FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS SYFoA?
The Support Youth Fellowship of Africa (SYFoA) is a premier, six month hybrid leadership incubator designed for 35 elite young Africans aged 18–30 per cohort.
WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND SYFoA?
SYFoA is anchored in the philosophy and foundational textbook Leading By Your Life Story by Chief Moses Baffour Awuah.
SYFoA operates on a simple but radical premise: a leader's biography is also their methodology.
WHAT IS NARRATIVE INTELLIGENCE?
Narrative Intelligence (NQ) is the capacity to critically audit, structure, and deploy one's life story for societal transformation.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age by 30 September 2026 and currently reside within Africa.
They must also meet the fellowship's eligibility and commitment requirements.
DO I NEED A LEADERSHIP TITLE?
No. We do not require applicants to hold titles.
Applicants should demonstrate evidence of taking action, solving problems, organising people, serving others, or creating opportunities despite limitations and challenges.
Leadership should be visible through action rather than position.
WHAT IS A STORY-LED PROJECT?
The Story-Led Project is a 90 day community intervention that every fellow is required to design, develop, and launch as part of the SYFoA Fellowship journey.
DOES MY PROJECT NEED TO BE FULLY DEVELOPED BEFORE I APPLY?
No. At application stage, you are expected to demonstrate that you have a clear, grounded, and feasible idea worth developing.
WILL SYFoA FUND MY PROJECT?
The top five fellows with the strongest SLP concepts will receive direct grant funding to support implementation.
All other fellows will receive dedicated mentorship, strategic direction, and support in accessing relevant grant opportunities and funding pathways beyond the fellowship.
IS THE FELLOWSHIP VIRTUAL?
SYFoA is delivered through a hybrid model combining virtual learning, mentorship, project incubation, peer engagement, and an immersive in person residency in Accra, Ghana.
IS THE ACCRA RESIDENCY MANDATORY?
Yes. Fellows must be willing and able to participate in the in-person residency, immersion, and graduation programme in Accra, Ghana.
The residency takes place from 26 May to 5 June 2027.
DOES SYFoA PAY FOR FLIGHTS?
Selected fellows are responsible for securing and funding their own flights and visa arrangements to Accra, Ghana.
SYFoA will provide local/internal transportation, accommodation, and meals during the residency programme.
WHAT PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS APPLY?
Applicants must hold or be in the process of obtaining a passport valid through June 2027.
WHEN DOES THE FELLOWSHIP BEGIN?
January 2027.
WHEN DOES IT END?
June 2027.
WHEN DOES THE APPLICATION OPEN?
1 September 2026.
WHEN IS THE DEADLINE?
30 September 2026. No late submissions will be accepted.
HOW ARE APPLICATIONS SELECTED?
The selection process has two stages: a written application and a virtual interview.
The written application is assessed for depth of story, quality of reflection, strength of the SLP concept, and genuine commitment to the fellowship.
WHAT DOES SYFoA VALUE IN APPLICANTS?
The selection process prioritises narrative depth, reflective leadership, community rooted vision, emotional intelligence, initiative, the capacity to translate lived experience into transformational leadership and sustainable action.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF MENTORSHIP?
SYFoA includes high touch mentorship, with one on one and small group sessions with seasoned African leaders, entrepreneurs, and practitioners.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER GRADUATION?
Graduates are formally commissioned into the SYFoA Alumni Legacy Circle, creating an active continental network where graduates mentor incoming cohorts and collaborate on cross border initiatives.
