As we get closer to the end of 2025, we want to press pause and highlight exactly what the fellowship team has been up to this year.
It has been 12 months of discovering talent, nurturing leadership, and amplifying the voices that are changing the continent. We had a sit down with the head of the Fellowship team, Ms Julia Oduol. Julia, lives in Cape Town, South Africa and leads the program across the continent.
This week’s episode is the first of two episodes where she talks about the program, the impact and the learnings.
Before we start, what are your personal reflections of the Fellowship Program?
Julia: Seeing the Fellowship program in action has been one of the most inspiring parts of my work.
This is not just a job for me, but I see this as an opportunity to walk a journey with 88 incredible leaders across three cohorts who have so much to offer when they are seen and given the right platform to showcase themselves and their impact.
Each year, I get to witness the growth of emerging African leaders with individuals who carry deep resilience and stories, bold ideas, and commitment to transforming their communities through their own growth.
Julia: What stands out most is how quickly fellows step into their power and potential when given the right support, mentorship, and access to opportunities. The ripple effect is felt!
The Fellowship has reaffirmed my belief that Africa’s greatest potential lies in its people, especially those with lived experience who understand the realities, complexities, and opportunities on the ground.
Watching fellows unlock their own leadership journeys, refine their vision, strengthen their leadership, and build solutions that create real impact has been both humbling and energizing. This journey continues to remind me why our work matters: when we invest in leaders who have not been seen, we unlock change that is authentic, sustainable, and deeply rooted in the community and their impact.
What is the Amahoro Fellowship and how long have you been leading it?
Julia: At its core, the Amahoro Fellowship is a comprehensive twelve-month leadership program that targets exceptional leaders with lived experience.
Our aim is to equip them with skills, resources, and support they need to drive change.
It goes beyond just coursework; their learning journey is anchored with a six-month mentorship program and provides critical access to funding to help leaders scale their enterprises.
I have been at the helm for two and half years.
How do we select our leaders?
Julia: Getting into the room is a journey in itself. The process is very competitive and most young leaders desire to be part of this program. The process begins with a recruitment call where applicants undergo an initial screening to ensure they meet the criteria.
Those who advance face two rounds of rigorous interviews before a final round where an independent Selection Committee identifies the changemakers who will join the cohort.
Where do the leaders come from?
Julia: Our leaders are not limited by borders; they hail from all across Africa, representing the diversity and potential of the entire continent.
The Experience: Once selected, the real work begins. Fellows move through a curated learning experience that includes:
- An in-person onboarding intensive session to set the foundation.
- A monthly stipend to cover the cost of electricity and data for the fellowship sessions
- A curriculum that offers a structured 12-month- 4 Cycles hybrid learning experience, combining expert-led sessions, experiential learning, and peer collaboration
- Virtual classes and different regional intensives sessions spread across the months.
- A dedicated six months mentorship program connecting them with experts.
Access to group and 1:1 mental wellness support - Opportunities for funding up to $155k.
Let’s take a pause here. The conversation continues in next week’s edition.
