On February 6, 2025, the Africa Youth Climate Finance Fellowship (AYCFF), a flagship initiative of the Africa Climate Ambassadors Programme (ACAP) under Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA), officially launched a transformative journey for Africa’s youth in green finance. This 9-month fellowship has welcomed a dynamic cohort of 30 outstanding young leaders from 18 African nations, united by a fierce passion to secure Africa’s rightful share of global climate finance. With the world watching, these fellows are poised to reshape the continent’s climate narrative, and they’ve already hit the ground running.
Kicking off their journey with training from Columbia University’s prestigious Climate School, the fellows are diving deep into the complexities of climate change and climate finance. From understanding global mechanisms to mastering advocacy and project development, this cohort is being equipped to tackle the $4.5-5 trillion annual investment gap needed by 2030 to combat climate change, as highlighted in the UNFCCC’s 2022 report. With Africa facing a $160-340 billion adaptation funding shortfall by the same year (UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2022), their mission is clear: to bridge the gap and drive resilience from the grassroots to the global stage.
The fellows aged between 24-35, wasted no time, recently engaging in an electrifying debate titled, “Are U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts a Wake-Up Call for Africa’s Climate Finance Self-Reliance?” This thought-provoking clash of ideas explored whether declining aid signals a need for Africa to chart its own economic and climate finance course. Diverse perspectives lit up the discussion, from calls for self-reliance to critiques of global inequities, offering a glimpse into the bold thinking this cohort brings to the table. Curious? Watch the full debate here.
With the International Labour Organization projecting 24 million green jobs globally by 2030 and Africa’s renewable energy sector booming (12.7 million employed in 2021, per IRENA), the AYCFF is more than a fellowship; it’s a youth-led launchpad for economic renewal and climate justice.
As the fellowship unfolds, these young leaders will participate in high-impact training, mentorship, and global advocacy, ensuring that Africa’s voice is heard in key climate finance negotiations.
Stay tuned for more updates as our fellows drive the change Africa needs!
