The African Leadership Academy (ALA) is a two-year residential pre-university diploma program based in Johannesburg, South Africa, dedicated to identifying and developing the next generation of African leaders. Since 2008, ALA has enrolled 1,865 students from 47 African countries, selected from over 43,000 applicants — a 4% acceptance rate.
Program focus: Students are challenged academically and through real-world leadership experience. The curriculum covers entrepreneurship, ethics, African studies, and leadership development, alongside a rigorous academic program. Graduates have gone on to enroll at 342 universities in 59 countries and collectively received $270 million in university scholarships.
Who ALA is looking for:
ALA seeks students who demonstrate:
- Intellectual readiness — academic achievement and genuine curiosity
- Courage and perseverance — initiative and resilience in the face of challenges
- Ownership — ambition and commitment to positive change in Africa
- Interdependence — excitement to learn alongside peers from across the continent
Financial aid: 95% of students receive financial assistance. ALA generates $3 in university scholarships for every $1 spent on student financial aid.
Alumni impact: ALA alumni have started 852 ventures creating 1,641 jobs, with alumni elected to national legislatures, recognized as international advocates, and accepted to institutions including Stanford (Knight-Hennessy Scholars).
Applications for the Class of 2027 are open at africanleadershipacademy.org.