About Us

Princeton in Africa Overview

Princeton in Africa is a non-profit affiliate of Princeton University that develops young leaders as they contribute to some of the most impactful organizations on the African continent. In 27 years, this program has placed over 790 Fellows with more than 140 organizations in 37 African countries. Our Fellows, through their work, have made contributions to some of Africa’s leading institutions in the areas of Business and Economic Development, Education & Youth Capacity Building, Public & Community Health, and so much more. PiAf Fellows are placed with host organizations by matching their skills in areas such as communications, program management, grant writing, budgeting, and operations for a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Service for a Year

Princeton in Africa matches talented and passionate recent college graduates and young professionals with organizations working across Africa for yearlong service placements. Our program is open to graduating seniors and young professionals from any U.S.-accredited college or university, and universities across Africa. Our Fellows have improved access to education and healthcare, helped communities secure clean water and alternative energy, strengthened family livelihoods, and so much more. The Princeton in Africa fellowship promotes the exchange of skills, knowledge, leadership, and technical expertise across each fellowship cohort and our community of nearly 800 alumni, while strengthening partner organizations and contributing to impactful projects across Africa.

This year’s Fellows will be working in the following fields:

We work closely with our fellowship organizations to select highly qualified and motivated leaders for our yearlong fellowships. Princeton in Africa creates an excellent opportunity for both host organizations and Fellows, where organizations enjoy access to an exceptionally motivated and talented group of young people, and Fellows gain a unique experience in Africa that translates into a lifelong commitment to African affairs and service.

Read more about our current Fellows and host organizations!

Commitment for a Lifetime

During their year of service, our Fellows create connections that last their lifetime. Some stay and continue to work in Africa; others leverage their experience to launch global careers. No matter where they go, our Fellows’ experiences with Princeton in Africa transform their lives and perspectives about the world and their role within it.

Princeton in Africa is committed to offering opportunities on a need-blind basis. We are an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are affiliated with Princeton University, and grateful for donated office space and other support, but we are not funded directly by the University. We rely on the continued generosity of corporations, foundations, and individuals like you to make these fellowships possible. By supporting Princeton in Africa, you are not just impacting the life of one individual, but lives within our own communities and across the continent of Africa.

Our Global Footprint

We are proud of our alumni who continue to lead and be part of incredible initiatives around the world, both across Africa and elsewhere. Explore our interactive map to see where our alumni are currently located and learn more about our Alumni here.

Nexus Program Overview

In 2023, Princeton in Africa grew its model to include the Nexus program, aimed at expanding the participation of talented young African leaders educated and residing on the African continent in the Princeton in Africa fellowship. The program broadens PiAf’s impact on the continent and allows Princeton in Africa to bring more young professionals educated at African institutions into our community of nearly 800 alumni spanning the globe.