Learn YALIF
Young African Leaders in Infrastructure Fellowship
Building the Future Leadership to catalyze Infrastructure in Africa
About YALIF
The Young African Leaders in Infrastructure Fellowship (YALIF) is a program designed to develop young leaders in infrastructure development across Africa.
YALIF identifies and deploys highly commercially aware professionals as 'Young Infrastructure Fellows' to work on early-stage infrastructure projects within the continent.
Curriculum
Introductory Session & Briefing about YALIF Capstone Project Portfolio De-briefing Training on Preparatory Demo Session
Introduction to the Course Overview of Project Finance Risk Allocation Key Concepts for Infrapreneurs Contract Mechanics in Project Finance
Introduction to the Early Development Stage Project Development Stages The Early Development Stage Understanding why you need a Preliminary Financial Model (Baseline Appraisal Approach)
The Pre-Financing Stage- Achieving Bankability I - Predictable Cashflow Achieving Bankability II – Fixed Construction Delivery & Operations Achieving Bankability III – Governance & Sustainability
Introduction to Financing Stage & Deal Structuring Project Due-Diligence Climate Considerations in Infrastructure Key Issues in EPC Contract Engaging with Lenders Sponsor-based Financial Models Finance Documentation (CTA and ILFA) Outline of common term sheet review Security Arrangements & Direct Agreements Credit Enhancement in Infrastructure Project Achieving Financial Close
Post Financial Close Activities Understanding Financial Close Client Responsibilities Getting into Operations
Detailing the Bankability Planning Report to a Project Business Case Draft & Create the Project Business Case. Project Overview Legal & Regulatory Overview of Sector Risk Register of Project Conclude Draft 1 of the Project Business Case
Create the Project Investment Pitch Deck Project Finance Roadmap Preliminary Financial Model Pre-Development Budget
Capstone Presentation in front of Jury
Process
Why YALIF ?
By participating in YALIF, you will connect with emerging leaders and industry experts in infrastructure development across Africa.
You will be able to make valuable connections and network through dedicated sub-groups. Additionally, you will receive free lessons on developing and financing infrastructure projects in Africa. Outstanding performance in YALIF can lead to employment opportunities in the infrastructure sector, making this fellowship an invaluable step towards a successful career in infrastructure.
Countdown
(Lagos time)
Application
At the close of the application window, all eligible applications will be assessed by independent reviewers and 30 top scorers will be picked for the next stage of the selection process as finalists.
The top 10 Finalists will undergo a Tweleve (12) week of skill set training in research for infrastructure sectors, business law, policy analysis, and pitch development.
Selected fellows will be mandated to attend the Capacity Building Programmes (Developing & Financing Infrastructure Projects), part of the TAC InfraLAB Investment Readiness Programme, and work on their assigned projects.
Upon conclusion of the YALIF, Fellows would be asked to present the various Assignments, Financial Modelling Assignments, Bankability Planning Reports, and Infrastructure Pitch Deck for their given projects.
FAQ about YALIF
The Fellowship for Young Leaders offers the opportunity to:
Participate in an 8-week professional training program on Developing & Financing Infrastructure Projects taught by globally acclaimed experts
Explore industries beyond your daily work and expand your expertise
Gain mentorship and the opportunity to design and propose solutions to local infrastructure problems
Attend a virtual summit with other young infrastructure leaders, providing a platform for interaction and networking
Meet and network with top industry and business leaders who serve as instructors
Potentially secure employment opportunities in the infrastructure project finance sector based on performance
The Young African Leaders in Infrastructure Fellowship (YALIF) program is a very intensive unpaid internship offering free training over eight weeks. it is Compulsory and Required to attend all meetings and live sessions daily (see details below), review pre-recorded training videos, submit assignments on time, and analyze case studies while adhering to program deadlines.
All times are (GMT+1)
Daily Engagement: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Daily Feedback: Monday to Friday, 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Weekly Prep Session with Brickstone: Monday, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Weekly Prep Session with Sub-Group: Monday or Tuesday, 1 hour
Live Sessions:
Wednesday, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
YALIF is a free program but requires you to have a laptop, a strong internet connection, and the ability to complete the program's assignments.
YALIF is a free program but requires you to have a laptop, a strong internet connection, and the ability to complete the program's assignments.
Intending participants must meet the following criteria:
Be between the ages of 22 and 40 on or before the application deadline.
Hold a degree with a minimum of Second Class
Be prepared to commit 100% to uninterrupted, dedicated online work and study for 8 weeks.
Be aware that this is an intensive immersion program requiring at least 8 hours per week for personal readings and assignments, in addition, live lectures and case study reviews.
Be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Be citizens of one of the following countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
Applications are open until July 31, 2024. (See the registration button and follow the instructions to apply.) The next cohort begins in August 2024. Follow our LinkedIn Page for more updates.
The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications (not in order of importance):
Avalability to commit to the YALIF programme for 8 weeks
Demonstrated commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship
Ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and respect the opinions of others
Strong social and communication skills
Energetic, positive attitude
Demonstrated knowledge of, interest in, and professional experience in law, infrastructure, renewable energy, economics, finance, or engineering
YALIF Past Fellows
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Past Capstone Reports by YALIF Fellows
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YALIF Facilitators
Speakers and Organizers providing thought Leadership
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Faculty and speakers
FEMI AWOFALA
CEO, BRICKSTONE AFRICA
