Corporate Leaders Program
Are you an African business leader looking for the next level of success?
The Corporate Leaders Program is a fully funded short-term accelerator that gives you the training and connections you need to reach new heights.
This program is designed for African CEOs working on the African continent or in the Diaspora.
Applications are closed for the 2026 program, but stay in touch to hear about future opportunities!
Stay in TouchSponsored by Axxess
What You'll Get
• Custom masterclass at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, the world's #1 Global Public Business School
• Training with top-notch faculty in topics such as Leading Effective Systems and Teams, Business Effectuation, and Relational Acumen
• Invitation-only sessions with partners in Washington, DC
• Invaluable connections to U.S. institutions and businesses
• A community of forward-thinking alumni open to collaboration
“Surrounded by brilliant leaders, I reconnected with the 'why' behind my work. The Presidential Precinct is more than a program — it’s a platform for courageous leadership.” – Chilufya Mutale-Mwila, Zambia, 2025 Corporate Leaders Program
Are you the ideal candidate?
We are seeking 15 CEOs of small- to medium-sized enterprises. International applicants must be proficient in English and possess a visa to travel to the United States.
The ideal applicant will oversee an enterprise meeting these criteria:
• in operation for at least 2 years
• 50–200 employees
• investing $15–20 million USD in bilateral trade or investment in African countries
• generating at least $1.5 million USD in annual revenue in 2025
We expect applicants to have demonstrated their commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentoring, and to share their passion for tackling the pressing issues in their countries or communities from both a local and global perspective.
Program details
April 18–25, 2026
Charlottesville, Virginia, and Washington, DC
Fully funded airfare, lodging, meal plan, and programming
**Bonus: Attendance at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit
Our Corporate Leaders will attend the 2026 Corporate Council on Africa’s U.S-Africa Business Summit in July, where they will connect with the government representatives and corporate leaders shaping the future of business in Africa. Participants will be responsible for airfare to and from the summit in Mauritius.
• Plenary sessions and sector-focused panels with other leaders
• Private meetings with key decision makers
• B2B and B2G networking
• Pathways to financing
Our partners
The Corporate Leaders Program is made possible by a generous gift from John Olajide, founder and CEO of Axxess, a leading home healthcare technology company in North America; Chairman of Cavista Holdings Limited, a diversified holding and investment company with interests in technology, agriculture, hospitality, fintech, energy and other sectors; and Board member at the Presidential Precinct. Mr. Olajide is chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa Board of Directors, building on two years of service as Vice Chair.
We are grateful for the partnership of the University of Virginia and UVA’s Darden School of Business.
"My expectations have been exceeded. I am much better placed to position our value and what we are doing for our community when I talk to partners and investors." – Benard Odote, Kenya, 2025 Corporate Leaders Program
Past Participants
Our 2024 and 2025 cohorts of Corporate Leaders represent the best of African business leadership across many sectors, including logistics, energy, fintech, and more.
Meet Our Past ParticipantsStay in Touch
Want more information about the Corporate Leaders Program? Please email our Programs team at programs@presidentialprecinct.org.
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