The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), jointly supported by the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), today opened applications for the 8th Intergenerational Retreat (IGR 8), a flagship gathering that brings together generations of African women leaders to build skills, forge networks, and drive collective action for the continent's transformation.

40 young women leaders will be selected for a fully sponsored retreat in Libreville, Gabon this December, bringing together emerging and established leaders from across the continent and the Diaspora.

 

Application Deadline: 03 August 2026

 

Why the Retreat

 

The Intergenerational Retreat is AWLN's signature platform for connecting young women leaders with the seasoned voices shaping Africa's future. It exists to strengthen women's leadership in transforming the continent, in line with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.

More than a convening, IGR is designed as a launchpad: a space where mentorship, dialogue, and cross-generational exchange translate into real leadership capacity and lasting networks across countries, sectors, and generations.

 

Who Should Apply

 

AWLN is calling for applications from young African women leaders, from the continent or the Diaspora, who have demonstrated impact in their communities.

 

Eligible applicants are:

 

• Aged 18 to 45 years

• Able to show measurable or recognized impact within their community

• Innovators or active contributors within one of AWLN's six pillars:

  • Peace and Security

  • Governance and Political Participation (GPP)

  • Financial Inclusion, Economic Development, Natural Resources and Mining

  • Agriculture, Rural Economy and Land

  • Social Mobilisation

  • Youth and Emerging Leaders

     

 

What Participants Will Gain

 

Selected candidates will be fully sponsored, with registration, travel, and accommodation covered. Beyond logistics, the Retreat offers:

• Mentorship from high-level women leaders, including Heads of State, Vice-Presidents, and CEOs

• Access to a network of highly accomplished women leaders across Africa and the Diaspora

• Strengthened leadership skills and personal development

• The AWLN Leadership Award

• Strategic support from AWLN's wide network of partners

   

What We Expect from Participants

 

The AWLN Intergenerational Retreat is more than an event, it is a platform for leadership, collaboration, and collective action. Participants are expected to actively contribute to the success and long-term impact of the Retreat by:

• Actively engaging in all sessions, discussions, and collaborative activities

• Sharing their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives to enrich intergenerational dialogue

• Building meaningful connections and fostering collaboration across countries, sectors, and generations

• Acting as ambassadors of AWLN by promoting its values, mission, and initiatives within their communities and professional networks

• Translating learning into action by implementing or strengthening initiatives that advance women's leadership and gender equality after the Retreat

• Contributing to the AWLN network beyond the event through continued engagement, mentorship, knowledge sharing, and collaboration

   

Participants are selected not only for what they have achieved, but also for their willingness to contribute, inspire others, and strengthen the collective impact of the African Women Leaders Network even after the Retreat

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How to Apply

Submit your application online via the form below. Applications must be submitted by 03 August 2026; only complete applications will be reviewed.

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For any questions, inquiries, or additional information, please contact the AWLN Secretariat at awlnetwork@awlnafrica.net.

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Stay Connected 

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