The AFC Fellowship Empowering Climate Leaders -Apply Now

Application Deadline: September 21, 2025

The AFC Fellowship, a collaboration between Common Purpose and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), is a transformative leadership development programme bridging emerging leaders from Africa, the wider global South, and the global North. Now in its third year, this fellowship is more than a training initiative—it is a dynamic platform for climate dialogue, cross-cultural exchange, and impactful collaboration.

Since its inception, over 90 leaders from diverse countries and industries have taken part, gaining the skills and networks to build innovative solutions to pressing climate and sustainability challenges. According to recent feedback, 98% of past fellows recommend the programme, 92% feel better equipped to bridge the global North-South divide, and 99% believe they can make a greater impact in their communities or organizations.

A Vision Beyond Boundaries

Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC, challenges outdated narratives about Africa, emphasizing that the continent holds solutions to many of today’s global challenges, including the climate crisis. The AFC Fellowship embraces this vision by fostering cross-boundary leadership and collaborative problem-solving between regions.

The fellowship experience begins with acceptance into the Climate Challenge Leadership Programme—a learning journey designed for emerging leaders eager to create positive change. Participants join a cohort of 40 professionals from various sectors, countries, and disciplines, united by a shared commitment to addressing climate change and rebalancing the global South-North relationship.

Key Components of the Fellowship

1. Leading Beyond Authority
Participants are introduced to Common Purpose’s hallmark concept of Leading Beyond Authority—the ability to influence and deliver results outside one’s formal mandate. This skill is essential in tackling complex issues such as climate change, which require cooperation across industries, borders, and cultures.

2. Climate Challenge Programme
Fellows work collectively on climate-related challenges, engaging in rigorous discussions, problem-solving exercises, and high-level presentations to senior decision-makers. The programme equips participants to propose actionable, innovative solutions that can be implemented at local, national, and global levels.

Who Can Apply?

The AFC Fellowship seeks emerging leaders with:

• A minimum of five years of professional experience.
• A proven commitment to driving positive change in their field or community.
• A demonstrated interest in climate issues and bridging global divides.
• The ability to contribute unique perspectives and skills to programme challenges.

The programme welcomes applicants from across Africa, the global South, and the global North, ensuring a diverse mix of voices, ideas, and expertise.

Why Join the AFC Fellowship?

Participants benefit from:

• Enhanced Leadership Skills – Develop the ability to lead across boundaries.
• Global Networks – Build connections with diverse leaders you might never otherwise meet.
• Creative Problem-Solving – Learn innovative approaches to complex challenges.
• Influencing Power – Present solutions to high-level decision-makers.
• Collaborative Action – Co-create strategies for climate action that bridge the South-North gap.

Programme Format and Schedule

Format: Online, live on Zoom, with 24/7 access to learning resources.
Cost: Fully funded by AFC – no cost to participants.
Language: English (fluency required).

Key Dates:

• 3 November 2025 – Online platform opens (independent learning).
• 19 November 2025 – Fellowship launch session.
• December 2025 – January 2026 – Core leadership and climate challenge sessions.
• February – March 2026 – Presentations and Fellows gathering.

Applications close: Midnight BST, Sunday, 21 September 2025.
Information webinars:

• 3 September 2025 – 11:00 London / 13:00 Nairobi / 11:00 Abuja / 15:30 Delhi / 18:00 Singapore.
• 9 September 2025 – 14:00 London / 16:00 Nairobi / 12:00 Abuja / 18:30 Delhi / 21:00 Singapore.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE