SELA Introductory Fellowship Program: Fully Funded Sustainability Leadership Fellowship for Young Africans
Introduction
The Sustainable Education and Leadership for Africa (SELA) Introductory Fellowship is a virtual leadership development programme under the African Youth Mentorship Project, powered by Primacy Youth Development Initiative (PYDI).
The fellowship is designed for young Africans who are passionate about sustainability, social and environmental change, community development and leadership. It equips participants with practical skills, mentorship and guidance to help them start or strengthen grassroots initiatives, social enterprises and non-governmental organisations.
Benefits
Selected fellows will have the opportunity to:
- Participate in a comprehensive curriculum focused on leadership and sustainability.
- Receive mentorship and guidance from experts in sustainable development.
- Develop practical skills in project management and leadership.
- Learn how to start, develop and strengthen social enterprises and NGOs.
- Implement an impact project in their communities.
- Receive guidance to help turn their ideas into practical community projects.
- Connect and collaborate with other young changemakers across Africa.
- Join a growing network of sustainability leaders and changemakers.
- Develop skills in areas including climate advocacy, community activism and project management.
- Receive career support and mentorship.
- Gain practical experience in implementing community-impact projects.
- Access opportunities to continue building their social impact initiatives.
- Receive a certificate of completion after successfully meeting the fellowship requirements, including completing the required outreach/impact project.
The programme is fully funded, meaning there is no participation fee. However, selected fellows are responsible for their own internet costs and community outreach expenses, and no stipend is provided.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old by the stated eligibility date.
- Reside in an African country.
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to social and environmental change.
- Show leadership potential in sustainable development.
- Have proficiency in English.
- Have a passion for driving positive change in their communities.
- Have a basic understanding of environmental and social justice issues.
- Be willing to work collaboratively and commit the required time to the fellowship.
- Have an interest in creative storytelling and advocacy strategies.
- Be interested in gaining the skills needed to start or continue building a social enterprise or NGO.
The programme is open to applicants regardless of their previous knowledge or experience in the field.
Programme Commitment
The fellowship runs for three months and requires fellows to dedicate approximately 8–10 hours each week.
Fellows are expected to:
- Fully participate in virtual sessions.
- Complete assigned activities and assignments.
- Work consistently on their social impact project.
- Maintain regular communication with programme organisers and fellow participants.
- Participate in surveys.
- Provide feedback during and after the programme.
Technical Requirements
The fellowship is conducted fully online.
Applicants therefore need access to:
- A computer or mobile device.
- A reliable internet connection.
Deadline
The application deadline stated for the fellowship is:
20 September 2025
The programme information also states that applications close on 20 September 2025.
Important: That deadline has already passed. The current SELA website indicates that the previous cohort is closed and that the next cohort is expected to open soon.
How to Apply
For the cohort described in the fellowship information, applicants were required to apply online and prepare a 1–2 minute video explaining their motivation, passion and experience.
The application required the following documents:
- A valid government-issued identification document showing the applicant’s date of birth. Accepted documents include a passport, national ID, birth certificate or driver’s licence. The document should be provided in PDF format.
- Highest academic certificate in PDF format.
- An updated CV with references in PDF format.
- A 90-second video submission explaining the applicant’s passion and motivation. The video should be uploaded to Google Drive with a shareable link.
- A recent headshot in PNG or JPG format.
Applicants were instructed to submit their application through the SELA Fellowship application link and ensure that the required video and documents were prepared before submission.
For the current SELA programme, the official website now directs prospective participants to join the waitlist, as the previous cohort has closed.
Scholarships Expiring Soon
Conclusion
SELA is designed to help young Africans turn sustainability ideas into practical projects and develop the leadership skills needed to create lasting community impact.
Application Link
Official SELA Fellowship website:
Enquiries: sela@primacyyouthdevelopmentinitiative.org
