Are You Africa’s Next Peacebuilding Leader?
Then Turn Your Passion for Peace Into Action
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Join the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace Fellowship Program and become part of a continental network of changemakers advancing peace, dialogue and social change. Moreover, The Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) is widely recognised for its dedication to empowering future peace leaders across Africa.
The Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) invites emerging leaders across Africa to apply for the 2026/2027 COFP Fellowship Program; a transformative, leadership and peacebuilding initiative designed to equip young professionals with the skills, knowledge and networks needed to address conflict and promote sustainable peace in their communities. Africa faces complex social, political and religious challenges that require innovative, collaborative and locally driven solutions.Young professional network
The COFP Fellowship was created to respond to this need by developing a new generation of African peacebuilders capable of bridging divides, fostering dialogue and leading social change. COFP Fellowship is a unique opportunity to deepen your expertise, expand your impact and contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding and development in your community and across the continent. Since its launch in 2018, the Fellowship has trained over 363 leaders from 17 African countries, many of whom are now actively working in civil society, government institutions, academia, media organizations, faith communities and international agencies to advance peace and development as part of The Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) legacy.
The program is proudly designed by Africans for Africans, ensuring that its approach remains contextually relevant and responsive to the realities and challenges facing communities across the continent.
Why Apply?
The COFP Fellowship offers a unique blend of academic learning, practical experience and continental networking, including:
African-Led and Context-Driven
The COFP Fellowship is specifically tailored to address Africa’s peace and security challenges and is delivered by experienced practitioners and scholars from within and outside the region.
Structured and Immersive Learning Experience
The program consists of three intensive modules, with Fellows convening quarterly for a week-long in-person training in Abuja, Nigeria over the course of one year period.
Practical Peacebuilding Community Impact
Each Fellow receives a seed grant to design and implement a community-based peacebuilding project, thereby translating learning into practical impact before graduation.
Professional Certification
Fellows earn recognized university certificates in Interreligious Dialogue, Conflict Transformation and Mediation at the end of the program.
A Continental Network
Graduates automatically become members of the COFP Africa Network of Peacebuilders (CANEP), an expanding professional community committed to advancing sustainable peace beyond Fellowship period in Africa.
Who Should Apply?Nigerian job search
Young professionals, academicians, community leaders, civil society actors, faith leaders, government agencies/personnel, NGOs and changemakers committed to building peace, dialogue, social justice and community development in Africa. If you are motivated to build bridges, resolve conflicts and contribute to a more peaceful and inclusive Africa, this Fellowship is for you. Notably, The Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) aims to attract visionary leaders driven by these values.
Application Process
Participation in the COFP Fellowship Program is FREE. However, selected Fellows will be responsible for their transportation to Abuja, Nigeria, for the three in-person training sessions over a one-year period. By applying, you become eligible to join the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) community of leaders dedicated to creating lasting change.
Interested Candidates Should
Complete the online application form by clicking on the link in the comment section 👇
Upload all required supporting documents
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted no later than May 10, 2026. Only complete applications received by the deadline will be considered.
Take the next step in your leadership journey.
Apply today and become part of a growing network of African changemakers working together to build a more peaceful future.
https://cofpfoundation.org/application/
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