Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) Young Leaders Programme 2027

Applications are open for the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) Young Leaders Programme 2027, an initiative designed to strengthen the leadership capacity and political participation of young people in Cameroon. The programme targets emerging leaders who are actively involved in civil society, political parties, trade unions and community initiatives.

The initiative promotes the values of social democracy, including freedom, justice and solidarity. Through structured training and opportunities to connect with other young changemakers, participants will develop practical skills for contributing to public life, democratic governance and social development.

For the 2027 edition, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation will select 25 young women and men to participate in eight two day training sessions between March and December 2027. Sessions will take place at the end of each month, from Thursday to Friday, either in person or online through Zoom.

About the FES Young Leaders Programme

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation is a German political foundation that promotes social democracy, democratic participation and social justice through education, dialogue and international cooperation.

In Cameroon, FES has supported young leaders in Yaoundé since 2012. Since 2018, the foundation has placed particular emphasis on developing the leadership abilities of Cameroonian participants.

The Young Leaders Programme provides a platform for emerging leaders from different professional and organisational backgrounds to strengthen their knowledge, exchange experiences and develop the practical abilities needed to contribute to society.

The programme recognises that young people have an important role to play in addressing political, economic and social challenges. It therefore seeks to equip participants with the skills to participate constructively in public discussions, contribute to decision making and promote democratic values within their organisations and communities.

Programme Objectives

The FES Young Leaders Programme 2027 aims to achieve several objectives:

• Develop leadership capacity: Strengthen young people's leadership, communication, management and decision making skills.
• Promote democratic values: Encourage respect for democracy, social justice, freedom and solidarity.
• Increase political participation: Support more active involvement by young people in political and civic processes.
• Strengthen civic engagement: Improve participants' understanding of governance, human rights and their responsibilities as citizens.
• Encourage social problem solving: Motivate young leaders to contribute to solutions for challenges affecting their communities and society.
• Build professional networks: Connect participants from different organisations and backgrounds to encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange.

 Key Themes

The training will cover four main areas.

1. Political Leadership

Participants will explore leadership principles and the responsibilities involved in representing communities, contributing to public affairs and supporting positive social change. The sessions will help emerging leaders understand how to exercise leadership responsibly and engage with political and civic institutions.

2. Strategic Communication

Effective communication is essential for people working in public life and civil society. Participants will develop their ability to communicate ideas, engage different audiences and present their positions clearly.

3. Democratic Values

The programme will examine the principles of democracy, social justice, freedom and solidarity. Participants will strengthen their understanding of democratic participation and the importance of protecting human rights and inclusive governance.

4. Operational Management Tools

Participants will also learn practical management approaches that can support their work in organisations and community initiatives. These skills are intended to improve planning, coordination, management and decision making.

Benefits of the Programme

The FES Young Leaders Programme offers selected participants an opportunity to strengthen their personal and professional development through structured learning and engagement with other emerging leaders.

Expected benefits include:

• Participation in eight specialised training sessions.
• Development of leadership and communication skills.
• Improved understanding of democratic governance and human rights.
• Exposure to social democracy, political participation and social justice principles.
• Practical knowledge of management and decision making.
• Opportunities to exchange experiences with young leaders from different professional and organisational backgrounds.
• Opportunities to build networks that may support future collaboration and civic engagement.

The official announcement does not specify a stipend, salary or cash award. Applicants should therefore regard the opportunity primarily as a leadership training programme rather than a funded scholarship or employment position.

Eligibility Requirements

The programme is open to young women and men who meet the following requirements:

• Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
• Location: Candidates must reside in Cameroon.
• Education: Applicants must hold a university degree or be in the process of obtaining their first university degree.
• Civic or political engagement: Candidates must be actively involved in civil society, political parties, trade unions or community initiatives.
• Leadership potential: Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential and an interest in social and political development.
• Availability: Candidates must be available to participate in all eight programme sessions between March and December 2027.

Selection Process

The application period runs from 3 November to 10 December 2026.

After the application deadline, the organisers will review submissions and identify candidates for the next stage. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Individual interviews are scheduled to take place between January and February 2027. These interviews may be conducted at the FES offices in Yaoundé or online through Zoom.

Applicants should monitor the contact details they provide in their application so they do not miss communication from the foundation.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates should complete the official online application form before the deadline.

Follow these steps:

1. Review the eligibility criteria: Confirm that you meet the age, residence, education and engagement requirements.
2. Assess your availability: Make sure you can attend all eight training sessions scheduled between March and December 2027.
3. Prepare your application information: Be ready to explain your involvement in civil society, political activities, trade unions or community initiatives, as well as your leadership experience and interest in social and political development.
4. Complete the online application form: Access the official FES Young Leaders Programme application form through the foundation's announcement page.
5. Submit before the deadline: Ensure that your application is completed and submitted no later than 10 December 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Applicants should use the official FES website to access the application process and check for any additional instructions provided by the organisers.

Important Dates

• Application period: 3 November to 10 December 2026.
• Application deadline: 10 December 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
• Shortlisted candidates contacted: January 2027.
• Individual interviews: January to February 2027.
• Training programme: March to December 2027.
• Number of training sessions: Eight.
• Number of selected participants: 25.