A cohort-based career and leadership accelerator for young graduates, early-stage professionals, and new marketplace entrants across Africa. Transition confidently into the workforce with speed, clarity, and leadership capacity.
Eligibility
ESELF is designed for African women at the beginning of their professional journey.
University graduates ready to transition into the marketplace with clarity, confidence, and direction.
Young professionals in their first 1–3 years seeking to accelerate their leadership growth and career trajectory.
Women launching businesses or creative ventures who want the structure, mentorship, and community to grow with speed.
Fellowship Portal
Apply, explore the curriculum, and connect with the cohort community — all in one place.
Applications are currently open for our 2026 cohort. Spots are limited — apply early to secure your place.
Our mid-year cohort. Expression of interest is open now — be first to be notified when applications open.
54 fellows graduated from Cohort 5. Read their stories and impact on our Insights page.
Discover your leadership identity, clarify your goals, and build a personal vision. Define who you are and where you are going before the world assigns you a role.
Understand how industries work, how to navigate organisations, and how to build career capital fast. Real-world business literacy for the African marketplace.
Master executive presence, personal branding, public speaking, and digital influence. Learn to present yourself and your ideas with power and precision.
Lead real projects. Navigate team dynamics, decision-making under pressure, and build a portfolio of tangible leadership experience.
Graduation, mentorship matching, cohort celebration, and onboarding into the Economy Shapers alumni community. Your fellowship journey continues beyond the program.
Corporate Finance, Lagos
Tech Entrepreneur, Nairobi
Brand Strategist, Accra
Policy & Governance, Abuja
Creative Director, Dakar
Healthcare Innovation, Enugu
Ready to Step Up?
Applications for Cohort 6 are now open. Spots are limited — don't miss your opportunity to be part of this transformational experience.