Nexford University has launched the NextGen Africa Workforce Fellowship, a pan-African initiative designed to equip young Africans with globally relevant skills, leadership exposure, and access to career opportunities in an increasingly AI-driven global economy.

The Fellowship combines a 100% online, U.S.-accredited Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with structured mentorship from a network of respected African leaders and accomplished executives. Participants will gain exposure to individuals who have governed nations, led global institutions, and built companies across Africa and beyond.

Confirmed mentors include Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, former Vice President of the World Bank and Nigeria’s former Minister of Education; Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius; Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South Africa and former Executive Director of UN Women; media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo; youth civic leader Rinu Oduala; and public finance advocate Oluseun Onigbinde.

Nexford has built a growing community of learners and graduates in Ghana, with increasing enrollment from across the country.

The launch comes at a critical moment for Ghana and the wider continent. As Africa prepares to become the largest contributor to global workforce growth, youth unemployment and underemployment remain persistent challenges, with many young people entering the job market without the skills required to compete globally.

In Ghana, a recent Nexford and Jobberman report reveals that 55% of advertised roles now explicitly require a Bachelor’s degree, yet access to that credential remains out of reach for many. The economic impact is significant: degree holders earn over 300% more than those with only a high school education, highlighting how strongly access to higher education shapes earning potential.

At the same time, artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining what it means to be employable, increasing demand for digital capability, adaptability, and globally relevant skills.

“This is not just about access to education,” said Fadl Al Tarzi, CEO of Nexford University. “Africa is entering a defining decade. Talent is not the constraint – preparation is. As AI reshapes industries globally, young Africans need both the skills and the exposure to compete and lead from the start of their careers.”

Fellows enroll in Nexford’s fully online BBA, which integrates AI-relevant skills and digital capability into the curriculum, allowing them to work while they learn while gaining structured access to leadership conversations and executive insights. The program is designed to combine academic learning with real-world exposure and workforce-aligned outcomes.

To support access, Nexford has committed $5 million in scholarships to the Fellowship – a significant investment aimed at accelerating Africa’s next generation of globally competitive talent. This reduces the cost of participation to as low as approximately $60 per month, ensuring that high-potential young Africans are not excluded due to financial barriers.

Nexford’s model has already demonstrated strong results, with 97% of graduates employed or actively advancing their careers.

“Africa does not lack talent,” said Dr. Oby Ezekwesili. “What we must build intentionally is leadership capacity. This Fellowship focuses on preparation, discipline, and responsibility – raising a generation that is truly ready to lead.”

Nexford University’s degrees are recognized by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), ensuring that learners benefit from globally relevant education that is also locally acknowledged within Ghana’s professional landscape.

The NextGen Africa Workforce Fellowship is highly selective, with limited spaces available in each cohort, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applications are now open, with the first cohort expected to begin in June.

Interested applicants can apply at: hub.nexford.edu/nextgen-africa-workforce

About Nexford University

Nexford University is a U.S.-based, fully online university accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Built for a global, digital-first world, Nexford provides flexible, affordable education designed to align with evolving workforce needs. For media inquiries contact marketing@nexford.edu