ACEP Launches 2026 NextGen Leaders Program to Train Young African Energy Experts

The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) is now accepting applications for its 2026 leadership program. This initiative targets young professionals across the continent. Applications are open until January 15, 2026. The goal is to build a new generation of resource governance experts.

The fully-funded internship is based in Ghana. It aims to equip participants with practical skills for Africa’s complex energy sector. The program balances academic theory with hands-on policy work.

Program Offers Stipend, Accommodation, and Career Development

The Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program is a structured, full-time opportunity. Selected candidates, known as NextGen Leaders, will receive a generous monthly stipend. The program also covers lunch and accommodation for international participants.

ACEP will provide an approved return air ticket from the fellow’s home country to Ghana. This support removes financial barriers for talented individuals. According to development policy analysts, such comprehensive packages are crucial for attracting top-tier African talent to the governance field.

Interns will engage in rigorous research and advocacy. Their responsibilities include writing policy briefs and contributing to stakeholder engagement. They will also support program management and organizational development activities.

Addressing Africa’s Critical Resource Governance Gap

This initiative responds to a pressing need on the continent. Africa’s vast energy and extractive resources require skilled, ethical management to benefit all citizens. The program is designed to create a sustainable pipeline of leaders to tackle this challenge.

Training will focus on resource governance, transformational leadership, and digital skills. Participants will gain expertise in analytical tools like Stata and R. This multidisciplinary approach prepares them for high-impact careers in public policy, research, and advocacy.

The long-term effect is a stronger governance framework for Africa’s economies. By investing in youth, ACEP aims to foster innovation and accountability. This helps ensure natural resource wealth translates into broad-based, sustainable development for nations.

The ACEP NextGen Leaders Program represents a major investment in Africa’s future. It provides a unique platform for young professionals to shape the continent’s energy and extractive sectors. This initiative could redefine resource governance for a generation.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What is the ACEP NextGen Leaders Program?

The program is a paid internship focused on energy and extractive resource governance in Africa. It is run by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) and is designed to train young professionals through research, policy analysis, and advocacy work.

Who is eligible to apply for this program?

Applicants must be young Africans residing on the continent and aged 32 or below. They should have relevant academic qualifications in fields like economics, engineering, law, or public policy, and demonstrate a passion for sustainable development.

What are the main benefits offered to selected candidates?

Selected NextGen Leaders receive a stipend, lunch, and accommodation if they are international. The program also provides a return air ticket to Ghana, alongside extensive training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

What will participants do during the program?

Participants will conduct research, write policy reports, and engage with stakeholders. They will also support program management, monitoring and evaluation, and resource mobilization efforts for ACEP’s initiatives.

When is the application deadline?

All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM GMT on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Applicants must provide answers to questions in the form and upload required documents as a single PDF file.

Why is this program important for Africa?

It addresses a critical skills gap in managing the continent’s natural resources. By building a cadre of ethical, knowledgeable leaders, the program aims to improve governance so that oil, gas, and mineral wealth benefits African societies more equitably.