Ibukun Bankole, Head of Content at Techpression Media, has been selected as one of the participants in the 2025 cohort of LEAP Africa’s Leadership Accelerator Programme (LAP), a highly competitive, pan-African initiative designed to close the gender gap in leadership across the continent.
The programme, which targets high-potential young women aged 21 to 35, combines online learning, in-person training, mentorship, and project implementation to prepare participants for leadership roles within their communities, sectors, and countries.
Following her shortlisting earlier this year, Ms Bankole recently completed the first phase of the programme, a three-week, self-paced online course that provided foundational training in identity, self-leadership, workplace navigation, financial literacy, and communication.
The digital modules, shaped by insights from over 200 respondents across Africa, were created to address the real-world challenges women face while trying to lead ethically and effectively in various fields.
Orientation sets tone for impact
At the onboarding and orientation session, participants were walked through the structure and expectations of the programme, including success tips for completing the digital modules and preparing for the capstone projects.
Past fellows of the programme also shared testimonials of their growth journeys, highlighting how LAP transformed their confidence, leadership outlook, and visibility within their industries.
With the successful completion of the online stage, Ms Bankole has now progressed to the bootcamp phase of the programme, which is scheduled to hold in September 2025.
The bootcamp is a one-week, immersive residential training that brings together selected fellows from across the continent for in-depth workshops, group work, simulations, and leadership presentations.
This physical component is designed to challenge participants’ thinking and foster collaboration among young African women committed to driving change.
Capstone project and mentorship model
A core requirement of the LAP is the implementation of a capstone project, a community-driven or industry-focused initiative designed by each participant to demonstrate how leadership can be applied to address real-life problems.
Participants are expected to draw from their online and bootcamp learnings to launch solutions that showcase their ability to lead with purpose.
In addition, participants are paired with experienced mentors for a three-month period. These mentorship relationships, which begin after the bootcamp, are structured to provide guidance on career growth, decision-making, and personal development.
Monthly check-ins and accountability measures ensure each fellow remains on track and fully engaged throughout the mentorship period.
Speaking about the programme, Ms Bankole expressed her enthusiasm: “It’s an honour to be selected for such a powerful leadership initiative that centres African women’s voices and experiences. The online modules were intense and deeply reflective, and I’m excited for the next phase of growth during the bootcamp.”
Building networks and championing gender equality and economic growth
By investing in young women who demonstrate a passion for changemaking, LEAP Africa’s LAP promotes inclusive leadership, ethical governance, and sustainable development.
The 2025 edition of the programme is currently ongoing, with new fellows like Ms Bankole being groomed to join a growing network of alumni who have launched businesses, led advocacy movements, and taken on influential roles in government, media, and civil society.
Applications for the LAP are typically opened annually via LEAP Africa’s official platforms, with successful candidates receiving free high-quality training, mentorship from industry leaders, and access to visibility platforms.
As Ms Bankole and her cohort prepare for the September bootcamp, their stories are expected to inspire even more young African women to rise boldly and lead change in their spheres of influence.