Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) Leadership Programme South Africa 2025

Ashinaga, founded by Yoshiomi Tamai after a personal loss, is a global organization committed to supporting orphaned youth around the world.

Since its inception, Ashinaga has empowered over 110,000 students to access quality education.

The Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI), established in 2014, specifically focuses on Sub-Saharan Africa.

It provides orphaned students with full financial backing to pursue undergraduate studies abroad, nurturing them to become the driving force behind positive change in their home countries.

About the Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) Leadership Programme

The AAI Leadership Programme is a life-changing scholarship opportunity for orphaned youth from Sub-Saharan Africa.

It offers comprehensive support, including:

  1. Full financial coverage: Tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, monthly stipend, and insurance are covered throughout your undergraduate studies abroad.
  2. University placement: Ashinaga collaborates with you to find the ideal university based on your academic record, program availability, and language requirements.
  3. Leadership development: You’ll participate in leadership training programs to hone your skills and prepare you to make a significant impact in Africa.
  4. Internship opportunities: Gain valuable practical experience through internships in Sub-Saharan Africa, strengthening your professional network and understanding of regional issues.
  5. Preparation and transition support: Ashinaga provides intensive academic preparation and cultural orientation to ensure a smooth transition to studying abroad.

Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) Leadership Programme Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the AAI Leadership Programme, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be between 18 and 23 years old.
  2. Have lost one or both parents.
  3. Be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country.
  4. Have completed at least three years of high school.
  5. Possess an excellent academic record, consistently ranking within the top 10% of your class.
  6. Demonstrate a strong desire to study abroad for an undergraduate degree.
  7. Lack the financial means to pursue university studies abroad without external support.
  8. Be in good health suitable for international study.
  9. Have no dependents.
  10. Be committed to returning to Sub-Saharan Africa after graduation and contributing to its socio-economic development through your chosen career path.
  11. Be willing to dedicate a gap year to the Ashinaga Preparation Year program.
  12. Be fluent in English, French, or Portuguese.

Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) Leadership Programme Application Requirements

The application process for the AAI Leadership Programme involves two stages:

Stage 1: Registration

  1. Register online on the AAI Leadership Programme registration page.
  2. Submit clear copies of the following documents:
    • Passport/ID Card/Birth certificate
    • Most recent High School Term Report/Transcript
    • Final High School Examination Results Certificate (if applicable)

Stage 2: Application (by invitation only)

Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria in stage 1 will be invited to submit a formal application via email.

The application requires the following documents:

  1. ID document or Passport or Birth certificate (copy)
  2. Birth certificate (copy)
  3. Photograph (passport style)
  4. All term reports or secondary school transcripts from the past two years
  5. Final secondary school certificate (with results for each subject)
  6. Recommendation letter from a school teacher or principal (including contact details)  
  7. Academic transcripts (if applicable)
  8. Certificates for extracurricular activities, training courses, jobs, or volunteer work (if applicable)
  9. Death certificate(s) of deceased parent(s) or official documentation proving orphan status

How to Apply For the Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) Leadership Programme

This is how to apply for the leadership programme:

  1. Visit the AAI Leadership Programme website and register online.
  2. Download and thoroughly review the AAI Applicant Guidebook before applying.
  3. Ensure you have all required documents prepared before application.
  4. Submit your application electronically by the deadline.

How to Contact Ashinaga Africa Initiative

For any queries related to the AAI Leadership Programme, please contact:

  1. Email: admissions.en@ashinaga.org
  2. Review the AAI FAQs before contacting them.

Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) Leadership Programme Closing Date

These are the closing dates for the application:

  1. Registration (Stage 1): January 19, 2024 (23:59 GMT)
  2. Application Completion (Stage 2): January 23, 2024 (23:59 GMT)