ACEP Opens Applications for the 11th Cohort of the Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Programme 2026 @Unknown

The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) has officially opened applications for the 11th Cohort of its highly regarded Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Programme, an internship initiative designed to equip young African professionals with the knowledge, practical skills, and leadership competencies required to address complex governance challenges across the continent.

The programme combines academic learning with hands-on experience, providing participants with a unique opportunity to develop expertise in resource governance, policy analysis, leadership, research, advocacy, and professional development. Through a structured capacity-building framework, ACEP seeks to nurture a new generation of African leaders committed to advancing transparency, accountability, and sustainable development in the energy and extractive sectors.

About the Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Programme

The Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Programme aims to build a pipeline of young Pan-African leaders who can contribute meaningfully to governance and development across Africa. The initiative focuses on strengthening participants’ intellectual capacity, practical research abilities, leadership potential, and policy engagement skills.

Training sessions will cover a broad range of thematic areas, including:

• Resource governance in Africa and globally
• Energy and extractive sector management
• Transformational leadership
• Professional and career development
• Digital communication and technology skills
• Ethical leadership and governance
• Policy research and advocacy

Participants will gain exposure to the tools and methodologies needed to achieve both personal and professional goals while contributing to sustainable and inclusive development across the continent.

Eligibility Criteria

ACEP is inviting applications from young Africans who are passionate about ensuring that Africa’s energy and extractive resources contribute to equitable and sustainable development.

Applicants must:

• Be African citizens residing in Africa
• Be 32 years old or younger
• Demonstrate a strong interest in resource governance and sustainable development

Preferred academic backgrounds include:

• Economics (including Energy Economics)
• Engineering (Petroleum, Electrical, or related fields)
• Oil and Gas Management
• Public Policy
• Law
• Political Economy
• Development Studies
• Development Finance
• Project Management
• Communications
• Statistics
• Mathematics
• Related disciplines

Applicants should also demonstrate:

• Strong writing skills with clear and logical argumentation
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analytical tools such as R, Stata, EViews, NVivo, or Atlas.ti
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Creativity and problem-solving ability
• Leadership potential
• Ownership and accountability in decision-making

Responsibilities of NextGen Leaders

Successful candidates will contribute to ACEP’s mission of promoting evidence-based policy development and strengthening governance in Africa’s energy and extractive sectors.

Their responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to research reports and policy briefs on energy and extractive governance issues
• Supporting stakeholder engagement activities
• Assisting in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of ACEP programmes
• Supporting organisational development initiatives
• Contributing to grant writing and resource mobilisation efforts
• Participating in programme monitoring and evaluation activities
• Assisting with advocacy and policy engagement initiatives

Benefits for Selected Participants

ACEP offers a comprehensive development experience designed to support participants’ professional growth.

Selected NextGen Leaders will receive:

• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development
• Coaching and mentorship from experienced professionals
• Peer learning and networking opportunities
• A supportive environment that encourages innovation and creativity
• A generous stipend throughout the programme period
• Daily lunch support
• Accommodation for international participants
• A return air ticket from their home country to Ghana

These benefits are intended to ensure participants can fully engage in the programme while building valuable networks and skills for future leadership roles.

Required Application Documents

Applicants are required to combine all application materials into a single PDF document before submission.

The application package must include:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The CV should be presented in chronological order, beginning with the most recent experiences and achievements.

Higher Education Certificates

Applicants must submit copies of completed higher education qualifications, including:

• Bachelor’s degrees
• Master’s degrees
• Equivalent tertiary qualifications

High school certificates should not be included.

Any certificates not originally issued in English must be accompanied by certified English translations within the same PDF document.

Motivational Statement

Applicants must submit a statement of no more than 500 words outlining:

• Their reasons for applying
• Career aspirations
• Professional goals
• Alignment with the programme’s objectives

Reference Letter

A current reference letter must be provided by:

• A university lecturer
• A former employer
• Another professional referee

Family members are not eligible to act as referees.

Essay Response

Applicants must answer one of the designated programme essay questions.

National Identification Document

A valid national identification document must also be included in the application package.

Selection Process

Applications will undergo a competitive review process based on submitted documentation and demonstrated potential.

Candidates who successfully pass the initial screening stage will be invited to participate in an interview.

All required documents play a critical role in the assessment process.

Language Requirement

The programme is conducted entirely in English. Applicants are therefore expected to possess a functional working knowledge of the English language.

Application Deadline

Interested candidates must complete the online application form and upload all required documents as a single PDF file.

The deadline for applications is:

21 June 2026 at 11:59 PM GMT

Building Africa’s Next Generation of Governance Leaders

For more than a decade, ACEP’s Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Programme has contributed to developing young professionals equipped to address some of Africa’s most pressing governance, energy, and development challenges. Through rigorous training, mentorship, and practical experience, the programme continues to create pathways for emerging leaders committed to promoting accountability, transparency, and sustainable resource management across the continent.

Application Deadline: 21 June 2026

Programme Host: Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP)

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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