AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat 2026 in Gabon (Fully Sponsored)
The AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat 2026 will select 40 young African women leaders for a fully sponsored programme in Libreville, Gabon. The retreat will take place in December 2026 and cover registration, travel, and accommodation. Applications close on 03 August 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat
Opportunity Type: Intergenerational leadership retreat
Host Organization: African Women Leaders Network
Country: Gabon
Location: Libreville
Programme Period: December 2026
Available Places: 40
Funding: Fully sponsored
Deadline: 03 August 2026
About the AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat 2026
The African Women Leaders Network is jointly supported by the African Union and the United Nations. Its Intergenerational Retreat brings emerging and established African women leaders together for skills development, networking, mentorship, and collective action.
The retreat connects young participants with experienced women involved in shaping Africa’s future. It also supports women’s leadership in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
Programme Focus
The retreat provides a space for cross-generational dialogue, mentorship, and leadership development. Participants will exchange knowledge and build professional connections across countries, sectors, and generations.
Applicants should contribute within at least one of AWLN’s six pillars:
• Peace and Security
• Governance and Political Participation
• Financial Inclusion, Economic Development, Natural Resources and Mining
• Agriculture, Rural Economy and Land
• Social Mobilisation
• Youth and Emerging Leaders
Also read: WIC Global Youth Leadership Program 2026
Benefits and Financial Coverage
The 40 selected participants will receive full sponsorship for the retreat.
Confirmed coverage and benefits include:
✓ Registration costs
✓ Travel costs
✓ Accommodation
✓ Mentorship from high-level women leaders, including Heads of State, Vice-Presidents, and chief executive officers
✓ Access to a network of women leaders across Africa and the Diaspora
✓ Leadership skills and personal development
✓ The AWLN Leadership Award
✓ Strategic support from AWLN’s network of partners
Eligibility Criteria
Applications are open to young African women leaders living on the continent or in the African Diaspora.
Applicants must:
• Be between 18 and 45 years old
• Demonstrate measurable or recognized impact within their community
• Be an innovator or active contributor within at least one AWLN pillar
• Be willing to contribute to the retreat and its long-term impact
Check: UNITAR Youth and Women Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 (Funded)
Participant Responsibilities
Selected participants are expected to contribute actively throughout the programme.
They should:
• Participate in all sessions, discussions, and collaborative activities
• Share knowledge, experience, and perspectives during intergenerational dialogue
• Build meaningful professional connections
• Encourage collaboration across countries, sectors, and generations
• Promote AWLN’s values, mission, and initiatives
• Apply their learning through initiatives that advance women’s leadership and gender equality
• Remain engaged with the AWLN network after the retreat
• Contribute through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and continued collaboration
Candidates will be considered both for their achievements and their willingness to inspire others and contribute to AWLN’s wider work.
Selection Information
AWLN will select 40 young women leaders for the fully sponsored retreat. The selection will focus on demonstrated community impact, contribution within the AWLN pillars, and willingness to strengthen the network’s collective work.
Only complete applications will be reviewed.
Explore: Leading Scholarship 2026 for One Young World Summit in South Africa
Application Process
Applicants must complete and submit the official online application form.
Before submitting, candidates should ensure that they:
• Provide all requested information
• Explain their community impact clearly
• Identify the relevant AWLN pillar connected to their work
• Complete every required section of the form
• Submit the application by 03 August 2026
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Application Deadline
Applications for the AWLN 8th Intergenerational Retreat must be submitted by 03 August 2026.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
