The African Climate Leaders Fellowship, organised by Greenlead, is a free capacity-building programme targeted at training the next generation of African Climate Leaders for a sustainable Africa.

The 7-week Fellowship which runs virtually from August 16th to September 28th, 2024, aims to bring together participants from diverse backgrounds, including media, CSO/NGOs, students, community leaders, private businesses, state actors, etc. across Africa to be taken through a 6-week module session led by experts in the climate space on Climate Science, Sustainable Development and Green Economy, Climate Policy and Governance, Climate Communication and Advocacy,  Community Engagement and Partnership Building, as well as Project Management and Resource Mobilisation.

The 7th week, which is the Sustainable Solutions Symposium week, will have Fellows present their Capstone projects targeted at solving climate challenges in their communities/countries and identifying opportunities too.

The threat Climate change poses to vulnerable populations, especially young people and the world cannot be overemphasised and it is essential that young people are actively involved through capacity building to inspire climate action, advocate for policy changes, and to serve as credible voices of accountability in building a sustainable future.

The main objective of the African Climate Leaders Fellowship is to build capacity for climate action towards building inclusive and sustainable communities. The Fellowship also provides the platform for young people across Africa to deliberate on the adverse effects of climate change on young people and how to enhance youth participation.

Aside from the Capstone projects to be presented at the end of the project, the Fellowship seeks to end with a survey assessing the efforts of relevant stakeholders in climate change mitigation and adaptation across the continent and the concerns of young people. The outcomes of the Fellowship will contribute to further deliberations with relevant stakeholders, and advocacy and capacity building strategies of the organisation. 

The first Cohort of the African Climate Leaders Fellowship received 628 applications from 32 African countries out of which our selection algorithm selected accepted Fellows to be taken through the Fellowship.

“We are happy to partner with renowned organisations like CENS Africa, GAYO, B.ISA, AImpactful, and Clean Recycling Initiative in putting together this Fellowship. Fellows also get the chance to compete in Clean Recycling Initiative's African Award of the International Sustainability Marketing Competition for a cash prize of CAD 1000”, a statement issued by organisers said.

“We are also honoured to have Mrs. Cynthia Tima Yeboah, a renowned Media Practitioner known for her interest in Environmental sustainability issues as our Ambassador for this Fellowship.”

The Greenlead African Climate Leaders Fellowship is indicative of the pivotal role young people can play in the pursuit of inclusive and people-centred climate policies hence the need for capacity building. It also emphasizes the opportunities young people can take advantage of provided they have the needed skills and knowledge hence the need to build their capacity.

By building the capacity of young people and magnifying their voices, we can altogether foster inclusive and sustainable climate action and build a resilient and sustainable Africa for all.

Greenlead, the organisers of the African Climate Leaders Fellowship is a registered NGO founded by Miss Mercedes Rowe Asamani and Co-founded by Mr. Bernard Abakah, which is committed to building a sustainable future for Africa. The African Climate Leaders Fellowship is one of its flagship projects in line with the mission of the organisation.