The transformative power of the French-African Foundation fellowship

In the constellation of global opportunities that shape the lives of young leaders, few experiences illuminate the path quite like the French-African Foundation Fellowship.

For Tolu Ogunlesi, a Nigerian journalist and thought leader, the journey through the prestigious fellowship was not merely an academic or professional milestone—it was a gateway to a world previously unseen, brimming with connections, insights, and boundless potential.

Ogunlesi granted an interview to BusinessDay’s deputy editor, Lolade Akinmurele, where he highlighted the transformative impact of the fellowship.

“I’ve done quite a number of fellowships over time,” Ogunlesi began, his voice carrying the cadence of someone who has traversed the corridors of global networks. “But one of the ways in which the French-Africa Foundation stands out is in the quality and size of the network it offers. It’s not a one-way street, you know—it’s a web of mutual support, where everyone is available to help and uplift one another.”

For many Nigerians, especially those accustomed to the Anglophone axis of the world—UK, US, and the broader Commonwealth—the Francophone realm can feel like an unfamiliar neighbour.

The sheer size and influence of Nigeria in West Africa often fosters a sense of self-sufficiency, creating an invisible wall between English and French-speaking countries.

Yet, the French Africa Foundation cracks open that wall, revealing a parallel universe of dynamic young Africans carving paths in business, culture, and innovation.

“It’s our loss, really,” Tolu admitted. “We don’t engage with our Francophone colleagues as much as we should. The fellowship was eye-opening—there’s this whole world of young Africans doing incredible things. They just happen to speak a different language.”

The year 2021 marked Tolu’s induction into the fellowship, joining a cohort of 100 exceptional young minds from across the continent. The journey took them from the vibrant streets of Paris to the historic heart of Dakar, each destination unveiling layers of Africa’s interconnected destiny. But the most profound revelations came not from the cities, but from the people.

“In my cohort, there were Nigerians I hadn’t even met before,” he reflected. “There was Kola Oshinowo, who ran Jumia in Ghana and now works with Baobab on solar energy solutions. Bucha Pedro from Pela Naija, doing phenomenal work in the arts. And beyond Nigeria, I met fellows from Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Senegal—people who have become lifelong friends and collaborators.”

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The fellowship’s greatest gift, Tolu emphasized, was the planting of seeds—seeds of future partnerships, ideas, and collaborations. The program deliberately fosters connections not just for the present, but for a lifetime.

“There’s no compulsion that everything must happen within that year. The magic is in the seeds sown—the ideas sparked in conversations, the exposure to how things are done in other parts of the continent. Maybe you’re working in solar energy in Nigeria, and suddenly you discover how Côte d’Ivoire is approaching off-grid solutions. That kind of cross-pollination is invaluable.”

Even long after the fellowship formally ends, its tendrils continue to weave through the lives of its alumni. A WhatsApp group remains active, keeping the network alive. Pop into any city on the continent, and a simple message—“I’m in town, who’s around?”—is enough to summon a fellow to your side,” Ogunlesi said.

In November 2023, that network delivered an unforgettable highlight. When President Emmanuel Macron hosted a state dinner during the Nigerian President’s visit to France, Nigerian fellows received unexpected invitations to the gilded tables of diplomacy.

“I sat next to a French Olympian whose father was from Akwa Ibom,” Tolu recounted with a smile. “It was one of those moments where one open door leads to others, in ways you couldn’t possibly predict.”

The fellowship is not simply a platform for receiving—it is equally a conduit for giving. Tolu is quick to underscore this reciprocal ethos.

“It’s not just about collecting value—it’s about adding value. As Nigerians, we can share insights about our country, help others navigate our ecosystem, and build bridges that weren’t there before. That’s the beauty of it.”

While the program’s structure evolves with each cohort—smaller numbers, different host cities—the essence remains unchanged: to forge bonds that transcend borders, languages, and sectors.

As for the program’s broader impact on economic development and foreign direct investment, the fellowship operates on a subtle but powerful premise: exposure breeds collaboration, and collaboration fuels opportunity.

“It’s not always about immediate results. It’s about creating the potential for future partnerships. You leave the program thinking differently—about your country, your continent, and your own capacity to drive change.”

The stories of impact are already unfolding. From renewable energy ventures to cultural enterprises, fellows like Kola Oshinowo are harnessing the network to reimagine business models and navigate challenges like currency devaluation and local manufacturing.

For Ogunlesi, the final message is clear: the door is open, but you must knock.

“I encourage every young person to apply. Not everyone will get in, but those who do will come from those who tried. The more you apply, the more you increase your chances of winning. Never let rejection stop you from seeking out opportunities to expand your world.”

In the end, the French-Africa Foundation Fellowship is not just a program—it is a testament to the power of human connection to dissolve boundaries, ignite ideas, and shape the future of a continent. And for those willing to cross the bridge, a whole new world awaits.

Under the High Patronage of Emmanuel Macron, President of France, and H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar, the Young Leaders Program is a prestigious initiative that brings together 30 exceptional young talents from France and Africa.

The flagship program serves as a bridge between both regions, empowering the next generation of leaders with unparalleled opportunities for growth, collaboration, and impact.

Applications for the next cohort are open until March 30, 2025, according to information on the program’s website.

The Young Leaders Program is designed to detect, promote, and strengthen the leadership potential of outstanding talents from Africa and France. It aims to identify exceptional individuals with strong leadership skills and high impact potential.

It also aims to foster connections between Africa, France, and the global community.

Through this initiative, participants engage in a unique leadership experience that enables them to build strategic relationships with influential decision-makers, industry leaders, and public figures.

Each year, the program receives thousands of applications from highly qualified professionals. In 2023, a record-breaking 5,000 applications were submitted from more than 40 African countries and France.