Applications are open for the Nature Executive Fellowship 2026/2027, a professional development programme for senior African leaders working in areas connected to sustainability, natural capital, biodiversity and nature finance.
The fellowship is organised by the African Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA) in collaboration 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. The programme combines executive education, leadership development and practical work on a real nature-based solutions project.
Unlike many academic fellowships, this programme is aimed at professionals who are already in senior roles and are in a position to influence projects or decisions within their organisations.
About the Nature Executive Fellowship
The Nature Executive Fellowship was created to strengthen Africa’s capacity to respond to challenges involving natural capital, biodiversity and sustainable finance.
Over a period of 12 months, fellows take part in three compulsory residential modules, online sessions and group coaching. A major part of the fellowship involves developing a real-world nature-based solutions project that the fellow can lead within their organisation or wider professional ecosystem.
The programme is designed to fit alongside a senior professional role, although participants are expected to commit significant time to the fellowship and their project.
Nature Executive Fellowship Key Dates
For the 2026/2027 application cycle, the important dates are:
Application deadline: 22 October 2026
Selection outcomes: Early November 2026
Induction: Early December 2026
Module 1: 21-27 February 2027, 2: 10-14 May 2027, 3: 9-13 August 2027
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply before the final deadline.
Benefits of the Nature Executive Fellowship
Successful fellows will have the opportunity to:
- Gain specialised knowledge of nature finance and biodiversity.
- Develop leadership skills for driving nature-related initiatives.
- Learn from experts and institutions working in sustainability and natural capital.
- Receive group coaching and expert guidance.
- Work on a real nature-based solutions project.
- Build connections with senior professionals across Africa and internationally.
- Join the fellowship’s alumni community after completing the programme.
- Receive a certificate of completion signed by the programme partners.
The programme also provides an opportunity for participants to strengthen projects that could eventually help mobilise capital towards nature-positive activities in Africa.
Who Can Apply?
The Nature Executive Fellowship is intended for executives and senior leaders with experience in sustainability, resilience, leadership or related areas.
Applicants should generally:
- Hold a senior position within an organisation.
- Have the ability to influence or implement strategic initiatives.
- Be working on issues relevant to Africa’s nature, biodiversity or sustainability landscape.
- Have a genuine nature-based solutions project they are able to lead.
- Have support from their organisation to participate in the fellowship.
- Be available to attend all three compulsory residential modules.
- Be prepared to commit to the programme for the full 12-month period.
The fellowship can be relevant to professionals working across sectors such as financial services, conservation, technology, community organisations and other areas connected to nature and sustainable development.
A Nature-Based Solutions Project Is Required
One of the most important parts of the application is the project.
Applicants are expected to come into the fellowship with a real nature-based solutions project that they can help move forward during the programme. The project does not have to be completely developed, but it should be genuine, relevant to the applicant’s organisation or wider ecosystem, and something the applicant is in a position to lead.
This makes the fellowship different from programmes where participants simply attend classes or workshops. The idea is to apply what is learned directly to a project with potential real-world impact.
Programme Structure
The fellowship takes place over three main residential modules.
Module 1 – University of Cape Town
The first residential module will take place at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business from 21-27 February 2027. Participants will explore the fundamentals of nature science, the relationship between nature and finance, and the role leaders can play in creating systems-level change.
Module 2 – Oxford and London
The second module will take place in the United Kingdom from 10-14 May 2027, with activities at the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics. This stage focuses on areas including nature-based solutions, ecological principles, nature data and financial instruments connected to nature.
Module 3 – African Project Location
The third module is scheduled for 9-13 August 2027 at an African project location that will be announced later. Well, this module will provide an immersive learning experience connected to nature and biodiversity finance projects.
What Documents Are Required?
Applicants will need to submit:
- A CV of no more than two pages.
- A letter from their employer recommending them and confirming support for their participation and project.
- A motivational statement of between 450 and 500 words explaining why they want to join the fellowship and describing the project they intend to advance.
- Because employer support is required, applicants should discuss the fellowship with their organisation before submitting an application.
Is the Fellowship Fully Funded?
The current ANCA fellowship page does not describe the programme simply as a fully funded scholarship. Instead, it states that fellows who cannot attend a module or withdraw may be required to repay programme costs incurred on their behalf.
Applicants should therefore carefully review the programme’s financial and travel arrangements before applying.
The earlier ANCA programme information stated that programme costs such as accommodation and meals at the residential locations were covered, while fellows were responsible for travel and visa expenses. Applicants should check the current application information for the specific arrangements applying to the 2026/2027 cohort.
How to Apply for the Nature Executive Fellowship 2026/2027
Interested candidates can apply online through the African Natural Capital Alliance’s official Nature Executive Fellowship page.
Applicants should prepare their CV, employer recommendation, and motivational statement before starting the application. Since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, submitting early may be useful.
The application deadline is 22 October 2026.
Official application page
African Natural Capital Alliance – Nature Executive Fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Nature Executive Fellowship for?
It is designed for senior executives and leaders working in areas related to sustainability, resilience, natural capital, biodiversity and nature finance.
Can students apply?
The programme is designed for senior professionals rather than undergraduate or recent university students. Applicants are expected to hold a senior position and have the ability to lead a relevant project.
Do I need a project before applying?
Yes, applicants must have a genuine nature-based solutions project that they are in a position to lead and develop during the fellowship.
Is the programme online?
No, although there are online sessions and coaching, the fellowship includes three compulsory in-person residential modules.
Where will the programme take place?
The first module will be at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. The second will take place at the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics in the UK. The location for the third module in Africa will be announced later.
How long does the fellowship last?
The programme runs for approximately 12 months, including residential modules, online sessions, coaching and work on the fellow’s project.
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