AI, Ethics and Climate Governance Fellowship 2026

About this opportunity

Emerging Climate Frontiers (ECF) and the Young Africans Research Academy (YARA) are inviting applications for the inaugural AI, Ethics and Climate Governance Fellowship 2026 — an eight-week fully online programme developing a new cohort of African researchers, practitioners, advocates and policy thinkers working where artificial intelligence, climate change, ethics and governance intersect. Around 25 fellows will be selected from across Africa. Fellows examine how AI and other emerging technologies are shaping climate action in climate modelling, agriculture, energy systems, early-warning mechanisms, carbon measurement and environmental decision-making — while confronting the ethical, political and governance questions that raise: data governance, algorithmic bias, accountability, transparency, consent, justice and unequal access to technological power. The programme is designed to build African-grounded approaches to governing the technologies that will shape the continent's climate future.

Who can apply

• Early-career African national, or based anywhere across Africa
• Working or studying in technology, climate, governance or public policy
• Open to junior researchers, graduate students, early-career policy professionals, civil society and development practitioners
• Also open to climate and environmental professionals, journalists, advocates, and legal/economics/social science practitioners
• A technical background in AI is NOT required — a demonstrated interest in African technology and climate governance is enough
• Able to commit roughly five hours per week across the eight-week programme

What you get

• Fully online eight-week programme — no relocation or international travel
• Certificate of completion and entry into the ECF–YARA fellowship alumni network
• Policy brief of 1,500–2,000 words on a real African governance challenge; outstanding briefs may be published
• Interdisciplinary curriculum spanning technology, environment, law, economics and social science
• Weekly live sessions, readings and collaborative work (sessions recorded)
• Materials designed for participants with varying internet connectivity
• Approximately five hours of engagement per week

How to apply

1. 1
   Review eligibility

   Check that you meet all criteria before starting your application.

2. 2
   Prepare documents

   Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, and any required essays or statements.

3. 3
   Submit application

   Apply directly through the official link below. Deadline: 16 October 2026.