COFP Opens Applications for 2026/2027 Peacebuilding Fellowship for African Leaders
The Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace has announced the opening of applications for its 2026/2027 Fellowship Programme, targeting emerging leaders across Africa committed to advancing peace, dialogue, and social change.
The fellowship is a one-year leadership and capacity-building initiative designed to equip young professionals with practical skills in conflict resolution, mediation, and interreligious dialogue. The programme aims to strengthen local and continental efforts to address Africa’s growing social and political challenges.
According to the foundation, the fellowship combines academic training with hands-on community engagement. Selected participants will attend three intensive, week-long training sessions held in Abuja over the course of the programme.
Participants will also receive seed funding to implement community-based peacebuilding projects, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-life contexts before completing the fellowship.
At the end of the programme, fellows will earn professional certificates in key areas such as conflict transformation, mediation, and interreligious dialogue. Graduates will also join the COFP Africa Network of Peacebuilders, a growing platform of professionals working to promote sustainable peace across the continent.
The foundation noted that since its establishment in 2018, the fellowship has trained more than 360 participants from 17 African countries, many of whom are now contributing to peace and development through roles in government, civil society, academia, and international organisations.
The programme is open to a wide range of applicants, including young professionals, academics, civil society actors, faith leaders, and government personnel with a strong interest in peacebuilding and community development.
Participation in the fellowship is free. However, selected candidates will be required to cover their travel expenses to Abuja for the in-person training sessions.
Applications must be completed and submitted online on or before May 10, 2026. Only fully completed applications received by the deadline will be considered.
The fellowship is part of ongoing efforts by the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace to develop a new generation of African leaders capable of promoting dialogue, resolving conflicts, and fostering inclusive development across the continent.
