SELA Introductory Fellowship 2026: Free 4-Week Sustainability Leadership Programme for Students and Young Africans
Introduction
The Sustainable Education and Leadership for Africa (SELA) Introductory Fellowship is a 4-week, fully online, cohort-based programme for people who are curious about sustainability leadership and want to explore the possibility of building a career in sustainable development.
The programme is offered by Primacy Youth Development Initiative (PYDI) under the African Youth Mentorship Project. It is designed as an entry point for people who are interested in sustainability but do not have prior experience or knowledge in the field.
The current programme page describes the Introductory Fellowship as the best pathway for people who are exploring the possibilities of a career in sustainability leadership. Applications are currently open.
Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- 4 weeks of live sessions.
- An introduction to sustainability leadership.
- Access to the SELA community.
- Exposure to sustainability leadership concepts in a structured introductory programme.
- An opportunity to explore whether a career in sustainability leadership is right for them.
- Clarity on the sustainability problem they want to solve.
- The opportunity to draft an idea for their first project.
- Access to the wider SELA network and support system available to fellows.
SELA states that fellows across its pathways also receive lifetime access to the SELA Alumni Network, priority access to SELA events, grants and partnerships, and inclusive representation, with the programme welcoming fellows of different abilities, backgrounds and regions.
The broader SELA Fellowship is built around helping African sustainability leaders gain the training, guidance, network and practical support needed to turn ideas into projects and projects into lasting impact.
Eligibility
The Introductory Fellowship is designed for:
- Students.
- Early-career professionals.
- Advocacy enthusiasts.
- Anyone who cares about building a career in sustainable development.
- People who do not have any experience or prior knowledge in sustainability leadership.
- People who are passionate and curious about sustainability.
- People who want to test the waters before committing to a sustainability career or project.
The programme is particularly suitable for someone who is new to sustainability leadership. SELA’s programme pathway guide specifically recommends the Introductory pathway for people who say, “I’m new to this.”
This distinguishes it from the other SELA pathways:
- Introductory Fellowship: For people exploring sustainability leadership — 4 weeks, fully online, cohort-based and 3–4 hours weekly.
- Beginner Fellowship: For people who already have an idea they want to take from vision to implementation — 8 weeks, fully virtual and 6–8 hours weekly. Applications are opening soon.
- Advanced Fellowship: For people who have already started something and want to grow it into a structured organisation or startup — 8 weeks, fully virtual and 6–8 hours weekly. Applications are opening soon.
Deadline
The official SELA Introductory Fellowship page currently states that the application is open, but it does not provide a closing date on the page.
Therefore, applicants should apply while the application window remains open rather than assuming a deadline.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply through the SELA Introductory Fellowship application page.
The programme page provides an Apply option for prospective participants. Applicants should use that application route and provide the information requested by SELA.
Before applying, applicants should make sure that the Introductory Fellowship matches their current stage. It is specifically designed for people who are new to sustainability leadership, curious about the field and interested in exploring a possible career or pathway in sustainable development.
The programme is fully online, so successful participants should be prepared to participate in the live sessions remotely and commit approximately 3–4 hours each week for four weeks.
For enquiries, SELA provides the following email address:
sela@primacyyouthdevelopmentinitiative.org
Scholarships Expiring Soon
Conclusion
The SELA Introductory Fellowship is a suitable starting point for anyone who wants to explore sustainability leadership, understand the problems they want to solve and begin developing their first project idea.
Application Link
Apply for the SELA Introductory Fellowship:
Programme: SELA Introductory Fellowship
Duration: 4 weeks
Format: Fully online
Structure: Cohort-based
Time commitment: 3–4 hours weekly
Application status: Open
Application deadline: Not stated on the official programme page.
