Apply for Nursing Leadership Training Programme 2026 for African Nurses and Midwives
Leadership in nursing is becoming increasingly important as healthcare systems across Africa continue to face growing demands, workforce shortages, digital transformation, and the need for stronger patient-centered care. Developing skilled nurse leaders is essential for improving healthcare delivery, strengthening health systems, and advancing professional nursing practice across the continent. One programme contributing to this goal is the James Hakim Leadership Development Program: Nursing Leadership Training Programme 2026, organized by the African Forum for Research and Education in Health in collaboration with global health partners.
The programme is designed specifically for nurses and midwives working within African healthcare systems and aims to strengthen leadership, management, clinical, and professional development skills. Delivered online over 10 weeks, the training consists of five modules focused on helping healthcare professionals develop the knowledge needed to lead effectively within hospitals, clinics, educational institutions, and public health systems.
According to the programme information, the course focuses on leadership development, healthcare management, personal development, and professional growth. It aims to help nurses and midwives understand how leadership directly affects healthcare delivery and population health outcomes. Strong nursing leadership has been linked globally to improved patient safety, better workforce management, enhanced communication, and stronger healthcare systems.
This project aligns well with our previous articles on:
- Role of Nurses in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
- The Role of Nurse Managers in Creating Positive Healing Environments
- Technology for Global Health
- Trends in Nursing Documentation
All these topics emphasize the growing role of nurses not only as caregivers but also as healthcare leaders, innovators, educators, and policy contributors.
One important aspect of this programme is its focus on African healthcare realities. Leadership challenges in many African health systems include workforce shortages, limited resources, burnout, digital transformation gaps, and increasing healthcare demands. Programmes such as this help prepare nurses to lead teams, improve patient care systems, support healthcare reforms, and contribute to healthcare policy discussions.
The programme is also highly relevant in the current era of digital healthcare and evolving healthcare systems. Modern nurse leaders are now expected to understand:
- Healthcare management
- Team leadership
- Digital health systems
- Quality improvement
- Communication and mentorship
- Evidence-based healthcare practices
These competencies are increasingly important as healthcare systems adopt telehealth, electronic documentation systems, and patient-centered care models.
Programme Structure and Eligibility
- Runs for 10 weeks online
- Contains 5 learning modules
- Is targeted at registered nurses and midwives
- Requires applicants to have at least five years of experience
- Encourages applications from professionals working within African healthcare systems
The online structure makes participation more flexible for working healthcare professionals who may not be able to attend physical leadership programmes abroad.
Why Nursing Leadership is Important
- Staff motivation and teamwork
- Patient safety and quality of care
- Clinical decision-making
- Healthcare innovation
- Communication between healthcare teams
Nurses represent the largest segment of the healthcare workforce globally, meaning their leadership has direct influence on health outcomes and healthcare system performance.
This also connects with our article on Creating Safe and Inclusive Environments for People Living with Dementia in Care Homes, where effective leadership significantly influences patient well-being and care quality.
How to Apply
Applicants can learn more about the programme and application process through the official AFREhealth website:
For programme enquiries:
- Email: learn@afrehealth.org
As healthcare systems continue to evolve, Africa will require more nurse leaders who can influence policy, strengthen healthcare delivery, mentor younger professionals, and improve patient outcomes. Programmes such as the James Hakim Leadership Development Program provide valuable opportunities for nurses and midwives to build leadership capacity and contribute more effectively to healthcare transformation across the continent.
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