ANCA Nature Executive Fellowship 2027: Fully Funded 

If you are a senior professional in Nigeria working in finance, sustainability, conservation or development, this fellowship could take you to Cape Town, Oxford and London. The African Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA) Nature Executive Fellowship 2027 is now accepting applications for its third cohort, and the deadline is close.

What Is the ANCA Nature Executive Fellowship?

The Nature Executive Fellowship is a twelve-month leadership programme that trains Africa's next generation of nature finance leaders. It combines world-class teaching with a hands-on project. Fellows gain the skills and networks to mobilise capital for nature across the continent.

The programme is delivered with the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, the University of Oxford's Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, and the London School of Economics. It is funded by the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). ANCA is an African-led alliance of financial institutions, regulators and project developers, and its Secretariat is hosted by FSD Africa.

Are Nigerians Eligible?

Yes. The fellowship is open to leaders whose work and project focus on Africa, and Nigeria is in Africa. Past cohorts have included professionals from across the continent, including a fellow from Nigeria's Access Bank PLC. Applicants based outside Africa should note that the programme is for leaders whose work and proposed project are Africa-focused.

Who Is This Fellowship For?

ANCA is looking for executives and senior leaders with a proven record in sustainability, resilience and leadership. You are an ideal candidate if you:

•Are a senior executive who wants deeper expertise in natural capital and biodiversity finance

•Are ready to lead a real-world nature-based solutions (NbS) project in your organisation or industry

•Have your employer's nomination and support to attend all modules and complete the programme

•A nature-based solutions project is a requirement. It does not need to be fully developed, but it must be genuine, supported by your institution and able to progress over the twelve months.

The selection committee also looks at seniority, institutional commitment to nature, and a clear, complete application. It builds a balanced cohort across gender, geography and sector. Preference goes to candidates from ANCA member organisations, but non-members with exceptional potential are also considered.

Benefits of the Fellowship

•Strategic expertise from leading global institutions, applied to Africa's biodiversity challenges

•Leadership skills to drive nature-based initiatives at the top of your organisation

•A pan-African network of peers, alumni, investors, regulators and technical experts

•Project support to move your own NbS project toward implementation and capital mobilisation

•A certificate of completion signed by all programme partners

What Is Covered, and What Isn't

Programme costs, accommodation and some meals during the three residential modules are fully funded. You are responsible for your own flights, visas and travel and medical insurance. ANCA provides an invitation letter for visa applications.

Both UK and South African visas may be needed. UK visa processing can take several weeks, so apply early if you are selected.

Programme Structure and Key Dates

Milestone

Date

Application deadline

22 October 2026

Outcomes communicated

Early November 2026

Induction call

Early December 2026

Module 1: Cape Town (UCT GSB)

21–27 February 2027

Module 2: Oxford and London

10–14 May 2027

Module 3: African project location (TBC)

9–13 August 2027

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applying early helps.

Documents You Need

A CV of no more than two pages

A letter from your employer recommending you, committing to support you and your project, and permitting you to attend all three modules

A motivational statement of 450–500 words explaining why you are applying and the project you propose (in English)

Only complete applications are considered.

Important Warning Before You Apply

Fellows who miss a module or withdraw must repay the programme costs incurred on their behalf. Apply only if you and your employer can commit to all three in-person modules.

How to Apply

Submit your application through the official portal:

👉 Apply for the ANCA Nature Executive Fellowship 2027 https://fsdafrica.seamlesshiring.com/job/view/10896?mode=preview#/

Official programme page: africannaturalcapitalalliance.com/nef

For technical difficulties or general enquiries, email Fellowship@africannaturalcapitalalliance.com.

Nature finance is one of Africa's fastest-growing fields, and this fellowship puts you in the room with the people shaping it. If you have a strong project and an employer who backs you, do not wait for the last day.

Don't Miss the Next Opportunity

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