Refund and Cancellation Policy

Last updated: June 2026

This Refund and Cancellation Policy applies to all payments made to LéO Africa Institute, including but not limited to fellowship application fees, fellowship deposits, event registrations, and financial contributions. By making a payment, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this policy.

1. Fellowship Application Fees

Application fees for fellowship programs (YELP, Huduma, Griots) are non-refundable once submitted. These fees cover administrative costs associated with processing and reviewing applications. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into any program.

2. Fellowship Deposits

For fellowship programs that require a deposit:

  • Deposits are non-refundable if a fellow withdraws voluntarily from the program after acceptance.
  • Deposits are non-refundable if a fellow is dismissed from the program for disciplinary reasons or failure to meet program requirements.
  • In the event that LéO Africa Institute cancels a fellowship program before it commences, deposits will be refunded in full within 30 days of cancellation.
  • Deposits may be applied to future program cohorts at LéO Africa Institute's discretion, subject to availability and program requirements.

3. Event Registrations

For paid events including the Annual Leaders Gathering, Griots Conference, and other ticketed events:

  • Cancellation by Participant: Cancellations made at least 14 days before the event date are eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the event are not eligible for refunds.
  • Cancellation by LéO Africa Institute: If LéO Africa Institute cancels an event for any reason, participants will receive a full refund of the registration fee within 30 days of cancellation.
  • Event Modification: If LéO Africa Institute changes the date, venue, or format of an event, participants may request a full refund if the changes materially affect their ability to attend. Requests must be made within 7 days of notification of the change.
  • No-Show Policy: Participants who fail to attend a registered event without prior cancellation are not eligible for refunds.

4. Financial Contributions and Donations

Financial contributions and donations to LéO Africa Institute are non-refundable unless:

  • The payment was made in error (e.g., duplicate transaction, incorrect amount). In such cases, please contact us within 30 days of the transaction date for resolution.
  • The contribution was made for a specific project or initiative that is subsequently cancelled by LéO Africa Institute before funds are utilised.

5. Payment Processing Errors

If you believe you have been charged in error (duplicate charge, incorrect amount, or unauthorised transaction), please contact us immediately at info@leoafricainstitute.org with details of the transaction. We will investigate and, where appropriate, issue a refund within 30 days of verification.

6. Refund Process

All refund requests must be submitted in writing to info@leoafricainstitute.org and include:

  • Your full name and contact information
  • Transaction reference or receipt number
  • Date of payment
  • Amount paid
  • Reason for refund request

Approved refunds will be processed using the original payment method where possible. Processing time is typically 5–10 business days from the date of approval, depending on your bank or card issuer.

7. Currency and Exchange Rates

Refunds will be issued in the original payment currency. If exchange rates have changed between the time of payment and refund, LéO Africa Institute is not responsible for any resulting differences in amount.

8. Force Majeure

LéO Africa Institute shall not be liable for failure to provide services or for refunds due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, civil unrest, government actions, natural disasters, or public health emergencies. In such cases, we will work with participants to reschedule or provide credit for future services where feasible.

9. Policy Changes

LéO Africa Institute reserves the right to modify this Refund and Cancellation Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Policy changes will not apply retroactively to payments made before the effective date of the change.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this policy or wish to request a refund, please contact us at:

LéO Africa Institute
Email: info@leoafricainstitute.org
Website: Contact Page