Young Africans passionate about energy, extractives, climate finance, and governance can now apply for the 11th Cohort of the Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program. Selected participants will receive training, mentorship, accommodation, travel support, and a stipend while developing leadership and policy skills.
Overview
Africa’s future depends largely on how its vast natural resources are governed and managed. As the continent continues to navigate challenges related to energy transition, climate finance, extractive industries, and sustainable development, there is a growing need for a new generation of leaders equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive meaningful change.
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) is now accepting applications for the 11th Cohort of the Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program, a highly competitive internship and leadership development programme designed to prepare young Africans for careers in policy, governance, research, and advocacy.
The programme combines practical experience, mentorship, leadership development, and technical training to help participants become future leaders in Africa’s energy and extractive sectors.
About the Program
The Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program is a structured internship programme that blends academic learning with real-world experience.
The initiative aims to build a pipeline of young Pan-African leaders who can contribute to better governance, sustainable resource management, and inclusive economic development across the continent.
Participants receive multidisciplinary training focused on:
- Resource governance
- Energy policy
- Extractive industries
- Climate finance
- Transformational leadership
- Professional development
- Career growth
- Digital communication
- Technology skills
The programme is designed to equip participants with the practical tools, analytical skills, and leadership capabilities needed to address complex governance challenges in Africa.
What Will Participants Gain?
Successful applicants will benefit from a comprehensive development experience.
Professional Training
Participants will receive specialized training in:
- Resource governance
- Energy and extractive sector policy
- Leadership development
- Research and policy analysis
- Communication and advocacy
Mentorship and Coaching
ACEP provides:
- Professional mentorship
- Coaching opportunities
- Peer learning support
- Career guidance
Practical Experience
Participants gain hands-on experience through:
- Research projects
- Policy analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Programme implementation
Financial Support
Selected NextGen Leaders will receive:
- A generous stipend
- Daily lunch support
Accommodation and Travel Support
International participants will receive:
- Decent accommodation in Ghana
- Return airfare from their home country to Ghana
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to young Africans who are passionate about sustainable development and resource governance.
Age Requirement
Applicants must:
- Be 32 years old or younger
Residency Requirement
Applicants must:
- Be African citizens
- Be residing in Africa
Academic Qualifications
Applicants should possess relevant academic qualifications in fields such as:
- Economics
- Energy Economics
- Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Oil and Gas Management
- Public Policy
- Law
- Political Economy
- Development Studies
- Development Finance
- Project Management
- Communications
- Statistics
- Mathematics
Related disciplines are also encouraged to apply.
Required Skills and Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
Strong Writing Skills
The ability to communicate ideas clearly and logically.
Research and Analytical Skills
Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analysis tools such as:
- R
- Stata
- EViews
- NVivo
- Atlas.ti
Time Management Skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills
Strong collaboration and relationship-building abilities.
Problem-Solving Ability
Creative thinking and initiative in addressing challenges.
Leadership Potential
A demonstrated commitment to leadership and accountability.
Responsibilities of NextGen Leaders
Participants will contribute to ACEP’s research, advocacy, and policy work.
Responsibilities include:
Research and Policy Analysis
- Writing research reports
- Developing policy briefs
- Conducting sector analysis
Stakeholder Engagement
- Supporting engagement activities
- Communicating research findings
- Participating in policy discussions
Programme Support
- Assisting with programme planning
- Supporting implementation activities
- Contributing to evaluations
Organizational Development
- Supporting institutional initiatives
- Participating in internal projects
Resource Mobilization
- Assisting with proposal development
- Supporting grant-writing activities
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Contributing to programme monitoring
- Supporting impact assessments
Required Application Documents
Applicants must combine all required documents into a single PDF file.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
The CV should:
- Be presented chronologically
- Highlight recent experiences first
- Include relevant achievements
Higher Education Certificates
Applicants should submit:
- Bachelor’s degree certificates
- Master’s degree certificates (if applicable)
Do not include high school certificates.
Motivational Statement
Applicants must submit a statement explaining:
- Why they want to join the programme
- Their professional goals
- How their background aligns with the programme
Maximum length:
- 500 words
Reference Letter
Applicants must provide a recommendation from:
- A university lecturer
- A former employer
- Another professional referee
Family members are not permitted as referees.
Essay Response
Applicants must answer one of the two essay questions provided.
Requirements:
- Maximum 500 words
- Include full name
- Indicate the selected question number
- Properly cite all sources used
National ID
A copy of a valid national identification document is required.
Essay Topics
Applicants must answer only one of the following:
Question 1
Evaluate the effectiveness of local content policies in Africa’s extractive sector and discuss measures to strengthen their developmental impact.
Question 2
Discuss the barriers limiting access to climate finance in Africa and propose strategies to improve its governance and utilization.
Language Requirement
The programme is delivered in:
English
Applicants must have a working knowledge of English.
Selection Process
Initial Review
Applications and supporting documents are assessed.
Shortlisting
Qualified applicants are shortlisted based on merit and application quality.
Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
Final selection will be based on overall performance throughout the recruitment process.
How to Apply
Step 1
Prepare all required documents.
Step 2
Combine all documents into one PDF file.
Step 3
Complete the online application form.
Step 4
Upload the PDF in the designated section.
Step 5
Submit the application before the deadline.
Application Deadline
21 June 2026
Applications close at:
11:59 PM GMT
Late applications will not be considered.
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program |
| Cohort | 11th Cohort |
| Organizer | Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) |
| Location | Ghana |
| Eligibility | Young Africans Residing in Africa |
| Maximum Age | 32 Years |
| Areas of Focus | Resource Governance, Energy, Extractives, Climate Finance |
| Benefits | Stipend, Accommodation, Travel Support, Training |
| Language | English |
| Application Deadline | 21 June 2026 |
Conclusion
The 11th Cohort of the Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program offers an exceptional opportunity for young Africans who want to build careers in energy policy, extractive governance, climate finance, and sustainable development. Through mentorship, training, practical experience, and exposure to leading policy experts, participants will gain the skills needed to become future leaders shaping Africa’s development agenda.
Interested candidates should submit their applications before 21 June 2026.
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