Applications are now open for the LAEL Fellowship Program for Environmental Leadership in Africa, a six-month volunteer programme aimed at equipping emerging African leaders with practical skills, professional experience and leadership capacity in environmental work.

Organised by Leafgreen Africa, the fellowship brings together participants from diverse professional and academic backgrounds for training in climate change, sustainability, biodiversity, nature-based solutions, research, data and environmental leadership.

The programme is open to Africans interested in areas including climate action, sustainability, environmental research, programme management, GIS, communications and impact measurement. Participants will have the opportunity to build practical capabilities while contributing to real environmental projects.

The LAEL Fellowship, which stands for Leafgreen Africa Environmental Leadership, combines structured learning with hands-on experience. Over six months, fellows progress through learning, application, collaboration, measurement, communication and leadership activities rather than focusing solely on environmental theory.

Following foundational environmental training, participants will select one of seven specialist tracks:

• Programme Management
• Research Lead
• Research Associate
• GIS Analyst
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning/MRV
• Social Media & Communications
• Graphic Design

The curriculum covers research and data literacy, evidence-based communication, stakeholder management, grant development, environmental finance and applied environmental projects. Fellows will also work collaboratively and complete a final capstone project.

Leafgreen Africa’s wider work spans environmental conservation, climate education, community engagement and GIS-supported environmental monitoring. This gives the fellowship relevance to applicants seeking to apply technical and professional skills to environmental challenges across Africa.

Successful fellows can benefit from structured training in their chosen professional track, practical experience on environmental projects, mentorship, guidance and peer feedback.

The programme also provides opportunities to build a professional portfolio, collaborate across disciplines, take ownership of projects, gain exposure to research and environmental data, and develop experience in evidence-based practice.

Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a LAEL Fellowship Certificate.

However, the fellowship is volunteer-based and does not provide a salary or stipend. Applicants are therefore expected to consider whether they can meet the programme’s weekly requirements before applying.

Eligibility

The LAEL Fellowship is open to applicants based in Africa, with eligible candidates coming from a range of academic and professional backgrounds.

These include students and recent graduates, early-career professionals, researchers and environmental advocates, programme and project managers, GIS professionals and data analysts, communications professionals and graphic designers, sustainability professionals, as well as people transitioning into environmental careers.

An environmental science degree is not required. The programme takes a multidisciplinary approach, recognising that environmental challenges require skills from different professional fields. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in environmental leadership and professional development.

Application timeline

The current application is for 2027 Cohort 1. Applications opened on 19 August 2026 and will close on 31 October 2026.

Selected fellows are scheduled to begin the six-month fellowship on 15 January 2027.

The key dates and requirements are:

• Application deadline: October 31, 2026
• Selection: November 15, 2026
• Fellowship begins: January 15, 2027
• Duration: Six months
• Time commitment: 6–8 hours per week

Applicants are advised to review the official fellowship information and complete their applications through Leafgreen Africa’s application page.

Strengthening an application

Applicants can improve their submissions by clearly showing both what they can contribute and what they hope to develop through the fellowship.

Selecting a specialist track that aligns with existing skills and career goals is important. For instance, applicants with programme coordination experience may consider Programme Management, while those with data-related backgrounds may explore GIS or MRV.

Applications should also include specific examples of relevant experience. Rather than simply stating an interest in sustainability, applicants can demonstrate that interest through projects, volunteer activities, research assignments, community initiatives or professional experiences.

Applicants should also be prepared for the programme’s demands. Fellows are expected to commit 6–8 hours each week, maintain at least 80% attendance, complete assignments, participate in collaborative projects and deliver a capstone.

The LAEL Fellowship provides African students, professionals, researchers, creatives and emerging leaders with a structured opportunity to connect existing professional skills with environmental challenges.

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the requirements and submit their applications before the October 31, 2026 deadline.

For more information and to apply, visit the Leafgreen Africa fellowship application page: https://leafgreenafrica.com.ng/lael-fellowship

Source: leafgreenafrica.com