The Call for Applications: AI, Ethics and Climate Governance Fellowship 2026 is open to African researchers, practitioners, advocates, and policy thinkers interested in artificial intelligence, climate change, ethics, and governance.
Background & Fellowship Description
Emerging Climate Frontiers (ECF) and the Young Africans Research Academy (YARA) are inviting applications for the inaugural AI, Ethics and Climate Governance Fellowship 2026.
The eight-week online fellowship will bring together approximately 25 fellows from across Africa to explore the relationship between artificial intelligence, climate action, ethics and governance.
The programme is fully online and is scheduled to run from 21 October to 15 December 2026. Onboarding is scheduled for October 20, while applications close on 16 October 2026 at 11:59 PM GMT.
What Fellows Will Explore
Participants will examine topics including:
- AI 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
- Emerging and frontier climate technologies
- Carbon dioxide removal and solar radiation modification
- Responsible innovation and technology policy
- Evidence-informed governance policy briefs
Each fellow will also develop an individual or collaborative 1,500–2,000-word governance policy brief addressing a real policy or governance challenge in an African country, sector or discipline.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship particularly welcomes early-career Africans working or studying in technology, climate, governance and public policy.
Potential applicants include junior researchers, graduate students, policy professionals, civil society and development practitioners, climate professionals, journalists, advocates, technology professionals, legal and economics professionals, and social science researchers.
A technical background in AI is not required. Applicants from different academic and professional disciplines are encouraged to apply if they have an interest in African technology and climate governance.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful participants who complete the programme will receive a certificate and join the ECF–YARA fellowship alumni network.
The programme requires approximately five hours of engagement per week, including live sessions, readings, discussions and collaborative activities. Sessions will be recorded, with materials designed to accommodate different levels of internet connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the fellowship?
The programme runs for eight weeks.
Is the fellowship online?
Yes. It is fully online, so participants do not need to relocate or travel internationally.
How many fellows will be selected?
Approximately 25 fellows from across Africa.
Do applicants need an AI degree or technical background?
No. A technical AI background is not required.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 16 October 2026 at 11:59 PM GMT.
Final Thoughts
The AI, Ethics and Climate Governance Fellowship provides an interdisciplinary online programme for African professionals, researchers and emerging policy thinkers interested in the governance and ethical implications of AI and climate technologies.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with Emerging Climate Frontiers or the Young Africans Research Academy. Applicants should verify all application requirements and details through the official fellowship application source before applying.
Keywords: AI Ethics Fellowship 2026, Climate Governance Fellowship 2026, AI fellowship Africa, climate fellowship Africa, African researchers fellowship, technology governance fellowship, AI and climate change, online fellowships 2026
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