An Equal Africa Where Women Lead.

We train, mentor, and protect women across all five regions of the continent. Building political leadership where the door was previously closed.

About WALPE Africa

We create pathways for women to engage meaningfully in decision-making, across every region of the African continent.

The Women's Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence Africa works with aspiring women leaders and women already active in business, public service, and civil society. Through training, mentorship, legal protection, and regional networks, we build the political leadership of women: particular focus goes to young women, women with disabilities, and women in rural communities.

WALPE Africa maintains focal point partners across all five regions, sustaining a movement that is continental in reach and precise in its work.

Our Areas of Work

Four interconnected pillars, each designed to move women from aspiration to office.

Capacity Building

Leadership Development

Transformative feminist leadership training for women, young women, and women with disabilities. Campaign management, public speaking, and governance skills, paired with mentorship from experienced political leaders and digital literacy for political engagement.

Policy

Advocacy & Policy Reform

Lobbying governments and political parties for gender-responsive electoral laws. Research and policy analysis on barriers to women in political life. Campaigns that engage institutions on gender parity and name the problem directly.

Safety

Protection & Support

Monitoring and reporting political violence against women. Legal aid and psychosocial support for women facing discrimination or harassment. Safe spaces, support networks, and coordination with security agencies and human rights organisations.

Networks

Representation & Networks

Regional and continental platforms that bring women political leaders together. Alliances with feminist movements, civil society, and policymakers across Africa. Showcasing role models and strengthening the ties between women who govern.

Young Women Leaders to Watch

From ministers in Botswana and Namibia to presidential candidates in Senegal and Uganda: young women already building the continent this movement works toward.

Lesego Chombo, Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Botswana
Botswana

Lesego Chombo

Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs

Naledi Chirwa, EFF, National Council of Provinces, South Africa
South Africa

Naledi Chirwa

National Council of Provinces, EFF

Anta Babacar Ngom, presidential candidate and entrepreneur, Senegal
Senegal

Anta Babacar Ngom

Presidential Candidate, 2024

Annah Sande, former Mayor of Epworth, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe

Annah Sande

Former Mayor, Epworth

Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Namibia
Namibia

Emma Theofelus

Minister of Information and Communications Technology

Yvonne Mpambara, presidential candidate and founder, Uganda
Uganda

Yvonne Mpambara

Presidential Candidate, 2026

Standing on the legacy of those who shattered the ceilings before us

From Nehanda's defiance in colonial Zimbabwe to Ngozi's direction of global trade, we are inspired by their courage and determination.

Agojie Warrior, Kingdom of Dahomey

Agojie Warriors

Military vanguard, Kingdom of Dahomey

Nehanda Charwe Nyakasikana, spirit medium and resistance leader, Zimbabwe

Nehanda Charwe Nyakasikana

Spirit Medium, First Chimurenga, Zimbabwe

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, anti-apartheid activist, South Africa

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

Anti-apartheid activist, ANC, South Africa

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO and former Finance Minister of Nigeria

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Director-General, WTO / Finance Minister, Nigeria

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South Africa and UN Women Executive Director

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

Deputy President, South Africa / Executive Director, UN Women

Naledi Pandor, former Minister of International Relations, South Africa

Naledi Pandor

Minister of International Relations, South Africa

Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia

Sahle-Work Zewde

President of Ethiopia

Join the movement

Whether you are an aspiring leader, a woman already in political life, or an ally committed to equal governance: there is a place for you in this work.

Address
105 Oxford Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa