Deadline: 18 July 2025.
Pan Africa ILGA (PAI) is pleased to invite LGBTIQ+ activists, organisers, and community leaders based in Power of Pride countries to apply for the Pan Africa ILGA Leadership Forum to be held in November 2025. This forum is a unique leadership development programme aimed at strengthening activist leadership across Africa. It will bring together a new and diverse cohort of emerging and established LGBTIQ+ leaders for intensive training, peer learning, and strategy sharing in a safe and collaborative environment.
Forum Objectives
The Leadership Forum’s purpose is to empower and connect LGBTIQ+ leaders from across the African continent.
Its key goals are:
- To strengthen participants’ leadership skills and strategic capabilities, and to equip them with the tools to more effectively advance LGBTIQ+ rights in their communities.
- To foster peer-to-peer learning and solidarity by providing a space for activists to share experiences, challenges, and best practices.
- To build a strong Pan-African network of informed, resilient LGBTIQ+ leaders who can collaborate across borders and sustain our collective advocacy efforts.
Methodology
The Forum will use an interactive, participatory methodology delivered over an intensive five-day programme. Sessions will include expert-led workshops, interactive training modules, and small-group discussions focused on practical leadership and advocacy skills. Peer learning is a central component: participants will engage in collaborative exercises, case studies drawn from real-world movement challenges, and reflection sessions to explore their personal leadership styles. The curriculum is structured around thematic modules which include, inclusive leadership, strategic planning, movement-building, and self-care in activism. This will encourage participants to learn through experience, dialogue, and mutual support.
Eligibility Criteria
Essential:
- Applicants must be based in one of the African countries covered by the Power of Pride programme and actively involved in LGBTIQ+ advocacy or community organising.
- They should hold a leadership role (formal or informal) or significant responsibilities within an LGBTIQ+ organisation, network, or initiative.
- A demonstrated commitment to LGBTIQ+ rights and to applying the knowledge gained from the Forum in their local/national context is required.
- Applicants must also be available to attend the full duration of the week-long Forum in November 2025.
Desirable:
- Preference may be given to candidates who can demonstrate prior leadership experience or training, and who show potential to multiply the impact of the Forum by sharing learnings with others in their community or organisation.
- Pan Africa ILGA values diversity and inclusion: we especially encourage applications from women, transgender and non-binary persons, intersex persons, persons living with disabilities, and others from marginalised groups within the LGBTIQ+ community.
- It is also advantageous if the applicant’s organisation is supportive of their participation through an endorsement letter or commitment to integrate the skills gained into organisational practice.
Costs and Support Provided
Pan Africa ILGA will cover all costs for participants during the Forum. This includes tuition and programme materials, accommodation for the duration of the event, and all meals and refreshments on programme days. Flights to and from South Africa and any necessary visa fees will also be covered. Any personal incidental expenses (such as personal phone calls, laundry, leisure activities outside the programme) will be the participant’s responsibility.
Application Process and Key Dates
How to apply:
- Interested candidates should complete the online application form.
- The form will require applicants to provide personal contact information, details of their activist/organisational role, and responses to questions about their leadership experience and motivation for joining the Forum.
- Applicants will also need to upload a current CV (résumé) outlining relevant experience.
- A letter of support or nomination from your organisation or network (if available) can be included to strengthen the application – this letter should confirm your role and highlight why you would benefit from the Forum.
Deadline:
All applications must be submitted by 18 July 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. Successful applicants will be notified by email by 31 July 2025. If selected, you will receive a formal invitation letter, information on travel arrangements, and preparatory materials for the Forum.
For any questions or clarifications, regarding the application process or the Forum, please contact Zsa-Zsa Fisher at zsa-zsa.fisher@panafricailga.org. We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to an empowering week of learning and collaboration in November 2025.
Only selected participants will be informed.
