The GFCSI Climate Strategy Research Fellowship
A premier 9-12 month leadership and research program cultivating Africa's next generation of climate strategists.
Overview
What Makes the Fellowship Unique?
Embedded in a real think tank
Focused on climate finance, governance, research, and diplomacy
Designed for Africa's emerging climate leaders
Creates a continent-wide leadership pipeline
Fellowship Philosophy
Africa Must Lead
Building African experts who can articulate Africa's interests and design African solutions
Technical + Strategic
Combining analysis, strategy, and implementation across finance, governance, and diplomacy
Youth Are Present
Amplifying leadership by giving emerging experts tools to influence climate action today
The Journey
Six-Phase Learning Pathway
Learning and specialization unfold through six integrated phases across the Fellowship year.
Orientation & Onboarding
Introduction to GFCSI's mission, Fellowship expectations, ethical standards, institutional context, and Track system.
Foundational Learning
Core literacy in climate science, climate finance, governance systems, MRV, and global climate architecture.
Deepening & Applied Understanding
Case-based learning, institutional sessions, and analytical labs connecting theory to real governance and financial systems.
Research Integration & Track Alignment
Research proposal development, methodology training, supervisor engagement, and confirmation of Track-aligned research focus.
Application & Institutional Engagement
Fieldwork, data collection, institutional interviews, and applied analysis aligned with Track specialization.
Synthesis & Transition
Finalization of thesis and GFCSI Applied Research Paper, capstone presentation, and transition into alumni and professional pathways.
Specializations
Four Fellowship Tracks
Each Fellow must select one primary Fellowship Track that determines their research focus, supervision alignment, applied research outputs, institutional exposure priorities, and graduation designation.
Climate Finance Access & Investment
Focus Areas:
- Climate finance architecture, readiness systems
- Project pipeline development
- Financial instruments and blended finance models
- Carbon markets
- Credibility and investment readiness
Ideal for:
Finance, economics, investment, development banking
Applied Climate Research & African Knowledge Systems
Focus Areas:
- Applied climate research methodologies
- Vulnerability and risk analysis
- Climate science for policy translation
- Sectoral climate diagnostics
- Evidence systems for institutions
Ideal for:
Climate science, research, data analytics, environmental studies
Climate Governance & Implementation Capacity
Focus Areas:
- Institutional systems and coordination
- Planning and budgeting frameworks
- MRV and transparency systems
- Implementation bottleneck diagnosis
- Governance reform strategies
Ideal for:
Public administration, governance, development planning, law
Climate Diplomacy, Negotiation Strategy & Public Engagement
Focus Areas:
- UNFCCC processes and negotiation strategy
- Geopolitical analysis and coalition dynamics
- Communication and narrative framing
- African coordination in global forums
- Connecting diplomacy to national priorities
Ideal for:
International relations, diplomacy, negotiation, global governance
What You Receive
Fellowship Benefits
World-Class Training
Advanced coursework with leading experts
Research Publication
Personalized supervision and published outputs
Institutional Immersion
Embedded placements in key institutions
Career Networking
Access to expert networks and platforms
Professional Growth
Leadership coaching and skills training
Alumni Membership
Lifetime network access and opportunities
Current Fellows
Access your courses, assignments, and resources on Greenboard - the Fellowship learning platform.
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Application Process
Submit Application
Essay Review
Panel Interview
Track Placement
Onboarding
Alumni Pathways
The Fellowship is a career catalyst. Our alumni influence policy, finance, diplomacy, and research across Africa and globally.
Government & Policy
Ministries, NDAs, climate directorates
Research & Think Tanks
Policy institutes, climate centers
Development Finance
Development banks, multilateral funds
Climate Diplomacy
UNFCCC delegations, COP teams
Academia
Master's, PhD, research careers
Private Sector
Climate finance teams, consulting
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
Who Can Apply?
Open to final-year undergraduates, recent graduates, master's and PhD students, and early-career professionals across Africa.
Greenboard — Digital Learning Platform
Greenboard is the Fellowship's official digital academic environment supporting curriculum delivery, research supervision and feedback, milestone tracking, formal submissions, peer collaboration, and official communication.
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