A Fellowship for Global Collaboration,The AFC Instrumental Africans Fellowship is more than a leadership programme, It’s a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action between emerging leaders from Africa, the wider global South, and the global North. Now in its third year, this initiative , powered by Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) in partnership with Common Purpose focuses on solving our shared climate challenge while addressing other urgent global issues.
Since its inception, over 90 fellows from diverse backgrounds have joined, gaining the skills, networks, and confidence to build bridges across regions. The impact is clear: 98% recommend the fellowship, 92% feel prepared to act as bridge-builders, and 99% believe they can make a greater impact in their communities and organizations.
How the Fellowship Works
To join, applicants must first be accepted into the Climate Challenge Leadership Programme, which brings together 40 participants from various sectors and countries. The programme includes two key elements:
- Leading Beyond Authority – Learning to work across boundaries and deliver results outside your direct control.
- Climate Challenge – Collaborating with peers to design innovative solutions for global environmental issues.
The experience is fully online, combining live Zoom sessions, independent learning, and interactive discussions.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship seeks emerging leaders usually with over five years of professional experience who are passionate about climate issues and committed to positive change. Ideal candidates:
- Represent diverse sectors and geographies across the global South and North
- Show leadership potential or proven capability
- Are motivated to address imbalances between North and South in tackling global challenges
Benefits of Participation
Fellows gain:
- Enhanced leadership skills to operate across boundaries
- Access to a global network of change-makers
- Opportunities to present ideas to senior decision-makers
- Exposure to fresh approaches for innovation and problem-solving
- No-cost participation, funded by AFC
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 21 September 2025
- Webinars: 3 September & 9 September 2025
- Programme Launch: 19 November 2025
- Climate Challenge Sessions: December 2025 – January 2026
The Instrumental Africans: AFC Fellowship offers a transformative space to learn, connect, and lead. By bridging the global North and South, it empowers participants to tackle the climate crisis with bold, collaborative action.
