{"id":61499,"date":"2025-08-09T09:56:12","date_gmt":"2025-08-09T09:56:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opportunitiesforyouth.org\/?p=61499"},"modified":"2025-08-09T09:56:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-09T09:56:12","slug":"instrumental-africans-afc-fellowship-climate-challenge-leadership-programme-in-2025-building-bridges-between-global-north-south","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/?p=61499","title":{"rendered":"AFC Fellowship \u2013 Climate Challenge Leadership Programme in 2025 \u2013 Building Bridges Between Global North &#038; South"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"140\" data-end=\"168\"><strong data-start=\"140\" data-end=\"168\">About the AFC Fellowship<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"170\" data-end=\"757\">The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Fellowship, in collaboration with Common Purpose, is a transformative leadership development program designed to bridge the gap between emerging leaders from Africa, the wider global South, and the global North. Focusing on shared climate challenges and other critical global issues, the fellowship empowers dynamic leaders to drive sustainable change and make a tangible impact on the world stage. Now in its third year, the AFC Fellowship continues to build on the success of the previous cohorts, with over 90 fellows having participated globally.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"759\" data-end=\"787\"><strong data-start=\"759\" data-end=\"787\">Impact &amp; Success Stories<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"789\" data-end=\"1085\">\n<li data-start=\"789\" data-end=\"856\">\n<p data-start=\"791\" data-end=\"856\"><strong data-start=\"791\" data-end=\"798\">98%<\/strong> of participants would recommend the Fellowship to others.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"857\" data-end=\"960\">\n<p data-start=\"859\" data-end=\"960\"><strong data-start=\"859\" data-end=\"866\">92%<\/strong> of participants feel better equipped to serve as a bridge between the global North and South.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"961\" data-end=\"1085\">\n<p data-start=\"963\" data-end=\"1085\"><strong data-start=\"963\" data-end=\"970\">99%<\/strong> of participants report feeling more prepared to have a positive impact within their organizations and communities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1087\" data-end=\"1163\"><strong data-start=\"1087\" data-end=\"1163\">Quote from Samaila Zubairu, President &amp; CEO, Africa Finance Corporation:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1165\" data-end=\"1363\"><em data-start=\"1165\" data-end=\"1363\">&#8220;For far too long, Africa has been viewed by the rest of the world as a place of \u2018problems\u2019&#8230; I believe Africa holds the solutions to many of the fundamental problems afflicting the world today.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1365\" data-end=\"1397\"><strong data-start=\"1365\" data-end=\"1397\">How the AFC Fellowship Works<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1606\">To join the AFC Fellowship, candidates must first be accepted into the <strong data-start=\"1470\" data-end=\"1512\">Climate Challenge Leadership Programme<\/strong>, a multi-faceted development track designed to foster leadership that transcends boundaries.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1608\" data-end=\"1642\"><strong data-start=\"1608\" data-end=\"1642\">Key Elements of the Programme:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"1643\" data-end=\"2054\">\n<li data-start=\"1643\" data-end=\"1847\">\n<p data-start=\"1646\" data-end=\"1847\"><strong data-start=\"1646\" data-end=\"1675\">Leading Beyond Authority:<\/strong> Fellows are introduced to the concept of \u2018Leading Beyond Authority,\u2019 equipping them with the skills needed to solve complex global challenges by working across boundaries.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"2054\">\n<p data-start=\"1851\" data-end=\"2054\"><strong data-start=\"1851\" data-end=\"1873\">Climate Challenge:<\/strong> Participants engage in a collaborative approach to tackling climate change, allowing them to propose innovative solutions and strategies for addressing global environmental issues.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"2056\" data-end=\"2077\"><strong data-start=\"2056\" data-end=\"2077\">Who Should Apply?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2079\" data-end=\"2397\">The AFC Fellowship is aimed at emerging leaders with at least <strong data-start=\"2141\" data-end=\"2179\">5 years of professional experience<\/strong>. Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to making a positive impact, have leadership potential, and be passionate about addressing climate issues and bridging the divide between the global North and South.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2399\" data-end=\"2621\">Fellows come from a diverse range of sectors, backgrounds, and countries. The program is ideal for motivated individuals eager to connect, learn, and collaborate toward solving some of the world\u2019s most pressing challenges.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2623\" data-end=\"2646\"><strong data-start=\"2623\" data-end=\"2646\">Fellow Testimonials<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2648\" data-end=\"3545\">\n<li data-start=\"2648\" data-end=\"2975\">\n<p data-start=\"2650\" data-end=\"2975\"><strong data-start=\"2650\" data-end=\"2720\">Sharmita Paul, Fellow &amp; Senior Customer Success Manager, Terragon:<\/strong><br data-start=\"2720\" data-end=\"2723\" \/><em data-start=\"2725\" data-end=\"2975\">\u201cThe global North and the global South have common agendas when it comes to climate change \u2013 we just need to come together and collaborate to do this. Whether it\u2019s a small sustainable project or leading climate policy change, collaboration is key.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2979\" data-end=\"3279\">\n<p data-start=\"2981\" data-end=\"3279\"><strong data-start=\"2981\" data-end=\"3037\">Magook Daniel Mayom Lueth, Programme Associate, FAO:<\/strong><br data-start=\"3037\" data-end=\"3040\" \/><em data-start=\"3042\" data-end=\"3279\">\u201cThe AFC Fellowship has deepened my understanding of carbon markets, climate change, and leadership \u2013 particularly the power of leading beyond authority. It has equipped me with the tools to influence change in South Sudan and Africa.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3281\" data-end=\"3545\">\n<p data-start=\"3283\" data-end=\"3545\"><strong data-start=\"3283\" data-end=\"3364\">Yitemgeta Fantu Golla, Chief Technical Officer, TM Geothermal Operations Plc:<\/strong><br data-start=\"3364\" data-end=\"3367\" \/><em data-start=\"3369\" data-end=\"3545\">\u201cI\u2019ve found more than just a platform to address climate issues; I\u2019ve discovered a community of visionaries. Together, we\u2019re building change, one sustainable idea at a time.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3547\" data-end=\"3589\"><strong data-start=\"3547\" data-end=\"3589\">Why Participate in the AFC Fellowship?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3591\" data-end=\"3659\">Participants of the AFC Fellowship will gain the following benefits:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3660\" data-end=\"4278\">\n<li data-start=\"3660\" data-end=\"3782\">\n<p data-start=\"3662\" data-end=\"3782\"><strong data-start=\"3662\" data-end=\"3693\">Enhanced Leadership Skills:<\/strong> Learn to lead across boundaries and tackle complex challenges with a global perspective.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3783\" data-end=\"3911\">\n<p data-start=\"3785\" data-end=\"3911\"><strong data-start=\"3785\" data-end=\"3802\">New Networks:<\/strong> Connect with a diverse cohort of leaders, contributors, and decision-makers from the global North and South.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3912\" data-end=\"4007\">\n<p data-start=\"3914\" data-end=\"4007\"><strong data-start=\"3914\" data-end=\"3947\">Creative &amp; Analytical Skills:<\/strong> Engage in new approaches to innovation and problem-solving.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4008\" data-end=\"4135\">\n<p data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4135\"><strong data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4033\">Influence &amp; Impact:<\/strong> Develop the confidence to present your ideas to senior decision-makers and drive impactful solutions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4136\" data-end=\"4278\">\n<p data-start=\"4138\" data-end=\"4278\"><strong data-start=\"4138\" data-end=\"4163\">Innovative Solutions:<\/strong> Collaborate to create actionable strategies for addressing climate challenges and promoting global sustainability.