Deadline: September 15, 2025
The AFC Fellowship 2025—formally known as the Climate Challenge Leadership Programme—is a transformative leadership initiative designed to unite emerging leaders from Africa, the global South, and the global North to address pressing climate challenges. Organised by Common Purpose in partnership with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the programme focuses on building leadership skills, fostering global collaboration, and driving climate action.
This article covers everything you need to know about the AFC Fellowship 2025, from eligibility and benefits to application deadlines and programme structure.
About the AFC Fellowship 2025
The AFC Fellowship brings together a carefully selected cohort of around 40 emerging leaders from different regions, creating a dynamic learning environment for tackling climate-related issues and bridging the global North–South divide.
Participants will:
- Engage in high-impact leadership training
- Collaborate on solving real-world climate challenges
- Build cross-cultural networks for long-term impact
The programme is fully funded by the Africa Finance Corporation, ensuring equal access to all selected participants.
Programme Structure and Focus Areas
The AFC Fellowship 2025 is built around two core components:
1. Leading Beyond Authority
Participants will develop the skills to lead and influence beyond formal boundaries—a vital capability for addressing complex, cross-border issues like climate change.
2. Climate Challenge: Innoventure Process
Using a design-thinking approach, fellows will tackle a live challenge such as reforming carbon markets to preserve Africa’s ecosystems. The process culminates in pitching innovative solutions to senior leaders at the AFC.
Key Benefits of the AFC Fellowship
- Fully Funded: No participation costs
- Global Networking: Build lasting connections with peers and leaders across continents
- Expert Mentorship: Access to industry experts and facilitators
- Post-Programme Opportunities: Eligibility to apply for the Challenge Lab for further development of project ideas
- Proven Impact: Over 90% of past participants report being better equipped to act as bridge-builders and leaders
Format and Delivery
- Mode: 100% online via Zoom
- Language: English
- Support: 24/7 access to an online learning platform for course materials and discussions
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Have at least five years of professional experience
- Demonstrate commitment to climate action and bridging divides between the global North and South
- Be ready to engage actively in all online sessions and group activities
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 21 September 2025 (midnight BST)
- Information Webinars:
- 3 September 2025 at 11:00 BST (12:00 WAT for Nigeria)
- 9 September 2025 at 14:00 BST (15:00 WAT for Nigeria)
Quick Reference Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisers | Common Purpose & Africa Finance Corporation |
| Cohort Size | ~40 participants |
| Eligibility | Emerging leaders with ~5+ years’ experience |
| Format | Online (Zoom + 24/7 platform, English) |
| Cost | Fully funded / free |
| Application Deadline | 21 September 2025 (midnight BST) |
| Webinars | 3 Sep (11:00 BST) & 9 Sep (14:00 BST) |
| Focus Areas | Leadership, Climate Action, Global Collaboration |
| Post-Programme | Alumni network + Challenge Lab opportunity |
Why You Should Apply
The AFC Fellowship 2025 is more than just a leadership course—it’s a platform for change-makers to connect, collaborate, and create tangible climate solutions. The fully funded nature of the programme removes financial barriers, allowing participants to focus entirely on learning and impact.
If you’re passionate about climate change, global collaboration, and leadership development, this programme is an opportunity to elevate your skills and expand your influence.
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
🔗 Click here to apply for the AFC Fellowship 2025
🔗 Read more about the AFC Fellowship programme
