The LEAD Albania program, launched in 2013 in Tirana, has become recognized as the country's premier leadership program over the past 11 years. It has significantly enhanced the capabilities of its participants and strengthened its network. The program is well-known for its rigorous selection process, as well as for the professionalism and integrity it demonstrates. This selection process is thorough and transparent, ensuring fairness and equity among candidates. Due to high demand, the process is highly competitive, attracting top talent and ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are chosen. The process highlights the criteria and multiple stages a candidate must meet, further enhancing the program’s reputation for excellence and thoroughness in selecting participants. Each year, the selection committee faces a formidable challenge and significant responsibility as the pool of candidates continues to grow increasingly competitive and highly qualified.

LEAD Albania is a unique program for developing leadership skills, providing young Albanian professionals with first hand work experience at the highest levels of government in the country.

The LEAD program is designed to empower young, talented Albanian professionals with direct experience and leadership exposure within the Albanian government. In 2018, AADF approved LEAD Albania Program II, also known as the Leadership Experience and Development Program. Modeled after the White House Fellows Program in Washington, D.C., LEAD Albania is designed to make a unique and prestigious contribution to the development of future leadership in Albania, as well as offer participants the opportunity to personally engage in shaping societal leadership through a one-year fellowship. Fellows engage in this one-year fellowship as advisors in the offices of senior government officials, including the President's Office, the Prime Minister, line ministers, the Mayor of Tirana, and justice institutions such as the High Judicial Council, High Prosecutorial Council, Justice Appointment Council, High Justice Inspector, and the Special Anti-Corruption Structure.

Participants also benefit from a continuous educational component, which includes various training sessions offered by local experts. This educational component culminates in the participation of LEAD Fellows in an executive program at Harvard University in the USA. Another important part of the program, tailor-made for the LEAD Fellows, is the Center for Creative Leadership in Brussels. Based on Albania's current situation concerning EU integration, a new training program on EU Integration will be organized at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium.

During the one-year period, program participants will have the opportunity to meet distinguished figures from national and international diplomacy, as well as various political leaders. They will also take part in meetings at the European Parliament and the European Commission during a one-week study visit to Brussels. The LEAD Albania program aims to train and develop Albania's future leaders.

The year 2024 marks the 11th anniversary of the program, which has so far had around 120 participants.