UGO Fellowship 2026 Cohort: Intensive Three-month Leadership Programme for African Countries - Fellowship

About this fellowship

The UGO Fellowship Programme features a cross-border exchange among UGO partner countries, enabling fellows to engage with various cultures, expand their networks, and adopt global viewpoints. Ultimately, it aims to cultivate a generation of African leaders dedicated to sustainable development through practical, lived experiences.

Application Deadline:

14 May 2026 at 23:59 SAST

Tell Me About The Fellowship:

The UGO Fellowship Programme is a Pan-African leadership journey designed to develop ethical, innovative, and impact-driven leaders in the green economy. Over three months, fellows engage in immersive learning across personal development, ethical leadership, social entrepreneurship, technology & innovation, sustainability, community development, and diplomacy training. The programme culminates in a cross-border exchange within UGO partner countries, building networks and global perspectives.

Which Fields are Eligible?

Sustainability
Green economy-related tertiary courses

Type:

Leadership Fellowship | Pan-African | Green Economy

Who can Apply?

Applicants must:

Be citizens of Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe.
Be aged 18–30 years.
Be enrolled at university in a green economy/sustainability-related course.
Have a minimum 60% average in latest results.
Never have travelled outside their country of birth.
Be open to domestic and international travel.
Have no criminal record.
Be available for the full programme.
Demonstrate disadvantaged background (affidavit or letter from Traditional Authority).
Have access to a suitable device and reliable internet.

How are Candidates Selected?

Based on eligibility criteria, academic performance, disadvantaged background, and motivation.
Competitive review of motivational letter, transcript, and supporting documents.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe.

Where will the Fellowship be Taken?

Hybrid format: Online training + cross-border exchange in UGO partner countries.

How Many Awards?

Cohort size not specified; limited slots available.

What is the Benefit of the Fellowship?

Intensive three-month leadership programme.
Training in ethics, innovation, sustainability, diplomacy, and entrepreneurship.
Cross-border exchange for cultural immersion and continental networking.
Development of practical solutions for community challenges.

How Long Will the Fellowship Last?

Three months (intensive programme).

Required Documents:

Single PDF containing:
- 1-page motivational letter.
- Latest academic transcript.
High-resolution head & shoulders photo (separate attachment).