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NextGen Africa Workforce Fellowship

Lead Locally.
Compete Globally.

A selective fellowship combining a degree from a US-accredited university with mentorship from Africa's most respected leaders.

Start Your Application

NOMINATE A FUTURE FELLOW

What Is the NextGen Africa Workforce Fellowship?

The NextGen Africa Workforce Fellowship is a selective program for ambitious Africans who want to be part of the next generation shaping Africa’s talent and leading the way in the global workforce.

As the continent becomes the engine of global workforce growth, this Fellowship prepares you not just to participate, but to lead, compete globally, and shape the systems of the future.

What You Get:

Bachelor's degree (BBA) with specializations in Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, and Entrepreneurship from a US-accredited university.

Direct learning and structured mentorship from former presidents and global leaders such as Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Dr Joyce Banda, Dr Oby Ezekwesili and others through live sessions, case discussions, and Q&A.

An AI-relevant curriculum designed to accelerate your career.

Flexible tuition starting from as low as $60. This is not a full scholarship, but a selective program with subsidized, flexible tuition.

START YOUR APPLICATION

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Why This Fellowship Exists

Africa has the youngest and fastest-growing population on the planet. In the coming decades, more young people will enter the workforce from Africa than from any other continent. Too many of them are ambitious, capable, and eager to contribute but are entering adulthood without the skills, education, or global exposure they need to compete.

Every year, millions of young Africans finish secondary school but cannot access a university. Fewer than 10% of Africa's population holds a college degree. And as AI continues to reshape industries and redefine the skills employers need, those without the right preparation will be left further behind. The ambition is there, but the preparation gap remains. This Fellowship exists to close it.

Why This Fellowship Exists

Africa has the youngest and fastest-growing population on the planet. In the coming decades, more young people will enter the workforce from Africa than from any other continent. Too many of them are ambitious, capable, and eager to contribute but are entering adulthood without the skills, education, or global exposure they need to compete.

Every year, millions of young Africans finish secondary school but cannot access a university. Fewer than 10% of Africa's population holds a college degree. And as AI continues to reshape industries and redefine the skills employers need, those without the right preparation will be left further behind. The ambition is there, but the preparation gap remains. This Fellowship exists to close it.

Fellowship Financial Structure

The Fellowship provides a 50% tuition reduction scholarship for the first half of the program.

Tuition is localized by country to remain accessible.

Fellowship Award Terms and Conditions

Scholarship and fellowship awards are limited and granted on a selective basis.
Awards are confirmed only upon completion of enrollment and receipt of the first course tuition payment.
Approved awards remain valid for 15 days from the date of approval.
Due to limited availability, awards cannot be held beyond the stated validity period.
If enrollment is not completed within the 15-day validity period, the award will no longer be valid.

Calculate program tuition

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Learn from Leaders Shaping Nations and Markets

A degree gets you the skills. Our mentors give you the perspective. Gain structured access to the people who have led nations, governed global institutions, and built major companies. See exactly how top-level decisions are made so you can step up, lead under pressure, and drive real impact.

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Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

Former Deputy President of South Africa

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Dr. Oby Ezekwesili

Former Vice President of the World Bank and Former Minister of Education, Nigeria

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Ms. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

Former President of Mauritius

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Mr. Chude Jideonwo

Media entrepreneur and storyteller

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Mr. Seun Onigbinde

Civic tech founder and public finance reform advocate

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Ms. Rinu Oduala

Youth civic leader and social impact advocate

Guest Speakers

This list represents examples only. Each cohort engages with a broader network of leaders across business, policy, technology, and civil society.

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Mr. Obinna Ukachukwu

Growth Executive, Sterling Financial Holding Company

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Mr. Precious Ekezie

CEO, Airvend Payment Services

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Ms. Selpha Zennealle Akhamuru

Talent development leader in the BPO industry across Kenya and Nigeria

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Mr. Marcel Awori

Chief of Staff at Twende Sports

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Dr. Lawrence Nderu

Kenyan artificial intelligence researcher, academic leader, and innovation ecosystem builder.

Cohort Dates

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close early once capacity is reached.

Cohort Start	Application Window	Application Deadline
August 1	May - July	July 13

What Makes This Fellowship Different

Join Africa’s Next Generation of Global Leaders

This is a selective community for high-potential Africans ready to shape the workforce of the next decades. Admission is competitive, with a limited number of Fellows chosen each cohort. Being selected signals not just talent, but readiness to lead, influence systems, and compete on a global stage.

Learn Directly from Africa’s Most Respected Leaders

Fellows gain structured access to public figures, senior executives, and industry decision-makers through mentorship and curated sessions. This is hands-on exposure to how leaders think, decide, and execute insights you won’t get in a classroom.

Eligibility criteria

This Fellowship is designed for early-career builders, and focuses on individuals at the start of their leadership trajectory, when skill-building and exposure have the highest long-term return.

If you have a valid high school diploma (or equivalent) and you are in a window where:

Career direction is still flexible

Capability compounds fastest

Leadership identity is forming

Global competitiveness can still be engineered early

Then this opportunity is for you.

This is not about exclusion, it is about intentional design for maximum impact.

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Eligibility criteria

This Fellowship is designed for early-career builders, and focuses on individuals at the start of their leadership trajectory, when skill-building and exposure have the highest long-term return.

If you have a valid high school diploma (or equivalent) and you are in a window where:

Career direction is still flexible

Capability compounds fastest

Leadership identity is forming

Global competitiveness can still be engineered early

Then this opportunity is for you.

This is not about exclusion, it is about intentional design for maximum impact.

APPLY NOW

How the Application Works

Selection is competitive. Early application recommended.

Check
Eligibility

Review the criteria. If you have the drive, we have the platform.

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The Application

Complete your application and submit your details.

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15-Day
Window

Selected Fellows have 15 days to claim their award. Miss the window, lose the spot.

APPLY NOW

Learn Anywhere. Connect Across Africa. Access the World

Your journey is designed to be flexible, connected, and globally relevant. You can start your degree fully online from anywhere, while also accessing physical Nexford learning communities across Africa - spaces where you can study, collaborate, and grow alongside other ambitious learners.

As you progress, you also have the opportunity to expand your journey internationally. Through Nexford’s global pathway programs, Fellows can transfer credits to partner institutions such as Constructor University in Germany or San Francisco Bay University in the United States — giving you the option to complete part of your degree on campus abroad, access new career markets, and unlock global work opportunities.

Across Africa, you can connect at:

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Nigeria

N Learning Community Space, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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Kenya

N Learning Community Center, Westlands, Nairobi + ALX Piano Hub, Nairobi.

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Rwanda

ALX Deco Center Hub.

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Nigeria

N Learning Community Space, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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Kenya

N Learning Community Center, Westlands, Nairobi + ALX Piano Hub, Nairobi.

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Rwanda

ALX Deco Center Hub.

What Happens After Nexford?

Results.

97% of alumni are employed or pursuing further education.

Over 60% enrolled to accelerate their careers—and they did.

Many are landing global jobs, promotions, or even founding businesses.

The ROE (Return on Education) is clear: career growth without the debt and delay of traditional universities.

SEE OUR ALUMNI OUTCOMES REPORT

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Is this a fully funded scholarship?

No.

The NextGen Africa Workforce Fellowship provides a 50% tuition scholarship for the first half of the program, significantly reducing the cost of earning a US-accredited Bachelor of Business Administration through Nexford University.

Fellows are expected to contribute the remaining tuition.

This co-investment model ensures commitment, discipline, and long-term completion.

Is Nexford University accredited?

Yes.

Nexford University is a US-accredited, fully online university recognized by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education.

Graduates earn a US-accredited degree recognized by employers globally.

Is this program online or in-person?

The degree is fully online and designed for working professionals.

Fellowship programming, including mentorship sessions, executive talks, and curated experiences are virtual.

The model is intentionally flexible so Fellows can work and study simultaneously.

How competitive is admission?

Admission is selective.

Applicants are evaluated based on:

Purpose and clarity of impact
Discipline and time management readiness
Demonstrated follow-through
Leadership potential
Risk awareness and mitigation plans

Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.

I am already working full-time. Can I still apply?

Yes - and many strong candidates will be working professionals.

However, you must be able to commit at least 15 hours per week to coursework.

This Fellowship is rigorous.

Time discipline is essential for success.

What happens if I cannot continue the program after starting?

The Fellowship is awarded based on demonstrated commitment.

If a Fellow withdraws:

The scholarship may be revoked
Reapplication is not guaranteed
Cohort placement cannot be deferred indefinitely

We select candidates prepared to complete the journey.

Will I be guaranteed a job after graduation?

No program can guarantee employment.

However:

97% of Nexford graduates are employed or pursuing further education
73% are promoted within 18 months
82% report salary growth

The curriculum is designed for workforce relevance and career acceleration.

Outcomes depend on effort, performance, and initiative.

What makes this different from other scholarships?

Most scholarships focus only on tuition access.

This Fellowship combines:

A US-accredited business degree
Structured mentorship exposure
Executive-level guest sessions
Workforce-aligned curriculum
A selective peer cohort
Visibility pathways for high performers

It is designed as a leadership accelerator, not simply a financial award.

Can I defer my Fellowship if selected?

No.

Scholarship offers are valid for 15 days after approval and confirmed upon enrollment.

This policy ensures fairness and protects the integrity of each cohort.

Who is this Fellowship NOT for?

This program is not for:

Individuals seeking casual enrollment
Applicants unwilling to commit consistent weekly study time
Those looking for a fully sponsored, no-investment pathway
Candidates uninterested in leadership growth

It is for disciplined, future-focused individuals prepared to compete globally.

Does Nexford have physical centres for students to study and collaborate?

While your degree is fully online, you also have access to physical Nexford learning communities across Africa where you can study, connect, and grow alongside other ambitious learners:

Nigeria: N Learning Community Space, Victoria Island, Lagos
Kenya: Kenya community office, Westlands, Nairobi + ALX Piano Hub, Nairobi
Rwanda: ALX Deco Center Hub