The Adinkra Fellowship has officially opened applications for its inaugural 2026 cohort, inviting young Black leaders from across Africa and the diaspora to apply for a transformative leadership experience. 

Applications will be accepted from May 3 to July 3, 2025, through www.adinkrafellowship.com.

The announcement was made in a statement on Monday by Armande Bahi, president of the organising committee of the Adinkra Fellowship.

The fellowship, which targets emerging leaders aged 40 and under, aims to foster a network of changemakers committed to leadership, collaboration, and impact. Twenty fellows will be selected—ten from the African continent and ten from the global African diaspora.

“The Adinkra Fellowship is proud to announce the official opening of applications for its inaugural 2026 cohort. This groundbreaking leadership initiative invites 20 emerging Black leaders under the age of 40 from across Africa and its global diaspora to apply for a transformative fellowship focused on leadership, collaboration, and impact,” the statement read.

“Designed for individuals with bold vision and a commitment to community transformation, the Adinkra Fellowship bridges continents and cultures to cultivate a new generation of globally minded changemakers,” it added.

The programme will feature two immersive, week-long experiences in countries either in Africa or with a strong African diaspora presence. 

Fellows will participate in mentorship programmes, high-level meetups with prominent figures, visits to cultural landmarks and innovative organisations, skill-building workshops, and group projects focused on pressing global challenges within Black communities.

“Applicants must be aged 40 or under and must demonstrate a strong track record of leadership, community engagement, and a clear commitment to positive impact. The Fellowship is open to citizens of any of the 54 African nations and members of the global African diaspora. Eligible individuals may come from fields such as business, civil society, public service, culture, technology, and innovation,” the statement noted.

Speaking on the initiative, Richard Seshie, co-founder of the Adinkra Fellowship, described the opening of applications as a “call to visionaries.”

“The Adinkra Fellowship isn’t just a program—it’s a movement to build bridges, spark innovation, ignite imagination, and amplify the global dialogue of Black excellence,” Mr Seshie said.

The selection process will be overseen by a distinguished jury composed mainly of journalists and media executives. In addition to the fellowship awards, special honours will be presented for Career Achievement, Outstanding Black Leadership, and Global Patronage.

“A distinguished jury, composed predominantly of journalists and media executives, will oversee the selection process. Special honors for Career Achievement, Outstanding Black Leadership, and Global Patrons will also be celebrated, spotlighting those who pave the way,” the statement added.