ACEP Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program 2025 for Young Africans

The Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program is an internship that intends to balance a dose of theory with real-world application and equip participants with the requisite multi-disciplinary intellectual development, practical skills, and research abilities to think in more innovative ways to solve complex governance challenges. The Program is also a strategy to build a pipeline of young pan-African leaders to provide a sustainable path for good governance.

The core of our ambition is to train and nurture young people in an enabling working environment through a structured capacity development process. These will include training on transformational leadership development, professional and career development, and digital communication and technology skills. Essentially, beyond the technical training in resource governance, interns will be exposed to the tools and guidance needed to set and achieve realistic personal and professional goals, coupled with well-rounded and ethical leadership training.

ACEP is calling for applications for the 9th cohort of the Program.

• Table of Content
• About Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP)
• ACEP Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program
• Aim and Benefits of ACEP Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program
• Requirements for ACEP Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for ACEP Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP)

The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) was established to contribute to the development of alternative and innovative policy interventions through high-quality research, analysis, and advocacy in Africa’s energy and extractives sector. ACEP works on improving resource governance by promoting beneficial ownership disclosures, exposing corruption and tax evasion, curbing illicit financial flows (IFFs) in the extractive sector, capacity building of state and non-state institutions, equitable distribution of resources and efficient delivery of development intervention... continue reading

ACEP Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program

Aim and Benefits of ACEP Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program

ACEP will provide:

Support for growth and development through:

• Opportunities for training and development
• Coaching, mentorship, and peer support
• Creating room for creativity and innovation

A generous stipend and lunch for the duration of the program.

• Decent accommodation for international NextGen Leaders.
• An approved return ticket from the NextGen Leader's home country to Ghana.

Requirements for ACEP Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program Qualification

The applicant must be a young African residing in Africa, aged  not exceeding 32 years , who demonstrates a passion for ensuring the continent's vast energy and extractive resources contribute to sustainable and inclusive development. Among other qualifications, the applicant must possess:

• Relevant academic qualifications, preferably in any or a combination of economics (including energy), engineering (petroleum/electrical), oil and gas management, public policy, law, political economics, development studies, development finance, project management, communications, statistics, mathematics, etc.
• Good writing skills with clarity and logical flow of thought
• Adequate knowledge of relevant qualitative and quantitative analytical tools (R, Stata, Eviews, NVivo, Atlas.ti etc.)
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet multiple deadlines
• Good interpersonal skills and team spirit
• The ability to think creatively and take the initiative in solving problems
• A good sense of ownership and responsibility for his/her decisions and actions
• A strong sense of leadership

Interview date, Process and Venue for ACEP Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program

Application Essay Question

Please Note:

• Answer  only one (1)
• Your answer should not exceed 500 words (excluding bibliography)
• Use of ChatGPT or other AI assistance is strongly discouraged.
• Copying content from other sources without proper attribution is unacceptable.
• Include your full name and the number to the question you're answering at the top of your essay response.

Question 1

Critical minerals have taken center stage in policy discussions surrounding the mining industry. However, their definition varies across countries and regions based on differing priorities and contexts. In your opinion, what key considerations should guide your country in defining and identifying its critical minerals?

Question 2

Over 600 million people in Africa are estimated to lack access to electricity. Given the continent's diverse resource base, how should Africa strategically deploy its resources to close the energy access gap?

Documents Required for Application

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV):
   • Present your CV chronologically, listing the most recent experiences and achievements first.
2. Higher Education Degree Certificates:
   • Submit  only  copies of certificates for your completed  higher education degrees  (eg, Bachelor's, Master's, or equivalent).
   • Do not include high school certificates or diplomas.
   • For certificates not in English, attach their English translations to the corresponding document within the same PDF file.
3. Motivational Statement:
   • Submit a written statement explaining your reasons for applying to the NextGen Program. It should outline your goals, aspirations, and how your background and interests align with the program's objectives.
   • Limit this to  500 words.
4. Reference Letter:
   • Provide a current written reference from one of the following: a university lecturer, a former employer, or any other professional (not a family member)
5. Essay Response:
   • Submit a written response to  one  of the two provided essay questions.
   • You can find the application essay questions  here .
6. National ID

Important Notes:

• All required documents should be combined into  one PDF file  and uploaded in the designated section of the application form.
• Ensure documents not in English have their English translations attached to the corresponding document within the same PDF file.

Check also:
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to Study in UK 2027/2028
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Africans 2027 (Fully Funded to USA)

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit ACEP Program webpage