Established in 2020 by the African Union, the Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership works to develop African public health leaders who can influence policy, strengthen institutions, and drive health systems transformation.
A collaboration between Africa CDC and the Kofi Annan Foundation, the programme equips public health leaders with the skills and expertise to shape policy, strengthen institutions and drive health systems transformation across Africa.
To date, the fellowship has enrolled 134 professionals from 38 African countries across six cohorts. A 2025 independent evaluation found that 89% of fellows reported significant improvements in leadership skills, 71% progressed professionally and 94% regularly applied their learning.
The programme has delivered tangible results across the continent. For example, in Zambia, a fellow helped mobilise US$3 million to expand health insurance coverage for vulnerable households. In Senegal, another contributed to securing World Health Organization certification for the country’s Emergency Medical Team, while in Rwanda a fellow supported the expansion of palliative care services from 5% to 40% of public health facilities.
Through its Leadership Challenge Projects and growing alumni network, the fellowship connects leadership development with practical improvements in health policy, financing, emergency preparedness and service delivery, contributing to stronger and more resilient health systems across Africa.
