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 25 years, this program has placed over 700 Fellows with more than 100 organizations in 37 African countries. Our Fellows, through their work, have made contributions to Africa’s 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, operations with needs expressed by our host organizations, for a mutually beneficial arrangement. 

Nexus Program Overview

In 2023, Princeton in Africa expanded our model to include the Nexus program. Princeton in Africa’s Nexus program pairs one Nexus Fellow, educated and resident on the African continent, with one co-Fellow from the general fellowship program who was educated at a U.S.-accredited institution. Each pair of Fellows, one Nexus Fellow and one general Fellow, works together at one of Princeton in Africa’s host organizations on the African continent. During their year-long Princeton in Africa fellowships, the Nexus Fellow and general co-Fellow have the opportunity to exchange skills, knowledge, leadership experience, and technical expertise with one another while working together to support their host organization’s mission and learn about their host community. The Nexus program is an addition to PiAf’s signature fellowship program tailored for young leaders educated at U.S.-accredited institutions.

The program is designed to enrich our Fellows’ experience and professional growth on the African continent and bring young professionals educated in African institutions into our community of over 700 alumni spanning all over the world.

Service for a Year

Princeton in Africa matches talented and passionate college graduates with organizations working across Africa for yearlong service placements. Our program is open to graduating seniors and young alumni from any college or university accredited in the U.S. Our Fellows have helped improve education and public health, source fresh water and alternative energy, increase family incomes, and so much more.

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

*Many organizations have also been recognized as social entrepreneurs.

We work closely with our fellowship organizations to select highly qualified and motivated graduating seniors and young alumni for our yearlong fellowships. Princeton in Africa creates an excellent opportunity for both fellowship 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.

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 careers in international development. 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.