The African Natural Capital Alliance

Cultivating Strategic Leadership in Nature and Resilience

The African Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA) Fellowship is a strategic initiative designed to develop Africa's next generation of leaders in sustainable development and resilience. This fellowship provides emerging leaders with the advanced skills, knowledge, and networks required to drive meaningful impact across the continent's natural capital landscape.

About the Fellowship

In collaboration with the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business and the University of Oxford, the ANCA Nature Executive Fellowship offers a comprehensive program that integrates academic excellence, leadership development, and real-world application. It is specifically designed for executives who are committed to advancing nature-positive economies across the continent.

Programme Highlights

• Academic Excellence:
  Fellows will engage with world-class education top universities, focusing on resilience, development, and the strategic role of natural capital in sustainable economies.
• Leadership Development:
  The fellowship's leadership training emphasizes practical, ethical leadership tailored to Africa's unique challenges, preparing fellows to drive change at the highest levels.
• Practical Experience:
  Fellows will apply their learning to high-impact nature-based solutions projects, bridging the gap between theory and practice, and contributing directly to Africa's sustainable development.

Programme Modules

Residential Training at
the University of Cape Town (Cape Town, South Africa).
Seven days of immersive learning.

Dates: 1st - 8th March 2026

Oxford University Training
: Five days of specialized training at one of the world's leading institutions at Worcester College, Oxford University.

Dates: 11th – 15th May 2026

Immersive Learning Experience
: One week of hands-on experience with nature and biodiversity finance projects in a selected African country.

Dates: 10th – 14th August 2026

Who should apply?

The fellowship is targeted at executives and senior leaders with a proven track record in sustainability, resilience, and leadership. Ideal candidates are senior executives looking to deepen their expertise in natural capital and biodiversity finance, as well as Individuals ready to lead significant nature-based solution projects within their organization and industry.

Why join?

• Strategic Expertise:
  Gain insights from leading global institutions and apply them to Africa's most pressing biodiversity challenges.
• Leadership Enhancement:
  Develop the leadership acumen needed to influence and drive strategic nature-based initiatives.
• Global Network:
  Connect with a powerful network of peers and global experts, fostering collaborations that extend beyond the fellowship.
• Impact-Driven Projects: Lead
  nature-positive initiatives that address critical issues in Africa, positioning yourself as a key player in the continent's nature ecosystem.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline:
  3rd December 2025 at 17.00 EAT

How to Apply

Interested candidates can submit their applications via the application link. Applications should include the following three attachments:

• Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages)
• Recommendation, commitment, and permission letter from the employer
• Motivational statement words) explaining the candidate's reason for participation and proposed nature-based solutions project

*Only complete applications will be considered for enrolment. *

Program Costs

The cost of the program, including accommodation and meals at UCT, Oxford and the project visit is fully funded by the fellowship. However, fellows are responsible for covering all their travel and visa expenses.

Attendance is mandatory for all in-person fellowship sessions. Failure to attend an in-person session will require the candidate to refund all associated costs.