AWF Opens Four Major Conservation and Climate Leadership Opportunities for African Youth (2026)

Leading Africa’s conservation and climate action agenda in this decade requires a new generation of leaders equipped with practical skills, strong professional networks, and a future-ready leadership mindset. In response to this need, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), through its Conservation Education and Youth Leadership Desk, has announced four competitive opportunities for young people across Africa.

These programs are designed to build technical expertise, policy influence, leadership capacity, and early-stage conservation pathways. Below is an updated overview of the available opportunities, including accurate eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application links.

1. AWF Geospatial Leaders Fellowship

Duration: 10 months

The AWF Geospatial Leaders Fellowship supports young professionals who are passionate about using spatial and geospatial data to inform conservation, land-use planning, and sustainable development decisions. Fellows gain hands-on experience in transforming complex data into practical tools that shape Africa’s conservation and development future.

Eligible countries:
Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Senegal, Tunisia, and Kenya

Application deadline: 15 January 2026

2. AWF–WALL Policy Fellowship

Duration: 9 months

The AWF–WALL Policy Fellowship is designed for emerging African leaders interested in international biodiversity governance and conservation policy. The program builds critical skills to influence environmental decision-making at national, regional, and global levels, with a strong focus on advocacy, diplomacy, and policy engagement.

Eligible countries: All 54 African countries

Application deadline: 20 January 2026

Apply here:

3. AWF–WALL Leadership and Management Fellowship

Duration: 9 months

The AWF–WALL Leadership and Management Fellowship focuses on strengthening leadership at multiple levels, including self-leadership, team leadership, and organizational leadership. Participants are equipped with practical tools to lead people, manage institutions, and drive impact within conservation and environmental organizations.

Eligible countries: All 54 African countries

Application deadline: 20 January 2026

Apply here:

4. Young Conservation Heroes Scholarship

The Young Conservation Heroes Scholarship offers fully funded secondary school scholarships to young learners in Kenya, creating early pathways into conservation leadership. The program supports students from communities closely connected to conservation landscapes and promotes long-term engagement in environmental stewardship.

Eligibility:
Applicants must be Kenyan students enrolled in one of the 137 primary schools supported by the Young Conservation Heroes Project in the following counties: Tana River, Kwale, Kilifi, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kajiado.

Application deadline: 31 January 2026

Apply here:

Explore More Environment and Climate Action Opportunities

For regularly updated opportunities in environment, conservation, climate action, sustainability, and youth leadership, interested applicants are encouraged to visit Opportunities for Youth (OFY). The platform features fellowships, scholarships, jobs, and leadership programs tailored for young people across Africa.

Final Note

These AWF programs represent a significant investment in Africa’s future conservation and climate leadership. Applying early, preparing strong applications, and choosing programs aligned with your skills and goals can be a critical step toward building a meaningful career that advances Africa’s environmental resilience and sustainable development.

If you are passionate about conservation, climate action, and leadership, now is the time to take the next step.