Apply for the Ashinaga Africa Initiative 2027 for Young African Leaders - a fully funded international leadership programme that supports orphaned graduates from sub-Saharan Africa to study abroad and return home as compassionate changemakers.
The Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) covers tuition, accommodation, travel, and essential fees for university study in Japan, Europe, the USA, and Brazil, plus leadership training in Uganda or Senegal before departure. Applications for the 2027 intake are open online for eligible Francophone and Lusophone candidates.
Quick Facts - Ashinaga Africa Initiative 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) - Young Leaders for Africa |
| Organisation | Ashinaga |
| Region | Sub-Saharan Africa (Francophone & Lusophone applicants) |
| Study destinations | Japan, Europe, USA, Brazil (university placement via Ashinaga) |
| Prep camps | Uganda or Senegal (academic & leadership training before study abroad) |
| Funding | Fully funded - tuition, accommodation, travel, and necessary fees |
| Francophone deadline | 31 August 2026, 12:00 GMT |
| Lusophone deadline | 17 October 2026, 12:00 GMT |
| Application fee | Free - never pay anyone to apply |
| Official apply | Apply to the AAI - Ashinaga |
What Is the Ashinaga Africa Initiative?
Since 2014, the AAI has supported Scholars from 48 of 49 sub-Saharan African countries. Scholars have lost one or both parents and commit to returning to sub-Saharan Africa to drive change, innovation, and development. The programme combines international university education with mentorship, leadership development, internships, and community project planning.
Why Apply?
- Fully funded international university degree (undergraduate-equivalent pathway or master’s track for Francophone graduates)
- Tuition, accommodation, travel costs, and other necessary fees covered by Ashinaga
- Leadership training at prep camps in Uganda or Senegal
- Access to a global network of mentors, alumni, and partner organisations
- Study at world-class universities across Japan, Europe, the USA, and Brazil
- Structured support to design community development projects for home countries
- No application fee
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full tuition at partner universities abroad
- Accommodation and living support during studies
- International travel costs
- Pre-departure academic and personal development training
- Leadership programme, Action Accelerator support, and alumni network access
- Guidance on career planning and returning home to implement community projects
Eligibility - Francophone Track (2027)
- Lost one or both parents (orphan status - official documentation required)
- Citizen of an eligible Francophone country (see list below)
- Bachelor’s degree obtained or completing L3 by June (master’s study in France track)
- Fluent in French
- Strong academic record (e.g. baccalauréat average above 14/20 or 75%+ on state exam; excellent bachelor’s grades)
- Cannot self-fund a master’s degree in France without support
- Can join online Orientation Programme sessions (October - December) with stable internet
- Committed to returning to sub-Saharan Africa after graduation
- Good health and able to study internationally; no dependents that interfere with studies
Eligible Francophone countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Republic of Congo, DRC, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Gabon, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Seychelles, Chad, Togo.
Eligibility - Lusophone Track
Applications remain open for eligible students from Lusophone sub-Saharan African countries. Confirm current country list, language requirements, and deadlines on the official apply page before submitting.
Important: Anglophone Countries
From August 2024, Ashinaga no longer accepts direct online applications from Anglophone countries (including Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, etc.). Selection now runs through partner high schools in each Anglophone country. Francophone and Lusophone applicants continue to apply online.
Required Documents
- Passport-sized photo
- Copy of passport or national ID
- Birth certificate / extract
- Parent death or disappearance certificate (or official alternative proving orphan status)
- Baccalaureate / secondary completion certificate and detailed exam transcript
- University enrolment proof and transcripts to date
- Optional: extracurricular, training, or employment certificates
How to Apply
- Read full requirements: Apply to the AAI - Ashinaga.
- Gather and scan all required documents (PDF or JPG).
- Complete the online registration form (eligibility screening).
- If shortlisted, complete the full application and attend final assessment interviews.
- Submit before your track deadline: 31 August 2026 (Francophone) or 17 October 2026 (Lusophone).
- Need help? Email admissions.fr@ashinaga.org (Francophone) - never pay third parties to apply.
Official Links
Apply to the Ashinaga Africa Initiative
Ashinaga Africa Initiative overview
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FAQs - Ashinaga Africa Initiative 2027
Is it fully funded?
Yes - Ashinaga covers tuition, accommodation, travel, and other necessary university expenses for selected Scholars.
Who can apply?
Orphaned students (lost one or both parents) from eligible Francophone or Lusophone sub-Saharan African countries who meet academic and language requirements and commit to returning home after graduation.
Can Anglophone students apply online?
No - direct online applications from Anglophone countries closed in August 2024. Partner high schools now nominate eligible students.
What are the deadlines?
Francophone: 31 August 2026, 12:00 GMT. Lusophone: 17 October 2026, 12:00 GMT.
Where do Scholars study?
At universities in Japan, Europe, the USA, or Brazil - placement is decided with Ashinaga during the study camp based on academic profile and programme availability.
