AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat 2026 (Fully-funded)

Overview

The AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat (IGR 8) is a premier event designed to unite generations of African women leaders. Its primary goal is to foster skill development, establish robust networks, and catalyze collective action towards the transformation of the African continent. This year, 40 young women leaders will be chosen for a fully sponsored retreat in Libreville, Gabon, slated for December 2026. IGR is the African Women Leaders Network's signature platform, specifically created to connect emerging young women leaders with established voices instrumental in shaping Africa's future. The retreat aims to reinforce women's leadership in continent-wide transformation, aligning with both the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. Beyond a conventional gathering, IGR functions as a launchpad where mentorship, meaningful dialogue, and cross-generational exchange are translated into tangible leadership capacity and enduring networks spanning various countries, sectors, and generations.

Prizes

Key dates

• Application DeadlineAugust 3, 2026
• Retreat PeriodDecember 2026

Eligibility

The AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat is open to young African women leaders, residing either on the continent or within the Diaspora, who have demonstrated significant impact within their communities. Applicants must be between 18 and 45 years of age and able to show measurable or recognized impact. Additionally, eligible applicants must be innovators or active contributors within one of AWLN’s six pillars: Peace and Security; Governance and Political Participation (GPP); Financial Inclusion, Economic Development, Natural Resources and Mining; Agriculture, Rural Economy and Land; Social Mobilisation; or Youth and Emerging Leaders.

How to enter

1. Submit a complete application through the provided online form.
2. Ensure all required information is accurate and submitted by the deadline of August 3, 2026.

Judging criteria

• Aged 18 to 45 years
• Ability to show measurable or recognized impact within their community
• Innovator or active contributor within one of AWLN’s six pillars (Peace and Security; Governance and Political Participation; Financial Inclusion, Economic Development, Natural Resources and Mining; Agriculture, Rural Economy and Land; Social Mobilisation; Youth and Emerging Leaders)
• Willingness to actively engage in all sessions, discussions, and collaborative activities
• Commitment to sharing knowledge, experiences, and perspectives to enrich intergenerational dialogue
• Capacity to build meaningful connections and foster collaboration across countries, sectors, and generations
• Readiness to act as ambassadors of AWLN by promoting its values, mission, and initiatives
• Intention to translate learning into action by implementing or strengthening initiatives that advance women’s leadership and gender equality after the Retreat
• Commitment to contributing to the AWLN network beyond the event through continued engagement, mentorship, knowledge sharing, and collaboration

Resources

• Application Form
• Official AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat Information