As the year 2025 winds toward its close, the month of November offers a unique moment for innovators, changemakers, and aspiring leaders to turn ambition into action. The curated opportunities for the next 31 days span leadership programs, fellowships, awards, and incubators, each designed to accelerate careers, scale solutions, and amplify influence across Africa and the globe. Take your pick and apply.
Global Leadership Challenge (GLC) 2025 [Deadline: November 2]
The Global Leadership Challenge (GLC) invites emerging leaders from across the globe to participate in its 2025 edition. A collaboration between the University of Oxford and the St. Gallen Symposium, the Challenge nurtures young leaders with the wisdom, character, and purpose to advance the common good and tackle complex global issues through collaboration and sustainability-driven innovation.
Eligibility:
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Postgraduate students (Master’s or PhD) or young professionals aged 21–30
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Individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies
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Demonstrated commitment to responsible leadership
Benefits:
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Mentorship from global leaders
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Access to collaborative problem-solving forums
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Networking with like-minded international peers
EcoTech Emerge 2025 Student Challenge [Deadline: November 2]
The EcoTech Emerge 2025 Challenge by AVEVA invites post-secondary students worldwide to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable, net-zero future. Participants compete across four categories: EcoTech AI, EcoTech Edge, EcoTech Viz, and EcoTech Beyond.
Prizes:
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1st Place: £8,000
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2nd Place: £6,000
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3rd Place: £4,000
Benefits:
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Global recognition for innovative sustainability projects
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Networking with industry experts and peers
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Opportunity to advance solutions into real-world applications
Data Science to Advance Women’s Health (DSAWH) Fellowship – 2026 Cohort [Deadline: November 3]
This 9-month fellowship empowers 20 early-career women researchers from Eastern and Southern Africa to advance women’s health through data-driven research. Fellows receive mentorship, skill development, and access to a network of innovators and leaders.
Eligibility:
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Women researchers in early career stages
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Focus on health innovation in Africa
Benefits:
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Comprehensive data science training
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Mentorship and networking opportunities
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Engagement in impactful women’s health projects
Dangote Management Trainee Programme [Deadline: November 3]
An 18-month leadership program designed for talented Nigerian graduates, offering exposure to diverse business functions and industrial operations within Dangote Cement.
Benefits:
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Comprehensive leadership and management training
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Mentorship from senior executives
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Pathway to early transition into leadership or strategic roles
Eligibility:
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Nigerian graduates
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Interest in industrial management and leadership
Anzisha Ventures Building Fellowship [Deadline: November 7]
Supporting young African entrepreneurs aged 15–22 running early-stage ventures. This fully funded two-year fellowship provides mentorship, cloud services, short courses, and monthly stipends, culminating in a pitch for a share of $40,000.
Eligibility:
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Age 15–22
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Leading a revenue-generating venture
Benefits:
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Tailored entrepreneurial support
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Access to mentorship and funding
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Opportunity to scale business impact
UN Women WYDE | Women’s Leadership Initiative [Deadline: November 10]
United Nations Women, funded by the European Union, seeks proposals to strengthen women’s participation in leadership across Africa, particularly among youth, marginalized groups, and women with disabilities.
Funding Priorities:
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Women’s rights and gender equality
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Africa-focused, youth-led initiatives
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Capacity building for smaller organizations
Benefits:
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Funding support
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Collaboration opportunities with women’s movements
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International visibility
Dalai Lama Fellows Program 2026 [Deadline: November 12]
A one-year immersive fellowship for 15–20 changemakers globally committed to compassion, mindfulness, and social innovation.
Eligibility:
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Aged 20–36
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Fluent in English
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Leading or planning a sustainable social change project
Benefits:
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Ethical leadership training
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Collaborative problem-solving
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Participation in a 5-day Contemplative Leadership Assembly
DW Bilingual Journalism Traineeship 2027–2028 [Deadline: November 17]
An 18-month paid traineeship for aspiring journalists interested in multimedia storytelling, AI-driven journalism, and digital reporting. Trainees work across DW Akademie’s editorial teams in Bonn, Berlin, and international bureaus.
Eligibility:
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Background in journalism or relevant fields
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Good command of German
Benefits:
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Hands-on journalism experience
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Mentorship from industry leaders
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Exposure to global media operations
UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and Girls – 2025 Call for Proposals [Deadline: November 19]
The United Nations Trust Fund seeks CSOs for four-year grants up to $800,000 to support frontline initiatives ending violence against women and girls, with a focus on marginalized communities.
Priority Areas:
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Access to safe services
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Prevention of violence through behavioral change
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Strengthening laws and policies
Benefits:
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Substantial funding support
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Long-term capacity building
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Global recognition
