Acumen Academy West Africa Fellows Program 2023

West Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies – yet it will require a different type of leadership to ensure that the fruits of this growth are felt by all. It will require leaders grounded in integrity, and relentless in their pursuit of equity and justice. 

Each year, the Acumen Fellowship in West Africa selects ~20 Fellows from across sectors, countries, and backgrounds who are tackling issues of poverty and injustice, and equips them with the practices and community needed to deepen and sustain their impact.

The Fellowship begins with a year-long fully-funded leadership programme, where Fellows remain in their role while taking part in a series of immersive seminars, workshops, and group practice. This is where practical skills meet moral imagination. The programme is designed to equip Fellows with the tools, mindset, and community to tackle poverty and injustice in their communities.

After the first year, Fellows become part of Acumen’s global community of social innovators – committed to lifelong learning, collaboration and accompaniment as they build a world based on dignity.

About

THE FELLOWSHIP IS FOR 1 YEAR

20 individuals driving initiatives focused on fighting poverty and injustice are selected. These Fellows stay in their jobs. They attend 3 Immersive Seminars — lasting up to six
days each — across the region and year. (COSTS COVERED) Between seminars, they complete weekly assignments and attend virtual Workshops — 4-6 hours per week. At the end of Year 1, they become part of a lifelong global community.

Benefits

• ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP- Catalyzing and embracing the process of creating change.

• GOOD SOCIETY READINGS- Learning the foundations of social change while exploring the meaning of a just society.

• POLARITIES MANAGEMENT- Leading when opposing but interdependent valuesare in tension.

• AUTHENTIC VOICE- Honing the capacity to articulate vision, speak across differences, and move others to act.

• SYSTEMS THINKING- Designing solutions for all stakeholders by examining problems through a systems lens.

Eligibility

• ENTREPRENEUR- Founding or leading a for-profit or nonprofit organization thatprovides critical goods or services to the underserved.

• ORGANIZATIONAL BUILDER- Supporting the growth of an organization, institution, or company focused on alleviating poverty or injustice but not as the founder or CEO.

• INTRAPRENEUR- Creating innovative solutions to tackle poverty or injustice from within an existing institution by shifting its culture and building new collaborations.

Selection Process

STAGE 1

1 JUN – 12 JUL

An application form designed to understand why this is the right time for you to become
an Acumen Fellow.

STAGE 2

9 AUG – 23 AUG

An opportunity to dig deeper into the work you do. This is a 3-step application which requires 2 video submissions and answers to short essay questions.

STAGE 3

11 & 12 NOV

An all-day in-person or virtual event for the finalists. The day includes elevator pitches, group activities, and a panel interview.

STAGE 4

BY END DEC

Offer letters signed, and 2022 Cohort finalized.

For more Information: ACUMEN.ORG/FELLOWSHIPS/FAQ/