African Youth Expert Development for Climate Action (AYEDE Climate Action)

April – June Cohort

Fellowship Booklet 2026 Edition

Overview

The African Youth Expert Development for Climate Action (AYEDE Climate Action) Fellowship is a 12-week, fully virtual capacity development programme designed to equip young Africans aged 18–35 with the interdisciplinary skills, analytical tools, and mentorship required to lead in climate policy, innovation, and green economy transformation.

Africa stands at the intersection of climate vulnerability and demographic opportunity. As climate impacts intensify across agriculture, energy, water systems, and livelihoods, there is an urgent need to strengthen youth participation in climate governance, finance, clean energy transitions, and community-based resilience initiatives.

AYEDE was established to address this gap directly.

The fellowship integrates structured learning, expert-led sessions, applied group projects, and mentorship to build Africa’s next generation of climate leaders.

The name AYEDE carries both functional and cultural significance. Beyond the acronym, AYẸ̀DẸ̀ in the Yoruba language means “Life has come,” reflecting the program’s focus on protecting life, nurturing hope, and enabling African-led climate solutions.

About SPiD

The fellowship is implemented by the Sustainable Participatory Development and Climate Resilience Initiative (SPiD), a youth-led organization committed to advancing participatory climate governance, sustainable development, community-driven resilience in Nigeria and across Africa, and building the next generation of climate experts for the global green workforce in support of a just transition.

SPiD works at the intersection of policy, innovation, and grassroots engagement to strengthen inclusive climate solutions.

Vision Statement

A just, resilient, and sustainable Africa where communities and young people are empowered to shape their environmental and social development futures through inclusive, participatory governance and action.

Mission Statement

To amplify vulnerable and marginalized community voices, build local capacity, and promote equitable, innovative, and sustainable climate and environmental solutions through participatory education, research, policy advocacy, and leadership development.

Fellowship Objectives

The AYEDE Climate Action Fellowship seeks to:

  • Increase equitable access to high-quality climate education for young Africans.
  • Strengthen interdisciplinary climate competencies across policy, finance, technology, and adaptation sectors.
  • Provide structured mentorship and professional guidance from experienced social development and climate experts.
  • Support youth-led climate solutions through collaborative project development.
  • Enhance career-readiness and leadership capacity in emerging green-economy sectors.

Who Should Apply?

We are looking for:

  • Young Nigerians aged 18–35.
  • Individuals with at least one year of engagement in climate or development-related work (volunteering, academic, research, or community initiatives)
  • Demonstrated commitment to climate action.
  • Willingness to commit approximately 5 hours per week
  • Stable access to internet connectivity
  • Strong interest in applying learning to real-world impact

Minimum 50% of selected fellows will be women.

We strongly encourage applications from underserved regions and communities.

Note: This fellowship is in the pilot stage, hence we are focusing on Nigerian only for the first cohort.

What You Will Gain

By the end of the fellowship, participants will:

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of African and global climate governance systems.
  • Develop applied skills in climate finance and proposal development.
  • Understand clean energy transitions and circular economy models.
  • Apply systems thinking tools to climate challenges.
  • Strengthen research and monitoring & evaluation competencies.
  • Enhance project management and community engagement capacity.
  • Collaborate on group climate innovation projects.
  • Join a growing network of African climate professionals.

Participants who complete all requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion and a recommendation letter, and likely get an internship placement.

Programme Structure

The fellowship runs from April to June (12 Weeks) and is fully virtual.

Each week includes:

  • 1 Live Expert-Led Session (60–90 minutes)
  • Curated Self-Paced Learning Materials
  • Interactive Discussions
  • Applied Assignments
  • Mentorship Engagement
  • Group Project Work

Curriculum Overview (April–May Cohort)

Module 1: Climate Policy, Governance & Advocacy

Understanding national and international climate frameworks and stakeholder engagement.

Module 2: Climate Finance & Proposal Development

Exploring climate finance mechanisms and building fundable proposals.

Module 3: Clean Energy, Just Transition & Circular Economy

Understanding equitable energy transformation and sustainable production models.

Module 4: Climate-Smart Agriculture & Food Systems

Building resilient food systems and adaptation pathways.

Module 5: Digital Innovation & AI for Climate Action

Leveraging technology for climate solutions and data-driven impact.

Module 6: Climate Communication & Storytelling

Strategic messaging, advocacy, and public engagement.

Module 7: Systems Thinking, Research & Monitoring & Evaluation

Applying analytical tools to design adaptive, effective climate interventions.

Module 8: Project Management & Participatory Community Engagement

Turning climate ideas into implementable, community-centered projects.

Group Project Component (June)

Fellows will work in teams to design a practical climate intervention aligned with African priorities.

Projects may focus on:

  • Community-based adaptation
  • Clean energy solutions
  • Climate finance strategies
  • Food systems innovation
  • Policy advocacy frameworks

Projects will be presented during a virtual Demo Day at the end of the fellowship.

Key Dates – April to June Cohort

  • February – Applications Open.
  • March – Application Deadline.
  • Late March – Selection Notification.
  • Early April – Orientation Session.
  • April – Fellowship Begins.
  • June – Final Project Showcase & Graduation.

Performance & Certification

To receive a certificate, fellows must:

  • Attend at least 70% of live sessions.
  • Complete required assessments.
  • Participate in group project development.
  • Achieve minimum performance benchmarks.

Accessibility & Inclusion

AYEDE is designed to be inclusive and responsive to Africa’s digital realities.

To reduce participation barriers:

  • Sessions are recorded
  • Materials are downloadable
  • Flexible deadlines are provided where necessary
  • Gender-disaggregated monitoring ensures inclusive outcomes

Alumni Network

Upon completion, fellows join the SPiD Climate Action Alumni Network, providing:

  • Continued learning opportunities.
  • Collaboration spaces.
  • Leadership pathways.
  • Access to climate opportunities (grants, fellowships, conferences).

Important Notes

  • This is a non-accredited professional development fellowship.
  • The fellowship is currently self-supported and implemented without dedicated external funding.
  • Participation is free for selected fellows.

Apply using the link below

Link: Application form 

Contact Information

For further inquiries:
Email: spi4d.org@gmail.com
LinkedIn: Link

Instgarm: Link

Facebook: Link

X(Twitter): Link