IGAD Leadership Academy (ILA) Leadership Training Programme 2025

If you are a young leader aged between 18 and 35 from Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, or Uganda, the IGAD Leadership Academy (ILA) invites you to apply for its Leadership Development Training. Supported by the Government of Japan, this intensive program aims to cultivate visionary, ethical, and gender-responsive leaders equipped to address the region's unique challenges. The training will be conducted in three cohorts throughout 2025 at the Kenya School of Government's Mombasa campus. Details in this article.

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Programme Summar

• Location: Mombasa, Kenya

• Host Institution: Kenya School of Government (KSG)

• Target Group: Young leaders (18-35 years) from IGAD Member States

• Fields of Study: Leadership, Governance, Peacebuilding, Technology, Gender-Responsive Leadership.

• Funding Type: Fully funded (includes training, accommodation, and meals)

• Application Deadline: 5th April 2025

• Start Date: To be confirmed

• Eligible To: Young leaders from IGAD Member States

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Training Overview

The ILA Leadership Development Training is designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, values, and strategic insights needed to tackle governance challenges and drive transformation in the IGAD region. The curriculum integrates African leadership philosophies with global best practices, covering areas such as good governance, peacebuilding, technology, and gender-responsive leadership. Participants will learn from leadership experts, policymakers, and mentors, and will join a network of future regional leaders and change-makers.

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Funding and Benefits

1. Comprehensive Coverage: All training-related expenses, including accommodation and meals, are fully funded.

2. Skill Development: Gain leadership skills rooted in African philosophies and global best practices.

3. Networking: Connect with top leadership experts, policymakers, and a network of changemakers.

4. Alumni Network: Join the ILA Alumni Network for continued peer learning and collaboration.

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Eligibility Criteria

1. Age: 18-35 years

2. Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in governance, leadership, or related fields

3. Language Proficiency: English proficiency is required, as the training will be conducted in English

4. Leadership Commitment: Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, regional cooperation, and development

5. Community Engagement: Proven track record of making a positive impact in your community or country

6. Travel Willingness: Ability to travel to Kenya for the training period

7. Availability: Commitment to engage in ILA activities throughout the year and beyond

8. Alumni Engagement: Willingness to actively participate in the ILA Alumni Network

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Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• Detailed CV: Maximum of three pages

• Motivation Letter: Maximum of two pages (1,000 words), addressing:

- Your motivation for applying and how the program aligns with your leadership goals.

- Past leadership roles or initiatives and their impact.

- A leadership-related challenge you aim to address in your country or the IGAD region.

- Your plan to apply the knowledge gained to address the identified challenge.

• Recommendation Letters:Two letters from professional and/or academic referees

Submit your application via email to [ILA@igad.int] with the subject line “ILA 2025 TRAINING.” The application deadline is 5th April 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for virtual interviews.

ℹ️ For more information, contact (ILA@igad.int) or visit the IGAD Leadership Academy website.

📂 Download the Official call for applications PDF here

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