By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma
“Acumen West Africa – a nonprofit venture fund that invests in companies and leaders that are changing the way the world tackles poverty and injustice, is delighted to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 Acumen West Africa Fellowship,‘‘Acumen West Africa has said in a recent statement.
According to Acumen, West Africa stands at a critical juncture, facing socio-political challenges such as conflict, insecurity, corruption, governance issues and the economic repercussions of COVID-19, all of which they said have exacerbated poverty in the region.
‘’The Acumen West Africa Fellowship is a 6 month transformative leadership program designed to equip Fellows with the tools, mindset and resources to fight poverty and injustice within their communities. Upon completion of the fellowship programme, Fellows will have the opportunity to join The Foundry – Acumen Academy’s alumni network -, a vibrant community of like-minded individuals dedicated to sharing ideas, experiences, and resources,’’ the release stated.
Moyin Okubor, the Manager for Acumen Academy in West Africa, emphasized the importance of this fellowship stating, “In the face of unprecedented challenges, it is imperative to cultivate a generation of resilient and innovative leaders committed to driving sustainable change in West Africa. The West Africa Acumen Fellowship provides a platform for these leaders to receive the necessary support and guidance as they navigate complex socio-political and economic landscapes.”
According to the release, the Fellowship is open to exceptional individuals who meet the following criteria; a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience, a demonstrated commitment to solving issues of poverty and injustice and an ability and willingness to contribute and receive support from the Foundry community.
‘’Residency in West Africa and the impact of their work should be focused on West Africa, particularly in the focus countries: of Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the Gambia. The six-month program, comprising seminars, virtual workshops, and immersive sessions, is designed to provide Fellows with a comprehensive understanding of moral leadership, community mobilization, and social change strategies. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in interactive group assignments, networking opportunities, and cohort-based learning experiences. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications by the deadline of December 10, 2023, to be considered for the 2024 cohort of the West Africa Acumen Fellowship. For more information about the program and application details, please visit https://fellowship.acumenacademy.org/west-africa
