About Us
About Us
Championing Excellence, Leading With Purpose.
Leadership is Service!
Emerging Public Leaders is a public service leadership organization that partners with governments and local organizations to rigorously identify public service professionals who are committed to practicing and promoting good governance throughout Africa. With our support throughout their career journeys, this diverse network of leaders influences and strengthens their country’s institutions for delivering democracy with excellence, care, innovation, and integrity.
EPL Malawi was officially launched in 2023 through a landmark partnership with the Government of Malawi, through the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Department of Human Resource Management and Development (DHRMD), and the Malawi School of Government (MSG) in collaboration with Mastercard Foundation.
At the core of our mission is the Public Service Fellowship Programme (PSFP) a one-year, merit-based fellowship designed to recruit and train outstanding recent graduates from accredited Malawian universities. The Programme identifies young leaders from across all 28 districts of Malawi and places them within various government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to gain hands-on experience in public service.
Our Vision
A prosperous and equitable Africa, fostered by good governance
Our Mission
To partner with governments, local organizations, and communities to rigorously identify motivated university graduates public service professionals who are committed to practicing and promoting good governance in Africa
EPL Malawi was established in 2023, following an agreement between the Government of Malawi and Emerging Public leaders. The agreement was signed by the then Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), Madam Colleen Zamba, and Executive Director of Emerging Public Leaders, Abigail Kajumba.
In October 2024, EPL Malawi welcomed its inaugural cohort of 35 fellows. Their journey began with an intensive one-week orientation, will meet quarterly for responsive training and ongoing mentorship throughout their fellowship year.
On May 09, 2025, EPL Malawi officially launched the Public Service Fellowship Programme (PSFP) at BIICC in Lilongwe. The launch marked a significant milestone in Malawi's journey towards achieving its long-term development blueprint, Malawi 2063
In October 2025, EPL Malawi welcomed its second cohort of 46 Fellows. The group is composed of 72% women and 28% men, and officially began their fellowship journey with an intensive one-week onboarding programme
Our Core Values
Integrity
We keep our word and act ethically
Excellence
We uphold high-quality standards.
Partnership
We develop strategic relationships/partnerships responsive to
country and citizen needs.
Accountability
We strive to exceed expectations and communicate our impact to our stakeholders honestly and transparently.
Citizen-Centric Leadership
We promote effective and inclusive leadership as we help develop public servants who put citizens at the centre of their work.
- EPL Malawi
Public Service Fellowship Programme
Targeting youth aged 18 to 35; the Fellowship Program attracts bright and motivated university graduates and young public service professionals, offering them the tools and support to develop into future leaders within the public sector
Our Team
Meet Our Professionals
Ms Linda Harawa
Country Director
Mr. Khwima Kondowe
Snr Programmes and Learning Associate
Mr. Austin Mwiska
Snr Accountant
Ms. Memory Chilapondwa
Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation Officer
Mr. Spencer Munthali
Programmes and Communications Intern
Ms Shyreen Mulawu
Admin Assistant
FAQ
EPL Malawi Help Desk: FAQs
EPL is a non-profit organization dedicated to building the next generation of public service leaders in Africa. It began 16 years ago in Liberia, inspired by a need to rejuvenate the civil service with young, qualified professionals. EPL currently operates in five countries: Liberia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Sierra Leone.
The EPL Public Service Fellowship is a one-year professional development program that places young, passionate graduates in government ministries, departments, and agencies. Fellows receive extensive training in leadership, project management, governance, ethics, and civil service processes. After completing the program, Fellows transition into an alumni network offering continued learning and professional growth.
As of now, EPL operates the Public Service Fellowship in:
- Liberia
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Sierra Leone (newest addition)
- You must be a citizen of the Malawi with NID.
- You must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree.
- You must fall within the youth age range of 18–35
- No prior public service experience is required
- Strong interest in public service careers.
- Women, persons with disabilities, and Mastercard Foundation Scholars are especially encouraged to apply.
All academic backgrounds are welcome.
Yes. Fellows receive a monthly stipend to support their living costs during the one-year fellowship
Fellows are placed in government ministries, agencies, or public sector institutions. Placement decisions are made in partnership with government through the placement committee.
Fellows go through intensive training at the start of the program and participate in regular professional development activities.
- Quarterly workshops and monthly recap sessions tailored to workplace needs
- Access to mentors, trainers, and program staff for continuous support
- Ongoing networking opportunities with public leaders and peers
- Fellow-to-Fellow collaboration and a strong alumni community
- Professional exposure in government institutions
- Leadership development and personal growth
- A strong pan-African network of Fellows and alumni
- Opportunity to launch personal or community projects
- Improved chances of employment in public institutions
- Continued access to resources, coaching, and opportunities through the alumni program
We are currently not accepting applications. The next application will be announced early 2026
Yes. The EPL selection process is rigorous and merit-based. Candidates are evaluated based on their ideas, commitment to public service, and potential to lead.
