Open Call: Princeton in Africa Nexus Fellowship Program

Deadline: 26-Oct-2026

The Princeton in Africa Nexus Program expands opportunities for talented young African leaders who are educated and residing on the African continent to participate in the Princeton in Africa fellowship. The program connects emerging professionals with mission-driven organizations across Africa and provides a 12-month fellowship experience supported by PiAf staff, alumni, and peers. For the 2027-28 fellowship cycle, the program includes a targeted Innovation Fellowship track designed to connect exceptional fellows with organizations and investors shaping Africa’s innovation economy. Fellows receive housing, a living stipend, certain visa or work permit support, medical insurance, evacuation insurance, and support for a mid-year retreat. Financial aid is also available for fellows with demonstrated financial need. What Is the Princeton in Africa Nexus Program? The Princeton in Africa Nexus Program expands access to the Princeton in Africa fellowship for talented young African leaders who have been educated and are residing on the African continent. The program provides participants with opportunities to gain professional experience while contributing to mission-driven organizations across Africa. Fellows become part of a diverse professional network that includes nearly 800 Princeton in Africa alumni and a wide range of host organizations working on development and social-impact priorities. What Is the Princeton in Africa Fellowship? The Princeton in Africa fellowship connects talented young professionals with organizations working across the African continent. Fellows are placed in different sectors and locations depending on the available opportunities and organizational needs. The fellowship can provide exposure to different professional environments, including: - Urban and rural locations - Independent and collaborative work environments - Different sectors and organizational settings - Mission-driven organizations with diverse areas of focus This variety allows fellows to gain professional experience while developing relationships with colleagues, host organizations, alumni, and other fellows. What Is New for the 2027-28 Cycle? For the 2027-28 cycle, the program includes a targeted Innovation Fellowship track. This track is intended for exceptional fellows interested in Africa’s growing innovation economy. The Innovation Fellowship aims to connect selected fellows with: - Organizations shaping Africa’s innovation economy - Investors supporting innovation - Mission-driven organizations involved in emerging economic and technological opportunities Applicants interested in this track must complete an additional supplemental questionnaire as part of the application process. How Long Is the Fellowship? All Princeton in Africa fellowships last 12 months. The fellowship year includes structured opportunities for professional development and community building.

Fellows participate in:

- A pre-departure orientation - A mid-year retreat - Professional development activities - Ongoing engagement with PiAf staff, alumni, and peers The program is designed to maintain a strong sense of community even when fellows are placed in different countries, sectors, and work environments. Where Are Fellows Placed? Fellows can be placed in a variety of locations and professional settings across Africa. Placements may range from urban environments to rural communities. Work environments can also vary significantly. Some fellows may work independently, while others may work in highly collaborative teams. This diversity is an important part of the fellowship experience and allows participants to gain exposure to different organizational cultures and community contexts. What Support Do Fellows Receive? Princeton in Africa fellows receive a range of financial, logistical, health, and community support throughout the fellowship year. Housing Fellows receive housing support as part of the fellowship package. Living Stipend Fellows receive a living stipend intended to cover living costs directly related to the fellowship. Stipend packages may vary depending on the fellowship post. Visa or Work Permit Support Certain visas or work permits are covered as part of the fellowship support package. Medical Insurance Fellows receive medical insurance during the fellowship. Medical and Security Evacuation Insurance The fellowship also includes medical and security evacuation insurance to provide additional protection during the placement. Mid-Year Retreat Support Fellows receive support for the mid-year retreat.

This support includes:

- Meals - Housing - Activities - A partial travel allowance The retreat provides fellows with an opportunity to connect with other members of the cohort and strengthen professional relationships. Is Financial Aid Available? Yes. Financial aid is available for fellows with demonstrated financial need. The purpose of this assistance is to help ensure that qualified fellows can participate regardless of their financial situation. The fellowship’s financial support is designed around costs directly related to participation in the fellowship. Applicants should understand that stipend packages may vary depending on the specific fellowship post. Who Is Eligible to Apply? The Princeton in Africa Nexus Program is designed for young African leaders and professionals who meet the program’s educational, professional, language, age, and documentation requirements. Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements. Young Professional or Graduating Undergraduate Applicants must be young professionals or graduating undergraduates who will complete their undergraduate studies by June 2027. Educational Qualification Applicants must hold one of the following degrees: - Bachelor’s degree - Master’s degree - Ph.D. The degree must be from either a 4-year U.S.-accredited university or an African university. English Proficiency Applicants must have full professional proficiency in English.