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4280\" data-end=\"4315\"><strong data-start=\"4280\" data-end=\"4315\">Fellow Testimonials (continued)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4317\" data-end=\"5150\">\n<li data-start=\"4317\" data-end=\"4614\">\n<p data-start=\"4319\" data-end=\"4614\"><strong data-start=\"4319\" data-end=\"4378\">Ambar van der Wath, Investor Relations, Baobab Network:<\/strong><br data-start=\"4378\" data-end=\"4381\" \/><em data-start=\"4383\" data-end=\"4614\">\u201cThe AFC Fellowship was a vibrant experience that challenged my assumptions and highlighted my strengths. Each session left me feeling inspired and more curious to apply these learnings in both my personal and professional life.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4616\" data-end=\"4906\">\n<p data-start=\"4618\" data-end=\"4906\"><strong data-start=\"4618\" data-end=\"4696\">Tukwatanise Bonnita, Programme Coordinator, Treescape Planet Organization:<\/strong><br data-start=\"4696\" data-end=\"4699\" \/><em data-start=\"4701\" data-end=\"4906\">\u201cBeing part of the AFC Fellowship has equipped me with the tools and perspectives needed to tackle pressing climate challenges, providing me a platform to collaborate with brilliant minds across Africa.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4908\" data-end=\"5150\">\n<p data-start=\"4910\" data-end=\"5150\"><strong data-start=\"4910\" data-end=\"4980\">Erin Maher, Sustainability Strategist &amp; Advisor, ENSP Initiatives:<\/strong><br data-start=\"4980\" data-end=\"4983\" \/><em data-start=\"4985\" data-end=\"5150\">\u201cI learned so much and connected with passionate, intelligent individuals. Their energy and expertise left me feeling optimistic about solving today\u2019s challenges.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"5152\" data-end=\"5187\"><strong data-start=\"5152\" data-end=\"5187\">Application Process &amp; Key Dates<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5189\" data-end=\"5318\">Applications are now open! Don\u2019t miss the chance to join the AFC Fellowship and become part of this global leadership initiative.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5320\" data-end=\"5340\"><strong data-start=\"5320\" data-end=\"5340\">Important Dates:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5341\" data-end=\"5507\">\n<li data-start=\"5341\" data-end=\"5397\">\n<p data-start=\"5343\" data-end=\"5397\"><strong data-start=\"5343\" data-end=\"5356\">Deadline:<\/strong> Sunday, 21 September 2025 (Midnight BST)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5398\" data-end=\"5452\">\n<p data-start=\"5400\" data-end=\"5452\"><strong data-start=\"5400\" data-end=\"5415\">Webinar #1:<\/strong> 3 September 2025, 11:00 BST (London)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5453\" data-end=\"5507\">\n<p data-start=\"5455\" data-end=\"5507\"><strong data-start=\"5455\" data-end=\"5470\">Webinar #2:<\/strong> 9 September 2025, 14:00 BST (London)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"5509\" data-end=\"5540\"><strong data-start=\"5509\" data-end=\"5540\">Programme Format &amp; Details:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5541\" data-end=\"5742\">\n<li data-start=\"5541\" data-end=\"5609\">\n<p data-start=\"5543\" data-end=\"5609\"><strong data-start=\"5543\" data-end=\"5552\">Mode:<\/strong> Online (Live sessions on Zoom, 24\/7 access to resources)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5610\" data-end=\"5665\">\n<p data-start=\"5612\" data-end=\"5665\"><strong data-start=\"5612\" data-end=\"5621\">Cost:<\/strong> Free (Funded by Africa Finance Corporation)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5666\" data-end=\"5742\">\n<p data-start=\"5668\" data-end=\"5742\"><strong data-start=\"5668\" data-end=\"5681\">Language:<\/strong> English (Proficiency in written and spoken English required)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"5744\" data-end=\"5773\"><strong data-start=\"5744\" data-end=\"5773\">2025 Fellowship Schedule:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5774\" data-end=\"6257\">\n<li data-start=\"5774\" data-end=\"5856\">\n<p data-start=\"5776\" data-end=\"5856\"><strong data-start=\"5776\" data-end=\"5796\">3 November 2025:<\/strong> Online platform opens (3 hours independent online learning)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5857\" data-end=\"5931\">\n<p data-start=\"5859\" data-end=\"5931\"><strong data-start=\"5859\" data-end=\"5880\">19 November 2025:<\/strong> Fellowship launch (1.5 hours live session on Zoom)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5932\" data-end=\"6050\">\n<p data-start=\"5934\" data-end=\"6050\"><strong data-start=\"5934\" data-end=\"5967\">December 2025 &#8211; January 2026:<\/strong> Leading Beyond Authority &amp; Climate Challenge sessions (varied dates and durations)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6051\" data-end=\"6139\">\n<p