By Elizabeth PUNSU
The French-African Foundation has officially launched its call for applications to the 2025 edition of its flagship ‘Young Leaders Programme’.
This initiative, designed to foster Franco-African collaboration, is set to bring together 30 exceptional young professionals from Africa and France under the theme ‘Lead with Purpose’.
The programme has gained significant traction since its inception in 2019 and will this year enjoy the high patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron and Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina
The Young Leaders Programme seeks to identify and empower individuals aged 28 to 40 who have demonstrated leadership and impact in their respective fields. Applicants must have at least five years of professional experience and proficiency in English, with French considered an asset.
The programme is open to candidates from diverse sectors including arts, sports, entrepreneurship, diplomacy, politics, activism and journalism.
A high-level jury comprising prominent figures from the public and private sectors will select the final cohort. The chosen leaders will participate in a series of workshops in France during June and Madagascar in Fall, networking events and collaborative projects aimed at strengthening ties between France and Africa.
This year’s theme, ‘Lead with Purpose’, reflects the programme’s commitment to fostering leadership that is rooted in responsibility, innovation and unity.
Board Member of the French-African Foundation, Aïssa Ndiaye – an alumna of the programme – in a press release emphasised the importance of this vision.
“The Young Leaders programme embodies a strong belief: today’s leadership must be guided by responsibility and commitment. ‘Lead with Purpose’ is not just a theme – it is a call to unite, innovate and build lasting bridges between France and Africa. Through this edition, we aim to spotlight a generation of change-makers shaping a more inclusive and impactful future,” she highlighted.
According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) French-African Foundation, Nachouat Meghouar, the choice of Madagascar as a symbolic host country underscores the island nation’s growing influence as a hub of innovation, culture and entrepreneurship in Africa.
“Madagascar represents African excellence through its entrepreneurial dynamism, rich culture and unique craftsmanship. As the largest island on the continent and a strategic hub, it is home to talents and success stories that resonate far beyond its borders. Honouring Madagascar means recognising its key role in Africa’s economic and cultural landscape,” Ms. Meghouar said in the press statement.
A growing legacy
Since its launch in 2019, the Young Leaders Programme has built a vibrant network of 182 alumni, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions in their fields. Previous editions of the programme have been held under the patronage of the French President and leaders of Ghana (Nana Akufo-Addo), Senegal (Macky Sall) and Rwanda (Paul Kagame).
In addition to the Young Leaders Programme, the French-African Foundation has expanded its initiatives to include AFRICA Day – the largest youth gathering in France celebrating African excellence. Organised in partnership with Sciences Po since 2024, AFRICA Day will see AXIAN – a pan-African leader in telecommunications, energy and financial inclusion – join as a co-organiser in 2025.
Future
As the French-African Foundation continues to champion Franco-African partnerships, the 2025 Young Leaders Programme promises to be a milestone in its mission to empower the next generation of leaders.
With applications now open till the 30th of March, the Foundation is calling on young professionals from across Africa and France to step forward and seize this opportunity to drive meaningful change.
