What is the Young African
Library Leaders Fellowship (YALLF)?

Founded in 2020, YALLF was created to build the next generation of library leaders who can advocate, innovate, and strengthen African libraries. We empower young librarians with the skills, platforms, and community to position libraries as agents of sustainable development.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Martin V.S. Hipangwa became Deputy President of the National Information Workers Association of Namibia (NIWAN)

Bodkin Orehdola Dunstanette appointed as Deputy Chief Librarian at the Sierra Leone Library Board

David Koech, Paul Mensah Amanor and Rachel Maswahu are leading projects in digital inclusion and community library development

What our Alumni are saying

The Young African Library Leaders Fellowship has helped me exchange experience and perspectives about librarianship with my peers across the African continent.

Razack Ramadhani

Tanzania

The Young African Library Leaders Fellowship has contributed positively to my career; I have become a beacon of solutions to challenges my community faces, and my eyes have been opened to the opportunities available in this profession.

Peter J. Chamgwera

Malawi

The Young African Library Leaders Fellowship has helped me to gain the essential skills and competencies needed to work in the ever-evolving age in the library ecosystem.

Halliru Sani Salihu

Nigeria

My capstone project was focused on coming up with a literacy program to help develop our communities, which of one I have started and it has been going smoothly. I have trained about 20 community members in basic computer literacy… Watch the full testimonial video below

Aina Sakaria

Namibia

This fellowship was a transformative journey that exceeded my expectations. The program offered a unique brand of theoretical knowledge, practical skills and networking opportunities… Watch the full testimonial video below.

Martin Namacheka

Malawi

I gained so much knowledge about project development and management because that is one of the reasons why I joined. I’ve always been passionate about youth empowerment and project management… Watch the full testimonial video below

Albertina Shihawa

Namibia

The Young African Library Leadership Fellowship is an insightful fellowship that is deliberately working to amplify the voice of libraries across Africa. It opened me up to new knowledge, perspectives, and networks and should not be taken for granted.

Namakau Mayungo

Zambia

Through the fellowship I was able to connect with hundreds of other young Africans from across the continent, as we learnt the basic principles of library management and took courses that shaped our journey… Watch the full testimonial video below.

Paul Mensah Amanor

Ghana

The YALLF has helped me understand how different concepts from several fields fit into librarianship and how diverse skills can help you be innovative.

Ellen Chifuniro

Malawi

The Young African Library Leaders Fellowship experience was amazing because I acquired skills that have made me feel confident in my career. I had the opportunity to engage in various tasks and projects, which deepened my understanding of the library profession. Collaborating with colleagues and attending workshops expanded my knowledge and skills.

Abdulkadr Ali Abdulla

Tanzania

The Young African Library Leaders Fellowship inspired me to do more in the Library and information science sector. This is where I developed the passion and courage to serve Africa and be innovative as well as mindful of others.

David Koech

Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions

YALLF is a virtual fellowship program that equips young African librarians with leadership, advocacy, and innovation skills to drive change in their communities through libraries.

The YALLF Fellowship is a one year, flexible, virtual program with learning sessions, mentorship, and a final project or internship component. Fellows are expected to complete all required activities within the program timeline.

Yes. All applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of ₦10,000 (Ten Thousand Naira) to complete their application. Applications without payment will not be processed.

Yes. All fellows who successfully complete the program and will receive an official certificate of completion.

The program fee covers the full cost of participation. The full program fee is ₦360,000. Program fee payment can be paid in four installment.

No. The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstance.

Empowering the Next Generation of Library Leaders

Empowering the Next Generation of Library Leaders

From Learning to Leading

From Learning to Leading

Be the Change Africa's Libraries Need

Be the Change Africa's Libraries Need

Your Leadership Journey Starts Here

Your Leadership Journey Starts Here

100

Fellows Trained

50+

Capstone Projects

19

Countries Represented

1000+

Reached

What is the Young African Library Leaders Fellowship (YALLF)?

Paul Mensah Amanor

Hend Kamel

Martin V.S. Hipangwa

Rachel Maswahu

David Koech

Vuyokazi Sibutha

Bodkin Orehdola Dunstanette

Namakau Mayungo

Progress Erikume

Where are our fellows now?

HIGHLIGHTS:

SUPPORTING LINE:

What our Alumni are saying

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Young African Library Leaders Fellowship (YALLF)

How long does the program last?

Is there an application fee?

Is there a certificate after the program?

What is the program fee?

Is the application fee refundable?

What format is the fellowship conducted in?

What kind of work will fellows do during the program?

How flexible is the program?

Who can apply?

How are fellows selected?

What do fellows gain from YALLF?

What are the application deadlines?

Be part of the change. Be a library leader.

Empowering the
Next Generation of
Library Leaders

From Learning to
Leading

Be the Change
Africa's Libraries
Need

Your Leadership
Journey Starts Here

What is the Young African
Library Leaders Fellowship (YALLF)?

Where are our
fellows now?

Be part of the change.
Be a library leader.