How you join the network.
NGN is an invite-only community of Africans aged 25 to 40. Membership is by nomination and invitation — the process is rigorous on purpose, because what holds the network together is the calibre of the people in it.
Applications update
Due to a high volume of requests, new applications to join the NGN are currently paused on the Mo Ibrahim Foundation site. You can still express interest or seek a nomination from a current member — the Foundation team will respond when the next intake opens.
Read on mo.ibrahim.foundation →Eligibility
- Aged 25–40 at the time of nomination
- African citizen, resident, or member of the African diaspora with demonstrable ties to the continent
- Exceptional track record in your field — business, government, civil society, academia, arts, or public life
- Integrity and a contribution you can make to — and draw from — the network
- Willingness to participate actively, including peer mentorship and published work
From nomination to induction.
Nominations are submitted by current members or Foundation partners. The Steering Committee reviews candidates twice a year against published criteria.
- 01
Nomination
Current members and Foundation partners nominate candidates aged 25–40 demonstrating exceptional leadership in their field across the African continent or diaspora.
Rolling - 02
Selection panel
The NGN Steering Committee reviews nominations twice a year. Criteria: track record, integrity, and the contribution the candidate can make to — and draw from — the network.
Spring & Autumn - 03
Invitation & induction
Successful candidates are invited to the next Governance Weekend, paired with a mentor and welcomed into working groups aligned to their expertise.
By invitation - 04
Active membership
Members commit to active participation, peer mentorship, and contributing to the network's published work. Tiered involvement reflects each member's capacity to engage.
Ongoing
Mentorship inside the network.
Once inducted, members can take part in the year-long peer mentorship programme — senior members mentor newer ones across sectors and regions. Active members access pairing, session logging, and programme surveys through the member portal.
Request a nomination.
If you meet the criteria and a current member or Foundation partner can speak to your work, contact the NGN team to express interest or ask about the nomination process.