Igniting African Potential

Shaping Africa's Future

Lead Boldly with RLC EA

Nurturing Future Leaders

Cohort	Application Start Date	Application Close Date	Cohort Start Date	Cohort End Date	Mode
DTS Cohort 2	10-Feb-25	28-Feb-25	14-April-25	9-May-25	Residential
Cohort 61	24-Mar-25	11-Apr-25	2-Jun-25	4-Jul-25	Blended
Cohort 62	24-Mar-25	11-Apr-25	21-Jul-25	15-Aug-25	Virtual
DOW Cohort	23-Jun-25	11-Jul-25	1-Sep-25	3-Oct-25	Blended
DTA Cohort 3	11-Aug-25	29-Aug-25	27-Oct-25	21-Nov-25	Residential
Cohort 63	3-Nov-25	21-Nov-25	26-Jan-26	20-Feb-26	Residential

What is Regional Leadership Center East Africa

The Regional Leadership Center East Africa (RLC EA) at Kenyatta University in Nairobi is a legacy of the Young African Leaders Initiative Regional Leadership Center East Africa (RLC EA), which was managed under a public-private partnership with Kenyatta University as the implementing partner. The American people and other private partners provided financial support for RLC EA. The RLC EA’s mission is to build a generation of diverse, professional, and innovative young African leaders who are ethical and skilled in managing private businesses, civic organizations, and public resources. The RLC EA serves as a regional hub for programs focused on young leaders in East and Central Africa, organizing leadership programs, projects, and activities. The RLC EA serves youth aged 18-35 from fourteen countries (Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda).

Location

The Regional Leadership Center East Africa, is located at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Center is overseen by Kenyatta University and is supported by a growing number of African and international partners.

Served Countries

Serves 14 countries in East and Central Africa:

1. Burundi	8. Rwanda
2. Uganda	9. Tanzania
3. Kenya	10. Somalia
4. Djibouti	11. South Sudan
5. Eritrea	12. Sudan
6. Ethiopia	13. Republic of Congo
7. Democratic Republic of Congo	14. Central African Republic

Training

Selected participants will engage in leadership training across three tracks of study:

Business and Entrepreneurship
Civic Leadership
Public Management

This is done in a 4-week residential format with a focus on individual and team leadership skills, innovation, creative learning, and communication. The program's emphasis is on interactive and experiential learning which fosters each participant's ability to contribute both individually and in teams.

RESIDENTIAL AND ONLINE LEARNING

At RLC EA, we offer a range of dynamic learning experiences designed to equip young African leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to drive change in their communities. Our programs are delivered in three distinct formats—blended, virtual, and residential—each tailored to meet the diverse needs of our participants.

Blended Cohorts:Combining the best of both worlds, our blended cohorts offer a mix of online and in-person learning. Participants benefit from the flexibility of virtual sessions, coupled with the enriching, face-to-face interactions during the residential phase. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of course content while fostering strong networks among peers.
Virtual Cohorts:Our fully online cohorts provide an accessible and flexible option for participants who may not be able to attend in person. These cohorts are designed to deliver high-quality, interactive learning experiences that can be accessed from anywhere in the world, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to leadership development.
Residential Cohorts:For those who thrive in a collaborative, in-person environment, our residential cohorts offer an immersive learning experience. Participants live and learn together, engaging in hands-on activities, discussions, and networking opportunities that help to solidify the concepts learned and build lasting connections..

Regardless of the format, all our cohorts share a common goal: to nurture a new generation of African leaders who are well-prepared to tackle the continent's most pressing challenges. Join us at RLC EA, and be part of a transformative journey that will shape your future and the future of Africa.

Download Information Brochure(PDF)

Who should Apply?

Competition for the Regional Leadership Center East Africa is merit-based and open to young East African leaders who meet the following criteria:

Are 18 to 35 years of age at the time of application submission,
Are citizens and residents of one of the following countries: Burundi, Central African Republic. Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda,
Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.
Are eligible to receive any necessary visa to Kenya, and
Are proficient in reading, writing, listening and speaking English.

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SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

Selection for participation in the Regional Leadership Center East Africa will be conducted as a merit-based, open competition. All eligible applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. Chosen semi-finalists will then be interviewed before a final selection is made and an invitation to join the program is issue.

Selection Process and Criteria

Selection panels will use the following criteria to evaluate applications:

A demonstrated leadership in public service, business and entrepreneurship, or civic engagement.
Active engagement in public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.
The ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and respect the opinions of others.
Strong social and communication skills.
An energetic, positive attitude.
A demonstrated knowledge, interest, and professional experience in the sector/track selected, and
A commitment to apply leadership skills and training to benefit your country and/or community after the program.

The Regional Leadership Center East Africa, is located at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya. The Center is overseen by Kenyatta University and is supported by a growing number of African and international partners.

P.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

+254 020 870 4290

info@rlceastafrica.org

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