Overview
The African Youth Expert Development for Climate Action (AYEDE Climate Action) Fellowship is a 12-week, fully virtual capacity development programme designed to equip young Africans aged with the interdisciplinary skills, analytical tools, and mentorship required to lead in climate policy, innovation, and green economy transformation. 18-35
Africa stands at the intersection of climate vulnerability and demographic opportunity. As climate impacts intensify across agriculture, energy, water systems, and livelihoods, there is an urgent need to strengthen youth participation in climate governance, finance, clean energy transitions, and community-based resilience initiatives.
AYEDE was established to address this gap directly.
The fellowship integrates structured learning, expert-led sessions, applied group projects, and mentorship to build Africa’s next generation of climate leaders.
The name AYEDE carries both functional and cultural significance. Beyond the acronym, AYỆDỆ in the Yoruba language means “Life has come,” reflecting the program’s focus on protecting life, nurturing hope, and enabling African-led climate solutions.
About SPID
The fellowship is implemented by the Sustainable Participatory Development and Climate Resilience Initiative (SPID), a youth-led organization committed to advancing participatory climate governance, sustainable development, community-driven resilience across Africa, and building the next generation of climate experts for the global green workforce in support of a just transition.
SPID works at the intersection of policy, innovation, and grassroots engagement to strengthen inclusive climate solutions.
Vision Statement
A just, resilient, and sustainable Africa where communities and young people are empowered to shape their environmental and social development futures through inclusive, participatory governance and action.
Mission Statement
To amplify vulnerable and marginalized community voices, build local capacity, and promote equitable, innovative, and sustainable climate and environmental solutions through participatory education, research, policy advocacy, and leadership development.
Fellowship Objectives
The AYEDE Climate Action Fellowship seeks to:
- Increase equitable access to high-quality climate education for young Africans.
- Strengthen interdisciplinary climate competencies across policy, finance, technology, and adaptation sectors.
- Provide structured mentorship and professional guidance from experienced climate experts.
- Support youth-led climate solutions through collaborative development. project
- Enhance career-readiness and leadership capacity in emerging green-economy sectors.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for:
- Young Nigerians aged 18-35.
- Individuals with at least one year of engagement in climate or development-related work (volunteering, academic, research, or community initiatives)
- Demonstrated commitment to climate action.
- Willingness to commit approximately 5 hours per week
- Stable access to internet connectivity
- Strong interest in applying learning to real-world impact.
Minimum 50% of selected fellows will be women.
We strongly encourage applications from underserved regions and communities.
Note: This fellowship is in the pilot stage, hence we are focusing on Nigerian only for the first cohort.
What You Will Gain
By the end of the fellowship, participants will:
- Gain an in-depth understanding of African and global climate governance systems.
- Develop applied skills in climate finance and proposal development.
- Understand clean energy transitions and circular economy models.
- Apply systems thinking tools to climate challenges.
- Strengthen research and monitoring & evaluation competencies.
- Enhance project management and community engagement capacity.
- Collaborate on group climate innovation projects.
- Join a growing network of African climate professionals.
Participants who complete all requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion and a recommendation letter, and likely get an internship placement.
Important Dates
- February – Applications Open.
- March – Application Deadline.
- Late March – Selection Notification.
- Early April – Orientation Session.
- April – Fellowship Begins.
- June Final Project Showcase & Graduation.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested and Qualified candidates should use link below to Apply.
Application Dealine: 14 March 2026
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