Deadline: April 3rd, 2020 (midnight, Paris time)
In 2017, the AfricaFrance Foundation, co-chaired by Bruno Mettling and Lionel Zinsou, initiated the first Young Leaders Africa-France program, in partnership with the Agence Française de Développement. This first promotion brought together 20 young leaders selected from 569 files from 43 countries. They were welcomed by economic, political, media and cultural leaders for 5 days in France and 5 days in Ivory Coast and Kenya. Those Young Leaders have the desire to enroll this program in the long term through the creation of a dedicated associative structure, the French-African Foundation.
In the face of economic, social and climatic upheavals, the world must be able to rely on a new generation of individuals who excel in their respective fields.
The African continent must be able to count on a new generation committed, determined, visionary leaders who every day will win victories against prejudice.
The young Franco-African generation retains valuable links, which they can put at the service of this common world.
To support these bridges, this capacity for exceptional innovation and this profusion of useful initiatives for the economic and social development of the continent and the rest of the world, it is essential to dedicate time, means, men and women, ready to advise, support, finance, this succession, country by country, sector by sector.
Every year, a Young Leaders promotion from Africa and France will meet to train, discover and communicate. Every year, this club of high potentials will grow.
Eligibilities:
- Be between 28 and 40 years old as of October 31st, 2020;
- Have French nationality or the nationality of an African country;
- Fluency in English is required. Fluency in French or a demonstrated interest to learn French is highly beneficial and will be an advantage in the application process;
- Demonstrated engagement across public and private sectors, and across geographical borders. The application must also demonstrate applied skills and experiences in any domain (which could include manufacturing and industry, services, public administration, agriculture, health, science, education, tech, culture and art, media, sports and community);
- Demonstrate inclusive leadership, commitment, and a sustained involvement (3 years minimum) that impacts your community, country, or sub region.
- Display of a privileged professional and / or personal and / or associative relationship with France and Africa (at least two out of these three points). This connection should be a lasting link of 3 years minimum.
Benefits /Funding :
- 5 days in Paris, France
- 5 days in Dakar, Senegal
- High-level meetings with leaders from the public and private sector
- Excellent opportunities for mentorship, training and networking.
- Media exposure.
- Flights and accommodation covered by the French-African Young Leaders program.
How to apply/Documents Required:
- A copy of your passport;
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV);
- Submit a video (3 minutes maximum) answering the following three questions:
1. Can you introduce yourself in a few words ?
2. Why do you want to join the French-African Young Leaders program ?
3. How would you describe your link with France and Africa and what is your vision of the African continent and its relations with the world ?
- Optional : two letters of reference maximum from people who know you well, and the contact details of two people that we could reach and who could tell us more about you.
