Deadline: June 30, 2025 (11:59 PM GMT)
Young African professionals passionate about energy governance, public policy, and sustainable development have a unique opportunity to shape the continent’s future. The ACEP Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program Cohort 9 is now open for applications, offering an intensive, fully supported learning experience in Ghana.
This program equips emerging leaders with the skills, tools, and networks to influence and reform resource governance across Africa. If you’re ready to lead, research, and advocate for change in the extractives or energy sector, this opportunity is for you.
About the ACEP Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program Cohort 9
Organized by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), this flagship initiative targets early-career Africans (aged 32 and under) who aspire to make a measurable impact in resource governance. The program blends academic rigour with hands-on practice, research, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
Location: Accra, Ghana
Deadline to Apply: June 30, 2025 (11:59 PM GMT)
Duration: Varies by placement but includes full-time internship and training
Who Should Apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Not more than 32 years old
- Citizenship/Residency: African nationals currently residing in Africa
- Educational Background: Must have academic qualifications in areas such as:
- Economics (especially energy economics)
- Petroleum or Electrical Engineering
- Oil and Gas Management
- Law or Public Policy
- Development Studies, Political Economy, Communications, Statistics, or related fields
Skills Required
- Exceptional writing and research skills
- Analytical competence (especially using tools such as R, Stata, NVivo, Atlas.ti, or Eviews)
- Excellent time management, teamwork, and initiative
Roles and Responsibilities
Participants will:
- Conduct policy research on Africa’s energy and extractives sector
- Draft policy briefs and technical reports
- Contribute to ACEP’s advocacy campaigns and stakeholder engagements
- Participate in program design, monitoring & evaluation, and proposal development
Benefits of the Program
This is a fully supported opportunity, including:
- A monthly stipend
- Accommodation in Ghana (for international participants)
- Daily lunch
- Return air ticket from your home country to Accra
- Ongoing mentorship, peer learning, and training workshops
Application Process
Applicants must compile the following documents into a single PDF:
- Curriculum Vitae (chronological)
- Certified copies of academic certificates (and translations if applicable)
- A 500-word motivational statement
- One professional or academic reference letter (not from a relative)
- One 500-word essay on either:
- How critical minerals should be defined in your country
- How Africa can leverage resources to close its electricity access gap
- A copy of a valid national ID or passport
Selection Process
- Stage 1: Document review and shortlist
- Stage 2: Online interview with ACEP team (expected in July 2025)
Expert Advice from Grant Database
According to our grants advisory team at Grant Database, competitive candidates should:
“Invest time in demonstrating both technical competence and a clear understanding of Africa’s energy and extractives policy landscape. Personalize your motivational statement and essay to show commitment, knowledge, and creativity. Use real-life examples where possible. Attention to detail—especially in formatting your PDF correctly—is also crucial.”
Need help? Contact grantsdatabase.org for:
- Proposal drafting
- Refining your motivational statement and essay
- Application document review
Final Thoughts
The ACEP Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program Cohort 9 is more than an internship—it’s a launchpad for Africa’s future policy shapers. With mentorship, exposure, and financial support, this opportunity is designed to elevate your career and create real impact across the continent.
Apply now to be part of this transformative journey.
