Emerging Leaders Program

Building the next generation of locally led leadership

Summer 2026 Cohort, supported by the IZUMI Foundation

This 12 week virtual leadership training program is designed to strengthen the skills, confidence, and networks of emerging leaders.

This program works to:

  • Strengthen the leadership and management capabilities of emerging leaders

  • Equip participants with practical tools to navigate real-time challenges

  • Foster a network of peer support that extends beyond the program

  • Build a pipeline of locally led leadership to support long-term organizational sustainability and growth

Locally led organizations are at the forefront of addressing some of the most complex challenges facing communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Their effectiveness depends not only on visionary leadership at the top, but on strong, capable teams throughout the organization.

By investing in emerging leaders, this program supports:

  • Organizational strength: Building leadership capacity within existing teams

  • Leadership continuity: Creating a pipeline of future senior leaders

  • Ecosystem resilience: Strengthening networks of leaders who can learn from and support one another

  • Locally led impact: Ensuring that solutions remain grounded in community knowledge and leadership

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This program is designed for individuals who:

    • Currently serve in leadership roles and/or manage teams

    • Are relatively early in their careers

    • Work within high impact nonprofit organizations

  • The program will run over 12 weeks, combining structured learning with peer-to-peer engagement and individualized support.

    • Duration: 3 months (12 weeks)

    • Format: Virtual (via zoom)

    • Weekly Sessions: 2 hours

      • 60 minutes of facilitated content

      • 60 minutes of peer-to-peer problem solving

    • Office Hours: Weekly open office hours with Daraja Partners (optional, separate from core sessions)

  • Yes!

    We welcome participation from multiple individuals within the same organization, as well as alumni of Daraja’s leadership bootcamp, recognizing the value of reinforcing learning across teams.

  • The program cost is $1,200 per participant

  • The curriculum is designed to balance personal leadership development with practical organizational skills, with each module building on the last.

    • Weeks 1–3: Understanding and Developing Your Leadership Style

      The program begins by grounding participants in their own leadership identity and approach. Sessions focus on:

      • Emotional intelligence and self-awareness

      • Trauma-informed leadership and self-care

      • Practical tools for goal-setting, time management, and managing up

      Weeks 4–6: Strategic Leadership (Operations, Strategy, and People)

      This module focuses on the core competencies required to lead teams and organizations effectively, including:

      • Leading operations and organizational systems

      • Translating vision into strategy

      • Leading and managing people, including delegation, feedback, and team development

      • Succession planning and building resilient teams

      Weeks 7–9: Leading Change

      Leading change is one of the most critical—and challenging—skills for emerging leaders, particularly in a rapidly evolving funding and operating environment. Sessions will explore:Creating and communicating a compelling vision for change

    • Aligning teams, structures, and resources to support that vision

    • Navigating resistance and uncertainty

    • Identifying opportunities to increase efficiency while maintaining impact

    Weeks 10–12: Engaging External Stakeholders

    The final module focuses on how leaders engage externally to strengthen their organizations. Participants will:

    • Develop and refine their organizational narrative

    • Deliver a concise, compelling “pitch” in a supportive, interactive setting

    • Explore strategies for effective board engagement

    • Strengthen their ability to represent and advocate for their organization

  • "“The workshop has been GREAT ground to find clarity of purpose and direction as a budding young leader.”

    —Program Participant

  • "The facilitators' composure but also the teams' willingness to share their personal experiences and the ability to support their fellows in collectively finding solutions to the challenging issues related to their stories, made the session really valuable."

    — Program Participant

  • "The fact that I was given time to connect with my peers, share my leadership challenge and get inputs from them, was a highlight."

    —Program Participant