The Africa Youth Climate Fund (AYCF), an initiative by the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), has launched the Climate Research Fund for African Students.

This new initiative, developed in partnership with the University of Cape Coast, is designed to empower young researchers with the resources, mentorship, and platform needed to address Africa’s most pressing environmental and climate challenges.

Through the Climate Research Fund, GAYO seeks to drive youth-led local innovation in Africa and create lasting solutions for the continent's vulnerable communities.

More than a financial grant, the Climate Research Fund is a strategic commitment to Africa’s future climate leaders. In addition to providing funding for impactful, student-led research, the program also offers critical capacity-building opportunities, expert mentorship, and access to global knowledge-sharing platforms. Through these platforms, scholars will connect with policymakers, academics, and international stakeholders to maximize the reach and effectiveness of their research.

“Transitioning our world away from fossil fuels towards circularity, renewables, and a resilient Africa cannot succeed if the voices and talents of the young people in Africa are not empowered to lead frontier climate solutions. For too long, our academic and research institutions have been underresourced, impacting their capacity to support ambitious undergraduate and postgraduate research. Through this initiative, we are drawing attention to this fundamental gap and providing an opportunity for our youth to reimagine the possibility of becoming knowledge bearers, innovators, and inventors in the green transition,” Joshua Amponsem, Founder, Green Africa Youth Organization said.

The program will kick off with a pilot phase at the University of Cape Coast, which will serve as the foundation for a broader expansion across Africa. This initiative is a reflection of GAYO’s dedication to empowering the next generation of climate leaders in Africa while staying committed to locally-led solutions.

Speaking at the launch event, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Denis W. Aheto said “As a leading institution committed to academic excellence and innovation, the University of Cape Coast is honored to partner on the Climate Research Fund for African Students. This groundbreaking initiative not only enhances the capacity of our lecturers and researchers to contribute to climate solutions but also ensures our students are equipped to lead impactful research. This initiative reinforces our commitment to building a generation of changemakers equipped to tackle the climate crisis and safeguard our planet’s future.”

Already, the Climate Research Fund has attracted interest from global development partners and environmental organizations, highlighting the growing recognition of African youth as central to global climate action. By focusing on locally developed solutions, the program ensures that Africa’s unique challenges are met with innovative, tailored responses.