The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Fellowship 2025 is a fully funded leadership development program designed to connect emerging leaders from Africa, the wider global South, and the global North. It serves as both a platform for dialogue and a capacity-building opportunity, focusing on tackling the climate crisis and other major global challenges through collaboration and innovation.
Now in its third year, the fellowship is a joint initiative by Africa Finance Corporation and Common Purpose, building on the success of its first two cohorts. Over 90 Fellows worldwide have already benefited from the program, gaining the skills and networks to bridge the gap between the global North and South.
Why the AFC Fellowship Matters
The fellowship aims to:
- Equip participants with leadership skills to influence change beyond their immediate environment.
- Encourage cross-border collaboration on pressing environmental issues.
- Foster innovative solutions to global carbon market reform to protect forests, grasslands, peatlands, and mangroves in Africa and the global South.
Program Structure
1. Leading Beyond Authority
Participants will learn how to lead effectively across boundaries, influencing outcomes in areas outside their direct control – a crucial skill for solving complex global issues.
2. Climate Challenge
Through the Common Purpose Innoventure process, participants will work on the challenge:
“How can the world reform carbon markets to incentivize the preservation and expansion of natural ecosystems in Africa and the global South to achieve global net zero?”
Teams will present their final solutions to a panel of senior leaders, receiving feedback and building real-world influence.
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What You Gain from the AFC Fellowship
- Enhanced Leadership Skills – Develop the ability to work across cultural, sectoral, and national boundaries.
- Global Networking – Connect with leaders, experts, and changemakers from both the global North and South.
- Innovation Mindset – Learn creative problem-solving approaches through design thinking principles.
- Influence and Visibility – Present your ideas to decision-makers who can help implement them.
- Fellowship Community Access – Join a lifelong network of fellows across various industries and regions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Have 5+ years of professional experience.
- Show strong leadership potential and commitment to positive change.
- Be passionate about climate action and North–South collaboration.
- Be fluent in English (spoken and written).
- Commit fully to the fellowship schedule.
Key Dates & Details
- Application Deadline: Sunday, 21 September 2025 (Midnight BST)
- Format: 100% online via Zoom and dedicated learning platforms.
- Cost: Fully funded by Africa Finance Corporation (no participation fee).
- Language: English.
- Program Launch: November 3, 2025
- Climate Challenge Live Sessions: January 14–21, 2026
- Final Presentations: February 2026
How to Apply
Applications are now open for emerging leaders from diverse sectors, backgrounds, and regions. Selected participants will be part of a global network driving climate solutions and building stronger North–South partnerships.
Apply today to take your leadership to the next level and help shape the future of climate action.
