Deadline: February 6, 2026
The Fonseca Leadership Program in Africa 2026 is a highly competitive leadership fellowship designed to support outstanding African conservation professionals pursuing advanced academic training in applied conservation. The programme honours the legacy of Dr Gustavo Fonseca, a renowned global conservation leader, and is implemented through the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Graduate Scholarship Program (GSP) with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
This prestigious opportunity targets emerging leaders whose work directly contributes to biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental solutions across Africa.
About the Fonseca Leadership Program in Africa 2026
The Fonseca Leadership Program in Africa 2026 focuses on building long-term leadership capacity among African conservation practitioners by supporting Master’s and PhD studies that prioritise real-world conservation impact over purely academic research.
The programme seeks to strengthen Africa’s conservation ecosystem by equipping professionals with the knowledge, leadership skills, and academic training required to address pressing environmental challenges at local, national, and regional levels.
Programme Objectives
The programme is designed to:
- Strengthen leadership capacity among African conservation professionals
- Support graduate-level academic training in applied conservation
- Promote conservation solutions that translate into tangible, on-the-ground impact
- Contribute to biodiversity protection and sustainable environmental management in Africa
Who Is Eligible?
To be considered for the Fonseca Leadership Program in Africa 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of an African country that is a GEF recipient
- Be a practising conservation professional with a strong commitment to applied conservation
- Demonstrate leadership potential and the ability to influence conservation outcomes
- Have career goals aligned with practical conservation impact, not purely academic research
- Have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in conservation or related fields
Applicants are not required to have secured admission to a graduate programme at the time of nomination, but must plan to begin their studies no later than October of the year following the award.
Nomination Requirement (Important)
Applications to the Fonseca Leadership Program in Africa 2026 must be submitted through nomination. Direct or unsolicited applications are not accepted.
Eligible candidates must be nominated by a pre-approved nominator, such as:
- Senior government officials
- University professors
- Senior conservation professionals from recognised organisations (including WCS, WWF, TNC, CI, and similar institutions)
Each approved nominator may submit only one nomination.
Application Process and Timeline
The 2026 selection process follows a two-stage application structure:
Stage One: Short-Form Application
- Deadline: 6 February 2026
- Purpose: Initial screening of nominees
Stage Two: Long-Form Application (Shortlisted Candidates Only)
- Deadline: 30 March 2026
- Purpose: Detailed assessment of academic plans, leadership potential, and conservation impact
Final Decisions
- Scholarship awards are expected to be announced by June 2026
What the Selection Committee Looks For
Strong candidates typically demonstrate:
- Proven leadership experience in conservation
- A clear vision for applying academic training to real-world conservation challenges
- Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills
- Commitment to long-term conservation impact within Africa
- Self-motivation, integrity, and professional excellence
Key Notes for Applicants
- Only nominated candidates will be reviewed
- Nomination approval requires submission of the nominator’s profile and CV before proceeding
- Academic programmes supported must align with applied conservation goals
- Studies must commence within the specified timeframe after award confirmation
Why the Fonseca Leadership Program in Africa 2026 Matters
Africa faces some of the world’s most complex conservation challenges. The Fonseca Leadership Program in Africa plays a critical role in developing leaders who combine academic excellence with practical action, ensuring conservation solutions that are sustainable, inclusive, and locally driven.
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Application Links
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