Applications close 18 April 2025. Apply Now.
Get Ready to Run
You already possess the potential to lead; we are here to help you ignite that confidence and build the resilience essential for leading with integrity.
Craft Your Authentic
Public Narrative
Define Your Vision & Constituency
Understand the Realities of Public Life
Strengthen Your Ethical Compass
Master Political Strategy & Campaigning
Drive Institutional Change
Prepare for the Transition to Leadership
Natasha Kimani, Futurelect's Regional Director: East Africa
The East Africa Public Leadership Programme works with young aspiring and established political and civics leaders in preparing for their roles in elected political office or as political appointees in public service. Our fellows are individuals with deep political awareness, demonstrate effective leadership in diverse settings, demonstrate initiative, and have strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to public service.
2%
Youth hold only 2% of parliamentary seats, despite making up over 70% of East Africa’s population.
*Westminster Foundation for Democracy
26%
Women occupy just 26% of national legislature seats in East Africa, falling short of the 50% parity goal.
*UN Women
USD450,000
is the average cost for a competitive parliamentary campaign in East Africa.
*Westminster Foundation for Democracy
Learning Pathways and Methods of Learning
The curriculum is divided into thematic seminar weekends, which are the key learning units. The thematic seminar weekends are ordered and taught using the principles of Theory YOU. Each seminar weekend is further broken down into three learning paths, each comprising several modules that are completed over the course of the programme
Transformational
(personal leadership)
Transactional
(skills competency)
Systems
(political and government systems knowledge and understanding)
Duration
Seven months of intensive learning followed by five years of alumni engagement.
Curriculum
Seven mandatory in-residence weekend seminars covering workshops, expert-led sessions, case studies, and collaborative projects.
Objectives
Enhance public purpose understanding, navigate complexities, acquire campaign skills, improve decision-making, and manage transitions into public service.
Who Should Apply
To qualify for the programme, you should be a proven leader in your profession, educational institution, or community, aged 18-45. Candidates should be citizens of the following East Africa Community countries: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
Candidates exploring elected political office or public service careers are encouraged to apply, regardless of educational background. We welcome applicants from all sectors eager to transition into public service leadership roles, regardless of political experience.
Seminar Weekends
It is mandatory to attend all seven in-residence seminars, starting Thursday and ending Sunday. Fellows must commit to attending all seven seminars without interruption. When applying, shortlisted candidates will receive detailed communication on seminar dates and locations before accepting their place in the programme. Travel is required.
Upcoming African Elections 2025
Scheduled elections across the East Africa Community countries, covering presidential, parliamentary, and local levels. This snapshot highlights key democratic events shaping the political landscape on the continent for the remainder of the year.
2025
Burundi: Parliamentary elections - May 2025.
Tanzania: General elections - October 2025.
Cost of the Programme
Upon acceptance into the programme, a non-refundable, once-off enrolment fee will secure your space in the programme. This fee will be communicated to successful applicants who are offered a space in the programme.
Limited financial assistance is available for qualified applicants to create an inclusive learning community that is accessible to all.
Rising to Lead
Futurelect Launches Narratives of Africa's Young Leaders
Futurelect, Africa’s leading public leadership and civic education non-profit and public benefit organisation, is proud to announce the release of its first-ever collection of leadership narratives. This powerful collection brings together personal accounts from Futurelect's East Africa Public Leadership Programme fellows, shedding light on their experiences, challenges, and unwavering commitment to shaping the future of governance and democracy in their countries.
Meet The Team
Natasha Kimani
Regional Director: East Africa
Maseke Rioba
Programmes Officer: East Africa
Elma Ooro
Operations Officer: East Africa
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