Apply for the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) Young Leaders Program 2027 - the Jeunes Leaders / Young Leaders Training Programme of FES Cameroon for young women and men engaged in civil society, trade unions, and political parties. Applications close 10 December 2026 at 18:00 (Cameroon time).
For the 2027 edition, 25 young leaders will join eight two-day training sessions (Thursday - Friday), held at the end of each month from March to December 2027, in person in Yaoundé or online via Zoom. Themes include political leadership, strategic communication, democratic values, and operational management tools - grounded in social-democratic values of freedom, justice, and solidarity.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official FES Cameroon call. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - FES Young Leaders Program 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | FES Young Leaders Training Programme - Edition 2027 (Jeunes Leaders) |
| Organiser | Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) Cameroon |
| Host Landmark | Reunification Monument / Yaoundé, Cameroon 🇨🇲 |
| Cohort size | 25 young women and men |
| Format | 8 × two-day sessions (Thu - Fri), March - December 2027; in person or Zoom |
| Who | Residents of Cameroon, aged 18 - 35, active in civic/political life |
| Applications open | 3 November 2026 |
| Deadline | 10 December 2026, 18:00 (Cameroon / WAT) |
| Interviews | January - February 2027 (Yaoundé offices or Zoom) - shortlisted only |
| Official page | kamerun.fes.de - Jeunes Leaders 2027 |
| Apply | Online application form |
About the Programme
Since 2012, FES has supported young leaders in Yaoundé and, since 2018, has placed particular emphasis on training Cameroonian participants. The programme strengthens political participation among youth in civil society, unions, and parties, and builds skills for democratic engagement and social change.
Programme Objectives
- Develop leadership, communication, management, and decision-making skills
- Promote democratic values, social justice, and active political participation
- Strengthen civic engagement and understanding of governance and human rights
- Encourage youth involvement in addressing societal challenges
- Build networks among emerging leaders from diverse organisational backgrounds
Benefits
- Selection into a national cohort of 25 emerging Cameroonian leaders
- Eight structured two-day training modules across March - December 2027
- Training on political leadership, strategic communication, democratic values, and operational management
- In-person sessions in Yaoundé and/or online participation via Zoom
- Peer network across civil society, trade unions, and political parties
- Pathway interview with FES Cameroon (shortlisted candidates, Jan - Feb 2027)
Eligibility
- Aged 18 - 35 at the time of application
- Reside in Cameroon
- Available for all programme sessions (March - December 2027)
- Hold a university degree or be in the process of obtaining a first degree
- Actively engaged in civil society, political parties, trade unions, or community initiatives
- Demonstrated leadership potential and interest in social and political development
How to Apply
- Read the full call on the official FES Cameroon Young Leaders 2027 page.
- Complete the online application form (FORMULAIRE DE CANDIDATURE / APPLICATION FORM).
- Highlight your civic or political engagement, leadership potential, and availability for all sessions.
- Submit before 10 December 2026 at 18:00 Cameroon time.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted in January 2027 for individual interviews (Yaoundé or Zoom, January - February 2027).
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 3 November 2026 |
| Application deadline | 10 December 2026, 18:00 (WAT) |
| Shortlist contact / interviews | January - February 2027 |
| Training sessions | End of each month, March - December 2027 (8 sessions) |
Official Links
Apply - FES Young Leaders Program 2027 form
Official call - FES Cameroon (Jeunes Leaders 2027)
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Democratic Alliance (DA) Young Leaders Programme 2027 (Fully Funded)
- Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 (Fully-funded)
- Ashinaga Africa Initiative 2027 for Young African Leaders
- East-West Center Advanced Leadership Program 2027 (Funded)
- Browse all Fellowships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the deadline?
10 December 2026 at 18:00 Cameroon time (WAT).
Who can apply?
Cameroon residents aged 18 - 35 who are active in civil society, parties, unions, or community initiatives, with a university degree (or in progress) and availability for all sessions.
How many people are selected?
25 young women and men for the 2027 edition.
Where does the training take place?
Sessions are organised in Yaoundé (in person) and/or online via Zoom.
Will everyone be interviewed?
No - only shortlisted candidates are contacted in January 2027 for interviews.
