Fully Funded | Accra, Ghana
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
The Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program (NextGen) is a prestigious, fully funded internship and leadership development initiative created by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) to nurture a new generation of African leaders committed to strengthening governance in the energy and extractive sectors. The 2026/2027 cohort will bring together talented young Africans from across the continent to gain hands-on experience, advanced training, and mentorship in one of Africa’s leading policy think tanks, based in Accra, Ghana.
About the Program
The NextGen Program is carefully designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. It combines rigorous academic-style learning with real-world policy engagement, research, and advocacy. Participants are immersed in an intellectually stimulating and professionally supportive environment that equips them with the multidisciplinary skills required to analyze, influence, and reform complex governance systems in Africa’s natural resource sectors.
At its core, the program seeks to build a strong pipeline of pan-African leaders who can champion transparency, accountability, and sustainable development in the management of Africa’s energy and extractive resources. Through a structured capacity development process, interns are trained, mentored, and challenged to think innovatively, act ethically, and lead effectively in both public and private sector spaces.
Program Focus Areas
During the program, participants will receive intensive training and practical exposure in key areas, including:
- Resource Governance in Africa and Beyond: Understanding policy frameworks, fiscal regimes, extractive industry governance, and energy transitions.
- Transformational Leadership: Ethical leadership, decision-making, accountability, and values-driven public service.
- Research and Policy Analysis: Data analysis, evidence-based policy formulation, and applied research methods.
- Professional and Career Development: Workplace ethics, strategic communication, writing for policy impact, and career planning.
- Digital Communication and Technology Skills: Use of digital tools, data visualization, policy communication, and advocacy in the digital age.
Interns will actively contribute to ACEP’s ongoing research, policy briefs, stakeholder engagements, and advocacy initiatives, gaining first-hand experience in shaping conversations around Africa’s resource governance.
Objectives of the NextGen Program
The program aims to:
- Develop young African professionals with strong analytical, leadership, and research skills
- Promote ethical, transparent, and accountable governance in the energy and extractive sectors
- Foster innovation and critical thinking in addressing governance challenges
- Prepare participants for impactful careers in policy, academia, civil society, and industry
- Create a vibrant network of young pan-African leaders committed to sustainable development
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a young African, residing in Africa
- Be 32 years old or younger at the time of application
- Demonstrate a strong passion for ensuring Africa’s energy and extractive resources contribute to inclusive and sustainable development
- Possess relevant academic qualifications, preferably in one or more of the following fields:
- Economics (including energy economics)
- Engineering (petroleum, electrical, or related fields)
- Oil and gas management
- Public policy or public administration
- Law
- Political economy
- Development studies or development finance
- Project management
- Communications
- Statistics or mathematics
In addition, applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong writing skills with clarity, structure, and logical flow
- Adequate knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative analytical tools such as R, Stata, EViews, NVivo, Atlas.ti, or similar
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet multiple deadlines
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team
- Creative problem-solving skills and initiative
- A strong sense of ownership, responsibility, and accountability
- Demonstrated leadership potential
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Benefits of the Program
The NextGen Program is fully funded, ensuring that selected participants can focus entirely on learning and professional growth. ACEP will provide:
- Capacity Development Support, including:
- Specialized training and professional development opportunities
- Coaching, mentorship, and peer learning
- An enabling environment that encourages creativity and innovation
- Financial and Logistical Support:
- A generous monthly stipend for the duration of the program
- Daily lunch during working days
- Decent accommodation for international NextGen Leaders
- An approved return air ticket from the participant’s home country to Ghana
Why You Should Apply
This program is ideal for young Africans who aspire to influence policy, drive reforms, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development agenda. Beyond technical skills, participants gain confidence, professional networks, and a deeper understanding of ethical leadership in governance. Graduates of the program become part of a growing alumni network shaping discourse and practice in energy and resource governance across the continent.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications online before the deadline.
Application Steps:
- Visit the official application link: https://acep.africa/nextgen10/
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required documents (as specified on the application portal)
- Submit your application on or before January 15, 2026
Early application is encouraged, as competition for this prestigious program is highly competitive.
Final Note
The ACEP Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program is more than an internship—it is a transformative leadership journey. If you are a young African with the passion, skills, and commitment to shape the future of Africa’s energy and extractive sectors, this opportunity could be a defining step in your career.