Applications Are Now Open for the ECOWAS Women’s Fellowship & Mentorship Programme 2026

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Application Deadline: July 19, 2026

Women are playing an increasingly important role in shaping solutions to climate change, migration, and sustainable development across Africa. To strengthen this leadership, applications are now open for the ECOWAS Women’s Fellowship & Mentorship Programme 2026, an initiative designed to empower women working at the intersection of climate action and human mobility.

The programme brings together emerging women leaders and experienced professionals from eligible ECOWAS Member States to build knowledge, develop leadership skills, and foster meaningful mentorship relationships. It offers a unique opportunity to contribute to climate resilience while expanding professional networks across West Africa.

Climate change continues to influence migration patterns, livelihoods, and economic opportunities throughout the region. Developing gender-responsive solutions has never been more important, making this fellowship highly relevant for young professionals, researchers, civil society leaders, policymakers, and development practitioners.

If you are passionate about creating sustainable solutions for communities affected by climate change and displacement—or if you are an experienced expert ready to mentor the next generation of women leaders—this programme is worth exploring.

About the ECOWAS Women’s Fellowship & Mentorship Programme

The Women’s Fellowship & Mentorship Programme is part of the Global Programme on Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change (HMCCC II). The initiative is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), co-financed by the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), and implemented in partnership with the ECOWAS Commission.

The programme recognizes that climate change increasingly affects where and how people live. Rising temperatures, flooding, drought, coastal erosion, and other environmental challenges are driving human mobility across West Africa. Women and girls often experience these challenges differently and may face additional barriers to participating in decision-making.

To address these gaps, the fellowship seeks to strengthen women’s leadership by building technical knowledge, expanding professional networks, and encouraging collaboration between experienced professionals and emerging leaders.

The programme consists of two complementary tracks:

Fellowship Programme

Young women from eligible ECOWAS countries will participate in a leadership and capacity-building programme focused on climate mobility, gender-responsive policy, and sustainable development. Fellows will gain valuable insights into regional and global approaches to climate resilience while connecting with peers across West Africa.

Mentorship Programme

Experienced professionals are invited to serve as mentors, sharing their expertise and supporting the professional growth of young women entering the field. Through mentorship, participants will contribute to developing the next generation of leaders working on climate change, migration, and development.

Together, these two tracks create a collaborative learning environment that encourages knowledge sharing, innovation, and long-term regional partnerships.

Benefits of the Programme

Participants can expect several professional and personal development opportunities, including:

  • Leadership development and capacity-building
  • Mentorship from experienced professionals and sector experts
  • Access to a regional network of women leaders across ECOWAS
  • Enhanced understanding of climate mobility and gender-responsive policies
  • Professional networking opportunities
  • Exposure to regional and international development initiatives
  • Opportunities to exchange ideas with policymakers and practitioners
  • Increased visibility within the climate and development sector
  • Skills that support future careers in policy, research, advocacy, and sustainable development

Beyond individual growth, participants become part of a growing movement working toward climate resilience and inclusive development across West Africa.

Eligibility Requirements

The programme welcomes applications from women committed to creating positive change within their communities and across the region.

Fellows

Applicants should:

  • Be a young woman from an eligible ECOWAS Member State
  • Demonstrate interest in climate change, human mobility, sustainable development, or related fields
  • Show leadership potential and commitment to community impact
  • Be willing to actively participate throughout the fellowship

Mentors

Applicants should:

  • Be experienced professionals with relevant expertise
  • Have experience in climate change, migration, gender equality, sustainable development, policy, research, or related sectors
  • Be willing to guide and support emerging women leaders
  • Commit time to mentoring activities during the programme

Eligible Countries

Applicants must come from one of the following ECOWAS Member States:

  • Benin
  • Cabo Verde
  • Côte d’Ivoire
  • The Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Liberia
  • Nigeria
  • Senegal
  • Sierra Leone
  • Togo

Application Deadline

19 July 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Before applying, carefully review the eligibility criteria and prepare any supporting information required in the application form.

Why You Should Apply

Climate change is one of the defining development challenges of our time, and West Africa is among the regions experiencing significant environmental and social impacts. As governments and organizations seek sustainable solutions, there is growing demand for professionals who understand the links between climate resilience, migration, gender equality, and community development.

Participating in this programme can strengthen your professional profile while positioning you within an influential regional network of experts and emerging leaders.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of selection:

  • Clearly explain your motivation for joining the programme.
  • Highlight any leadership roles, volunteer work, or community initiatives.
  • Demonstrate your interest in climate action, migration, gender equality, or sustainable development.
  • Use specific examples to showcase your impact.
  • Ensure your application is complete and free from grammatical errors.
  • Submit your application before the deadline.

Remember, selection panels often look for applicants who combine passion with evidence of commitment and leadership potential.

Conclusion

The ECOWAS Women’s Fellowship & Mentorship Programme 2026 offers more than professional development—it is an opportunity to join a regional movement advancing climate resilience, gender equality, and sustainable development across West Africa.

Whether you are an aspiring leader ready to build your expertise or an experienced professional eager to mentor others, this programme provides a valuable platform to make a lasting impact.

With the application deadline set for 19 July 2026, interested candidates should begin preparing their applications as soon as possible.

For young professionals, the fellowship provides valuable exposure that can support future opportunities in international development, humanitarian work, research, advocacy, and public policy.

For experienced practitioners, serving as a mentor offers a meaningful opportunity to give back, shape future leaders, and contribute to stronger institutions across the ECOWAS region.

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official application portals.

Call for Fellows

Apply through the official Fellows application portal. CLICK HERE

Call for Mentors

Experienced professionals can APPLY CLICK

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