Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program 2026
The Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program 2026 is an internship programme by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy for young African applicants residing in Africa. The 11th cohort is designed to combine theory with real-world application in resource governance, leadership, research, policy analysis, and professional development. Applications close at 11:59 PM GMT on Sunday, 21st June 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program
Opportunity Type: Internship Programme
Host Organization: Africa Centre for Energy Policy
Programme Focus: Resource governance, energy, extractives, leadership, research, and policy analysis
Location: Ghana
Eligibility: Young Africans residing in Africa
Age Requirement: Aged not exceeding 32 years
Language of Instruction: English
Deadline: 11:59 PM GMT on Sunday, 21st June 2026
About the Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program
The Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program is an internship designed to balance theory with real-world application.
The programme equips participants with multi-disciplinary intellectual development, practical skills, and research abilities. It aims to help participants think in more innovative ways to solve complex governance challenges.
ACEP is calling for the 11th cohort of the programme. The programme aims to build a pipeline of young pan-African leaders who can support good governance through training and an enabling working environment.
Programme Focus
The programme focuses on training and professional development in resource governance.
Training areas include:
• Resource governance in Africa and beyond
• Transformational leadership
• Professional and career development
• Digital communication
• Technology skills
Interns will also be exposed to tools and skills needed to set and achieve realistic personal and professional goals while upholding ethical leadership.
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Responsibilities of NextGen Leaders
NextGen Leaders will contribute to evidence-based policy analysis, training, and advocacy. They will support ACEP’s work in Africa’s energy and extractive policy space.
The official responsibilities include:
• Contributing to research reports and policy briefs on Africa’s energy and extractives sector
• Supporting stakeholder engagement activities on ACEP’s outputs and positions
• Contributing to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of annual programmes
• Supporting organizational development activities
• Supporting resource mobilization, including grants and proposal writing
• Contributing to programme management, monitoring, and evaluation activities
What ACEP Offers
ACEP provides support for growth and development during the programme.
The official page lists the following support:
✓ Opportunities for training and development
✓ Coaching, mentorship, and peer support
✓ Room for creativity and innovation
✓ Generous stipend and lunch for the duration of the programme
✓ Decent accommodation for international NextGen Leaders
✓ Approved return ticket from the NextGen Leader’s home country to Ghana
These benefits are offered as part of the programme support structure.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the official eligibility requirements.
The applicant must be:
• A young African residing in Africa
• Aged not exceeding 32 years
• Passionate about ensuring that Africa’s energy and extractive resources contribute to sustainable and inclusive development
Applicants should also demonstrate relevant academic qualifications and skills connected to the programme focus.
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Academic and Skills Requirements
Applicants should have relevant academic qualifications, preferably in one or more areas connected to resource governance and development.
Relevant areas include:
• Economics, including energy
• Petroleum or electrical engineering
• Oil and gas management
• Public policy
• Law
• Political economy
• Development studies
• Development finance
• Project management
• Communications
• Statistics
• Mathematics
Applicants should also have good writing skills, adequate knowledge of relevant qualitative and quantitative analytical tools, and the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
The official page mentions tools such as R, Stata, Eviews, NVivo, and Atlas.ti.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare all required application documents and combine them into one PDF file.
Required documents include:
• Curriculum Vitae
• Higher education degree certificates
• Motivational statement
• Reference letter
• Essay response
• National ID
The CV should be presented chronologically, with the most recent experiences and achievements listed first.
For certificates not in English, applicants must attach English translations to the corresponding document within the same PDF file.
Motivational Statement and Reference Letter
Applicants must submit a motivational statement explaining their reasons for applying to the NextGen Program.
The statement should outline the applicant’s goals, aspirations, and how their background and interests align with the programme objectives. The motivational statement must be limited to 500 words.
Applicants must also provide a current written reference from a university lecturer, former employer, or another professional. The reference must not be from a family member.
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Essay Requirement
Applicants must answer only one of the official essay questions.
The essay response must:
• Not exceed 500 words, excluding bibliography
• Include the applicant’s full name and email address at the top
• Be saved with the applicant’s full name and question number
• Be uploaded with the other required documents on the application portal
The official essay questions focus on local content policies in extractive industries and climate finance access in Africa.
The official page strongly discourages the use of ChatGPT or other AI assistance for the essay. Copying content from other sources without proper attribution is unacceptable.
Language of Instruction
The language of instruction for the programme is English.
Applicants are expected to have a working knowledge of English.
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Selection Process
All required documents are important in the selection process.
Successful candidates who pass the initial review will be invited for an interview.
The official application form also includes a declaration requiring applicants to confirm that all information provided is true and accurate. Misrepresentation, plagiarism, or unauthorized assistance may result in disqualification.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the official online application form and upload the required documents as one PDF file.
Applicants should:
• Open the official application form.
• Provide personal, contact, nationality, and residence details.
• Prepare all required documents.
• Combine the documents into one PDF file.
• Upload the PDF in the designated section of the application form.
• Complete the declaration.
• Submit the application before the deadline.
The uploaded PDF should include the CV, higher education degree certificates, motivational statement, reference letter, essay response, and national ID.
Application Deadline
Applications close at 11:59 PM GMT on Sunday, 21st June 2026.
Applicants should complete the form carefully and ensure that all required documents are included in one PDF file before submission.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
Apply for Next Generation Resource Governance Leaders Program
