Scholarship Program for Leadership Development

PAN-AFRICAN LEADERSHIP

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

THE FRAMEWORK

Program Overview

Launched in 2017, the MINDS Scholarship Program develops young African leaders with a pan-African perspective. By supporting postgraduate study outside their home country, the program builds a network of leaders equipped to drive integration, and lasting social progress across Africa.

https://youtu.be/_1CdTQsZO5k?si=HoLFxw4wFiYPwrJ0

MINDS Africa Leadership Development Program 2025 | Cairo, Egypt

THE OPPORTUNITY

A Pan-African Scholarship

The MINDS Scholarship for Leadership Development in Africa supports postgraduate study across the continent, cultivating leaders with a pan-African perspective.

This scholarship promotes:

Academic and geographic mobility within Africa
Exposure to diverse African institutions
Leadership development grounded in Pan-African cooperation

WHO SHOULD APPLY

High-Potential Leaders

The program supports high-potential African students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership ability, and a commitment to Africa’s development.

MINDS scholars share three core qualities:

Leadership

Demonstrated or emerging leadership potential.

Pan-Africanism

Commitment to African unity, and development

Academic Excellence

Strong academic performance.

Choose your discipline

The MINDS Scholarship for Leadership Development in Africa supports postgraduate study across the continent, cultivating leaders with a pan-African perspective while offering scholars the unique opportunity to study any field of interest.

https://youtu.be/kHcwcVVcdbk

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the MINDS Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following criteria.

All disciplines are welcome

Be a national of an African country, residing anywhere on the continent
Have formal acceptance from one or more MINDS-preferred institutions
Be admitted to commence postgraduate studies within the following academic year
Achieve a minimum of 70% in each subject over the last two completed years of study
Provide evidence of leadership experience or potential, guided by the application requirements

Check Your Eligibility

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How it works

Support and Structure

What the Scholarship Covers

The MINDS Scholarship provides comprehensive support, including:

Tuition fees
Accommodation
One return flight ticket for the duration of studies
A fixed living stipend
Medical Cover (where compulsory)

Check Your Eligibility

Scholarship Structure

The MINDS Scholarship provides comprehensive support, including:

Duration: 1–2 years
Focus Areas: Leadership, Governance, Social development
Transition Support

Check Your Eligibility

Meet the Scholars

Discover the diverse community of MINDS scholars driving change across Africa.

VOICES FROM OUR PROGRAM

What our alumni say

C’est grâce à MINDS que j’ai compris comment il me faudra orienter les actions de l’organisation que je venais de créer.

Fatouma Harber

Scholarship program

My engagement with the Mandela Institute of Development Studies (MINDS) has been profoundly influential, transforming my understanding of leadership and my commitment to Africa’s future.

Joseph Quarcoo

Scholarship program

MINDS has empowered me to pursue my studies with purpose and confidence. Their support has deepened my commitment to use health economics to improve equitable healthcare access in Africa.

Tefo Ntsane

Scholarship program

MINDS has deepened my understanding of what Pan-Africanism truly means in practice: unity through collaboration, dialogue, and purpose. It has reinforced my belief that Africa’s greatest strength lies in its people.

Raha Mawazo

Scholarship program

C’est grâce à MINDS que j’ai compris comment il me faudra orienter les actions de l’organisation que je venais de créer.

Fatouma Harber

Scholarship program

My engagement with the Mandela Institute of Development Studies (MINDS) has been profoundly influential, transforming my understanding of leadership and my commitment to Africa’s future.

Joseph Quarcoo

Scholarship program

MINDS has empowered me to pursue my studies with purpose and confidence. Their support has deepened my commitment to use health economics to improve equitable healthcare access in Africa.

Tefo Ntsane

Scholarship program

MINDS has deepened my understanding of what Pan-Africanism truly means in practice: unity through collaboration, dialogue, and purpose. It has reinforced my belief that Africa’s greatest strength lies in its people.

Raha Mawazo

Scholarship program

Scholarship Program for Leadership Development