Africa's Climate
Leaders Start Here
ACLA builds the next generation of African climate leaders through world-class training, cutting-edge research, and a powerful network spanning the entire continent.
Transforming Africa Through Climate Leadership
The Africa Climate Leadership Academy was founded on a bold conviction: that the solutions to Africa's climate challenges must be designed and led by Africans. Since our founding in 2017, we have trained over 2,400 climate leaders from all 54 African nations.
Our graduates lead climate action in governments, development banks, civil society, and the private sector — shaping policies, mobilizing finance, and building the resilient communities that Africa needs to thrive in a changing climate.
Our Mission
To develop visionary African climate leaders equipped to drive transformative change across the continent.
Our Vision
A climate-resilient Africa where homegrown leadership drives equitable, sustainable development for all.
Our Partners
We collaborate with 60+ governments, universities, and international organizations across Africa and globally.
Our Impact
Alumni have influenced policies affecting 380 million people and mobilized $4.2B in climate finance for Africa.
Flagship Training Programs
Six intensive programs designed to build specialist expertise across the full climate action spectrum.
Climate Policy & Governance
Design and implement transformative climate policies at national and regional levels.
Renewable Energy Systems
Lead Africa's energy transition with expertise in solar, wind, and distributed energy solutions.
Sustainable Agriculture & Land Use
Transform food systems and land management to build climate-resilient communities.
Climate Finance & Green Investment
Mobilize and manage the climate finance Africa needs to meet its development goals.
Urban Resilience & Adaptation
Build the adaptive capacity of African cities facing climate-driven disruptions.
Climate Communication & Advocacy
Amplify African climate narratives and drive public action through strategic communication.
Experienced Climate Leaders
Our faculty and staff are accomplished practitioners who bring decades of real-world experience to every program.
Dr. Amara Diallo
Executive Director
Senegal
Dr. Diallo brings over 20 years of experience in climate diplomacy and sustainable development. A former lead negotiator for the African Group at UNFCCC, she has advised heads of state and shaped landmark agreements including the Paris Agreement implementation framework.
Prof. Kwame Asante
Director of Programs
Ghana
A distinguished climate scientist and educator, Prof. Asante leads curriculum development and ensures academic rigor across all ACLA programs. He holds a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Cape Town and has published over 60 peer-reviewed papers.
Dr. Fatima Hassan
Head of Research & Innovation
Ethiopia
Dr. Hassan leads ACLA's research agenda on African climate solutions, with a focus on indigenous knowledge systems and community-led adaptation. She previously served as a senior researcher at the African Development Bank's Climate Change Unit.
Benjamin Osei
Director of Partnerships
Nigeria
Benjamin oversees ACLA's strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and private sector partners. His network spans 40+ African countries and leading global climate institutions, enabling ACLA to place graduates in impactful roles across the continent.
Aisha Mwangi
Director of Finance & Sustainability
Kenya
Aisha brings deep expertise in climate finance and institutional sustainability. She previously managed a $200M green investment fund at the African Climate Finance Hub and holds an MBA from INSEAD and a Masters in Environmental Economics.
Dr. Ibrahim Touré
Senior Faculty — Energy & Technology
Mali
A pioneering engineer and entrepreneur, Dr. Touré has built and financed over 500 solar mini-grids across francophone Africa. He leads ACLA's energy curriculum and mentors the next generation of clean energy practitioners across the continent.
Sophia Nakagawa
Senior Faculty — Urban Resilience
South Africa
Sophia is an internationally recognized urban resilience expert who has worked with 25 African cities on climate adaptation planning. She brings experience from ICLEI, UN-Habitat, and her own consultancy, and is a sought-after advisor to city governments across the continent.
Dr. Cécile Mbeki
Director of Alumni & Impact
DRC
Dr. Mbeki leads ACLA's alumni network of 2,000+ climate leaders and tracks long-term program impact. A social scientist and evaluation specialist, she designed ACLA's Theory of Change and has published widely on leadership development for sustainable development.
Upcoming Events
Africa Climate Leadership Summit 2026
Our flagship annual gathering brings together 500 climate leaders, policymakers, scientists, and practitioners from across Africa. This year's theme — "African Solutions for a Just Transition" — focuses on locally-led climate action, innovative finance, and the continent's vision for COP31.
Policy Workshop: Developing Carbon Markets in Africa
A focused two-day workshop for policymakers and finance professionals exploring the design and implementation of Article 6-aligned carbon market frameworks across African jurisdictions. Includes case studies from Kenya, Gabon, and Zimbabwe.
ACLA Youth Climate Fellowship — Applications Open
Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort of the ACLA Youth Climate Fellowship. This fully-funded 12-month program supports 30 outstanding young Africans (under 35) to develop as climate leaders. Fellows receive training, mentorship, and a placement stipend.
Regional Workshop: Climate Resilience for African Cities
Webinar: Accessing the Green Climate Fund for African Projects
Pan-African Climate-Smart Agriculture Conference
Masterclass: Strengthening Africa's NDCs for 2035
What Our Alumni Say
Hear from the climate leaders who started their journey with ACLA
"ACLA fundamentally transformed my approach to climate diplomacy. The pan-African network I built here continues to open doors at every level."
"The Climate Finance program gave me the tools to structure a $50M green bond issuance for our municipality. Directly applicable, world-class training."
"ACLA is where African climate solutions are born. The combination of rigorous curriculum and real-world mentorship is unmatched on the continent."
Ready to Lead Africa's Climate Future?
Whether you're interested in our programs, want to partner with ACLA, or just want to learn more, our team is here to help.