of five to design a community project proposal of their choice that promotes economic freedom, peace and security, social entrepreneurship, good governance, human rights, youth engagement in public service or democratic culture in a region of their choice. These activities will enableyoung leaders to work collaboratively towards a freer, more peaceful, and democratic Cameroon.

Disclaimer: Please, note that the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is unable to extend funding for these projects at this time. However, the Foundation will provide comprehensive technical assistance, strategic mentorship, and advisory support to facilitate the effective implementation of these initiatives if/when needed by Emerging Leaders.Each emerging leader, in collaboration with the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation, will be expected to produce at least a policy brief/op-ed/short article on a topic of their choice, to be published by the Foundation.

Application Procedure

Interested applicants should complete the ONLINE application form no later than June 8th, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Cameroon Time. No paper applications will be accepted. If you have any concerns, please contact us at info@foretiafoundation.org.

You will need the following documents to complete your application:

A copy of your national identity card or passport clearly showing your photo and date of birth.
A professional headshot picture.
A cover letter (300 words maximum) explaining why you should be selected for this program.
A Curriculum Vitae of two pages maximum with two professional references.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Timeline of the 2026 Emerging Leaders Program

Application opens: April 1st, 2026.
Application Deadline: June 8th, 2026.
Application Screening: June 11th– 30th, 2026.
Interviews and Selection of Successful Applicants: July 6th– 10th, 2026.
Notice and official announcement of selected emerging leaders: July 13th, 2026.
Emerging Leaders Program in Yaoundé: September 7th– 9th, 2026.

About the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation

The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology innovation, public health, and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The Foundation works in partnership with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organizations, and development partners to expand resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, improving individual livelihoods.

Contacts

Questions related to the organization of this event can be sent to:

Ms. Muriel Kinkoh, Research Associate, Nkafu Policy Institute – mkinkoh@foretiafoundation.org

Ms. Endurance Vunan, Assistant Operations Manager, Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation – evunan@foretiafoundation.org

Nkafu Policy Institute, P: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / (+237) 654 86 72 54 – info@nkafu.org – info@foretiafoundation.org

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Call for Applications: 2026 Emerging Leaders Program - ONG Denis & Lenora Foretia