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 online programme designed to develop a new cohort of African researchers, practitioners, advocates and policy thinkers working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, climate change, ethics and governance. The fellowship will select approximately 25 fellows from across Africa. It will provide participants with an opportunity to examine how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are influencing climate action while exploring the ethical, political and governance questions surrounding their use. About the Fellowship Artificial intelligence is increasingly being applied to areas such as climate modelling, agriculture, energy systems, early-warning mechanisms, carbon measurement and environmental decision-making. While these technologies can create new opportunities for climate action, their increasing use also raises important questions concerning data governance, algorithmic bias, accountability, transparency, consent, justice and unequal access to technological power. The fellowship will help participants critically examine these issues and understand existing technology and climate governance systems. It will also encourage the development of African-grounded approaches to governing technologies that are likely to influence the continent’s climate future. Fellowship Dates and Format The programme is fully online, making it accessible to participants across Africa without requiring relocation or international travel. Key dates include: Onboarding: 20 October 2026 Programme: 21 October–15 December 2026 Application Deadline: 16 October 2026 at 11:59 PM GMT Duration: Eight weeks Number of Fellows: Approximately 25 Format: Fully online Fellows should expect approximately five hours of engagement per week. Activities will include a weekly live session, assigned readings, discussions and collaborative work. Sessions will be recorded, while learning materials will be designed to accommodate participants experiencing different levels of internet connectivity. What Fellows Will Explore The programme will cover a range of emerging issues relating to artificial intelligence, climate governance and responsible innovation. Topics are expected to include: Artificial intelligence applications in climate action AI ethics and climate justice Data governance, algorithmic bias and consent Technology, power and the Global South African and international AI governance frameworks Governance of emerging and frontier climate technologies Carbon dioxide removal and solar radiation modification Responsible innovation and technology policy Development of evidence-informed governance policy briefs The interdisciplinary structure allows participants to examine these issues from technological, environmental, legal, economic, social and policy perspectives. Fellowship Policy Brief As part of the fellowship, participants will develop an individual or collaborative 1,500–2,000-word governance policy brief addressing a real policy or governance challenge within an African country, sector or discipline. The policy brief will provide fellows with an opportunity to apply concepts from the programme to a practical issue. Outstanding briefs may be considered for publication by ECF and YARA. Participants who successfully complete the fellowship will receive a certificate and become part of the ECF–YARA fellowship alumni network, creating opportunities for continued engagement and professional networking. Who Should Apply? The fellowship particularly welcomes applications from early-career Africans working or studying in areas relevant to technology, climate, governance and public policy. Potential applicants include: Junior researchers and graduate students Early-career policy professionals Civil society and development practitioners Climate and environmental professionals Journalists and advocates Technology and computing professionals Legal and economics professionals Public policy and social science researchers and practitioners A technical background in artificial intelligence is not required. Applicants from different academic and professional disciplines are encouraged to apply if they have a demonstrated interest in African technology and climate governance. Selection Criteria Applications will be assessed based on several factors, including the applicant’s motivation, relevance of previous experience or study, analytical potential and interest in African technology and climate governance. The selection process will also consider the potential contribution an applicant could make to the fellowship cohort and their ability to commit approximately five hours per week throughout the eight-week programme. Why This Fellowship Is Valuable The fellowship provides an opportunity for emerging African professionals and researchers to develop interdisciplinary knowledge at the intersection of two rapidly evolving areas: artificial intelligence and climate governance. Participants can strengthen their understanding of technology policy, ethical governance and climate justice while developing practical policy-writing experience. The fellowship’s focus on African contexts also provides a platform for participants to consider how global technology trends and governance frameworks can be understood and applied within African societies. How to Strengthen an Application Applicants should clearly explain why AI, climate governance and ethics are relevant to their academic, professional or community interests. Strong applications should demonstrate analytical curiosity, awareness of relevant African challenges and a clear commitment to participating throughout the programme. Applicants should also ensure that all required information is accurate and complete and submit their application before the 16 October 2026, 11:59 PM GMT deadline. Application Information The AI, Ethics and Climate Governance Fellowship 2026 is fully online, and approximately 25 African fellows will be selected. VISIT OFFICIAL APPLICATION FORM TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.