Applications Open: Capacity Building and Skill Sharing for Climate Activists Program (CBSSCAP) 2026

Application Deadline: February 22, 2026

Are you a young African climate activist ready to amplify your impact? Applications are now open for the Capacity Building and Skill Sharing for Climate Activists Program (CBSSCAP) – Cohort 2 (2026) by Yanayi Haki Afriqya (Climate Justice Africa). This nine-month, pan-African program is designed to strengthen the voices, skills, and leadership of young people driving climate action across the continent.

As the climate crisis intensifies, Africa continues to bear the brunt of its consequences — from extreme droughts to flooding, food insecurity, and ecosystem loss. Yet, young Africans remain at the forefront of innovative climate solutions, mobilizing communities and influencing policy. CBSSCAP seeks to empower these youth-led movements by providing the tools, networks, and mentorship needed to translate passion into policy and advocacy impact.

The program builds on the success of its first cohort in 2024, which brought together emerging activists from across Africa to co-create sustainable, locally-driven solutions. Cohort 2 now expands this vision, deepening regional collaboration and equipping more youth leaders with the expertise to shape Africa’s climate future.

About the CBSSCAP Program

The Capacity Building and Skill Sharing for Climate Activists Program (CBSSCAP) is a flagship initiative of Yanayi Haki Afriqya (Climate Justice Africa) under the SEED for Climate Justice Project, supported by MISEREOR. The program runs from March to November 2026, combining training, mentorship, and project implementation support.

At its core, CBSSCAP focuses on empowering young African climate activists to meaningfully participate in climate policy, advocacy, and international negotiations, especially within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) processes. Participants also design and lead community-based climate action projects that directly address local environmental challenges.

Through an engaging blend of workshops, mentorship sessions, and peer learning, participants will:

Build a strong understanding of climate governance, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and climate finance mechanisms.
Learn how to effectively influence policy discussions at local, national, and international levels.
Connect with a dynamic network of African and global climate justice advocates.

This hands-on, collaborative structure ensures that each participant leaves with not just knowledge — but a tangible project and a lifelong support network.

What Selected Participants Will Gain

CBSSCAP offers a rich, transformative experience designed to advance both personal leadership and collective impact. Successful applicants will benefit from:

Specialized Training on climate policy, advocacy, UNFCCC processes, and climate finance.
Mentorship & Coaching from experienced climate leaders and policy practitioners.
Project Support to design and implement a local climate action project in their community.
Networking Opportunities with peers, partners, and global climate institutions.
Engagement in National & International Dialogues including youth-led and UN climate forums.

This combination of knowledge and action positions participants to become powerful change agents within Africa’s growing climate justice movement.

Eligibility Criteria

CBSSCAP welcomes applications from passionate and active young climate advocates who meet the following requirements:

Must be aged 18–30 years.
Must be a citizen or resident of DRC, Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, or Uganda.
Must be actively involved in climate activism, environmental justice, or community development initiatives.
Demonstrated interest in climate policy, advocacy, or international climate negotiations.
Able to commit time for training sessions, mentorship activities, and project implementation.
Strong motivation to design and implement a community-based climate action project.

Applications from women and individuals from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to ensure inclusivity and representation.

Program Duration

March – November 2026 (9 months)

The program is designed to fit within participants’ ongoing commitments while ensuring immersive and high-impact engagement throughout the period.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply online through the official Google Form

Application Deadline: February 22, 2026

Only applications submitted through the official form will be considered.

Selection Criteria

Participants will be selected based on:

Demonstrated commitment to climate justice and activism.
Clarity of motivation and potential for community impact.
Alignment of proposed ideas with the program’s objectives.
Consideration of gender, regional, and diversity balance to ensure inclusivity.

Tips for a Strong Application

Here are a few insider tips to strengthen your application and stand out:

Be specific about your activism journey. Highlight your most impactful projects or campaigns — what did you do, and what changed because of it?
Show how this program will amplify your work. Link your goals to the program’s themes, such as policy engagement, climate finance, or advocacy.
Demonstrate community impact. The strongest applications show clear commitment to driving local solutions — not just attending events.
Be authentic and passionate. Authentic storytelling about why you care about climate justice often resonates more than polished but generic responses.

If you’re a youth climate advocate eager to grow your impact and connect with like-minded changemakers across Africa, CBSSCAP offers the perfect platform to elevate your work.

Why You Should Apply

Africa’s climate future depends on young leaders who can bridge local realities with global advocacy. By joining CBSSCAP 2026, you’ll gain the tools, networks, and visibility to turn ideas into influence. You won’t just learn — you’ll lead, collaborate, and create measurable change in your community.

Don’t wait for change to happen. Be the one who drives it. Apply today.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

Explore other climate and leadership programs on OpportunityPool.org.

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