data-start=\"6053\" data-end=\"6139\"><strong data-start=\"6053\" data-end=\"6071\">February 2026:<\/strong> Learning &amp; Action Planning session (1.5 hours live session on Zoom)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6140\" data-end=\"6190\">\n<p data-start=\"6142\" data-end=\"6190\"><strong data-start=\"6142\" data-end=\"6160\">February 2026:<\/strong> Challenge presentation to AFC<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6191\" data-end=\"6257\">\n<p data-start=\"6193\" data-end=\"6257\"><strong data-start=\"6193\" data-end=\"6208\">March 2026:<\/strong> Fellows gathering (2 hours live session on Zoom)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"6259\" data-end=\"6276\"><strong data-start=\"6259\" data-end=\"6276\">How to Apply:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"6278\" data-end=\"6495\">\n<li data-start=\"6278\" data-end=\"6337\">\n<p data-start=\"6280\" data-end=\"6337\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commonpurpose.org\/Sitefinity\/Login?ReturnUrl=https%3a%2f%2fcommonpurpose.org%2fthe-afc-fellowship%2fAction%2fPreview%2fen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit the application page on the Common Purpose website.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6338\" data-end=\"6401\">\n<p data-start=\"6340\" data-end=\"6401\">Register for one of the informational webinars to learn more.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6402\" data-end=\"6495\">\n<p data-start=\"6404\" data-end=\"6495\">Complete the application by the deadline, ensuring you meet the criteria for participation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"6497\" data-end=\"6529\"><strong data-start=\"6497\" data-end=\"6529\">About Common Purpose and AFC<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"6531\" data-end=\"6983\">\n<li data-start=\"6531\" data-end=\"6715\">\n<p data-start=\"6533\" data-end=\"6715\"><strong data-start=\"6533\" data-end=\"6552\">Common Purpose:<\/strong> A leadership development organization with over 125,000 alumni worldwide, Common Purpose specializes in cross-boundary leadership to tackle complex global issues.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6719\" data-end=\"6983\">\n<p data-start=\"6721\" data-end=\"6983\"><strong data-start=\"6721\" data-end=\"6758\">Africa Finance Corporation (AFC):<\/strong> Established in 2007, AFC is a leading infrastructure and industrial investment partner across Africa, focusing on sustainable economic growth through projects in power, resources, industry, transport, and telecommunications.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"6985\" data-end=\"7088\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">For more information, please visit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commonpurpose.org\/the-afc-fellowship\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/commonpurpose.org\/the-afc-fellowship<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>About the AFC Fellowship The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Fellowship, in collaboration with Common Purpose, is a transformative leadership development program designed to bridge the gap between emerging leaders from Africa, the wider global South, and the global North. Focusing on shared climate challenges and other critical global issues, the fellowship empowers dynamic leaders to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":61500,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,23,28,29,31,33,38,34,26,35],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-61499","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-africa","8":"category-america","9":"category-asia","10":"category-australia-and-oceania","11":"category-continent","12":"category-europe","13":"category-fellowship","14":"category-latin-america-and-the-caribbean","15":"category-middle-east","16":"category-south-america","17":"article","18":"","20":"has-excerpt","21":"has-avatar","22":"has-author","23":"has-nickname","24":"has-date","25":"has-comment-count","26":"has-category-meta","27":"has-read-more","28":"has-title","29":"has-post-media","30":"thumbnail-","31":"has-tfm-share-icons"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61499","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=61499"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61499\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/61500"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=61499"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=61499"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=61499"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}