The African Youth Negotiators Fellowship (AYNF) is a transformative, pan-African initiative designed to empower young climate leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to actively participate in global climate governance. The programme focuses on strengthening Africa’s representation in international climate negotiations, particularly within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change framework.
Now in its fifth cohort, the fellowship has evolved into a leading continental platform that develops a diverse pipeline of youth negotiators who influence climate policy at national, regional, and global levels.
Programme Partners and Structure
Cohort 5 of the fellowship is delivered through a strategic collaboration between key organisations, including:
- Green Africa Youth Organization
- Environmental Protection Agency Ghana
- Climate and Development Knowledge Network
The programme is structured into three progressive phases, combining theoretical learning, practical application, and mentorship to ensure a comprehensive development experience.
Fellowship Phases
Phase 1: Foundational Learning
Applicants are required to complete an online learning process via the Ghana Climate Literacy Portal. This phase ensures all participants have a baseline understanding of climate science and policy.
- Completion of the Climate Science 101 course is mandatory
- A certificate of completion must be submitted with the application
- Additional coursework, quizzes, or assignments may be required for shortlisted candidates
Phase 2: Intensive Training
Selected participants will attend a one-week hybrid training programme in Ghana. This phase focuses on building advanced technical and negotiation competencies.
- Climate negotiation simulations
- Policy writing workshops
- In-depth sessions on UNFCCC structures and processes
- Exploration of regional and global policy intersections
Phase 3: Mentorship and Engagement
The final phase provides ongoing support and practical exposure to climate negotiation processes.
- Thematic negotiation labs
- Policy brief development
- Structured mentorship from experts
- Coordinated engagement before, during, and after COP31
Programme Objectives
The AYNF aims to address the critical need for stronger African youth representation in global decision-making spaces. It focuses on:
- Enhancing technical knowledge of climate science and policy
- Building negotiation and diplomacy skills
- Increasing youth participation in international climate processes
- Strengthening leadership capacity among emerging African climate leaders
- Amplifying African perspectives in global climate discourse
Mandatory Pre-Application Requirement
All applicants must complete the Climate Science 101 course on the Ghana Climate Literacy Portal before submitting their application.
Key steps include:
- Register on the Ghana Climate Literacy Portal
- Complete the Climate Science 101 course
- Download and save the certificate of completion
- Upload the certificate as part of the application
Failure to provide this certificate will result in disqualification from the application process.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of an African country
- Be between the ages of 15 and 35
- Demonstrate a strong interest in climate justice and diplomacy
- Have experience or a clear interest in climate policy (national or international)
- Successfully complete at least one course on the Ghana Climate Literacy Portal
- Be available to fully participate in all three programme phases
- Be proficient in English, the official language of instruction
Application Guidelines
Applicants are required to follow a structured process to ensure eligibility:
- Visit the Ghana Climate Literacy Portal via mobile or desktop
- Register or log in to access available courses
- Complete required learning modules and assessments
- Submit the application with all required documentation
Important notes:
- The programme is delivered entirely in English
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages
- Additional learning requirements may be introduced during selection
Key Dates and Contact Information
- Application Deadline: 30 April 2026 at 11:59 PM GMT
- Contact Email: [email protected]
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure all requirements are met.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested and Qualified candidates should use link below to Apply.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Conclusion
The African Youth Negotiators Fellowship represents a significant opportunity for young Africans to gain the expertise and exposure needed to influence global climate policy. Through structured training, mentorship, and real-world engagement, the programme equips participants to become effective advocates and negotiators in the fight against climate change.
By investing in youth leadership, the fellowship contributes to building a more inclusive and representative global climate governance system, ensuring that Africa’s voice is heard and its priorities are addressed.
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