SADC Wildlife-Based Economy (WBE) Champions Training: Call for Applications
Inviting qualifying NGOs/NPOs, Community-Based Organisations, and Private Companies across the SADC block to apply.
About the Programme
The Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC), in collaboration with the ALU School of Wildlife Conservation and Stellenbosch University’s African Wildlife Economy Institute (AWEI), is seeking one (1) “Champion” from every SADC member state to join a specialized, 5-day training program.
[Insert Image suggestion: A professional, diverse group of adults in a classroom setting, looking engaged, with text overlay: “BUILDING NATIONAL CAPACITY IN SADC”]
This fully-funded opportunity is made possible by the German Government and the European Union through the Joint Action NaturAfrica/Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management (C-NRM) project, implemented by GIZ. Our goal is to unlock the potential of wildlife economies for improved livelihoods and regional prosperity.
IMPORTANT INFO & DATES
Application Deadline: 28 April 2026 at 16:00 SAST
Selected Candidate Announcement: 07 May 2026
Programme Dates: 27 July – 31 July 2026
Venue: Johannesburg, South Africa
Language: English (with translation available for SADC official languages)
Purpose & Objectives
This training is designed to strengthen national capacity, cross-sectoral collaboration, and leadership in advancing the Wildlife-Based Economy and sustainable livelihoods within SADC member states.
The training will focus on:
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Building a cadre of national champions to drive implementation of WBE strategies.
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Strengthening coordination between environment, wildlife, trade, tourism, and economic development sectors.
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Supporting Member States in translating wildlife resources into inclusive economic opportunities.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
We invite expressions of interest from qualified stakeholders who meet all the following requirements:
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Be working with/for an NGO, Community-Based Organisation/Association, OR a Private Sector company.
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Be actively involved in the design, implementation, or oversight of WBE or biodiversity economy initiatives at the National Level in your country.
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Be actively engaged in wildlife-based economy initiatives or livelihoods-related projects.
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Demonstrate alignment with national development priorities, biodiversity economy strategies, or sectoral plans.
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Have no criminal record.
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Be in possession of a valid passport to travel to South Africa, which is valid for at least six months from the program start date.
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Be available to participate in pre-training and post-training virtual meetings (minimum of four 2-hour sessions between May and October 2026).
Support Provided (Fully Funded)
Successful candidates will benefit from a 100% fully-funded experience (T&Cs apply). This includes:
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Return Flights to South Africa (O.R. Tambo International Airport).
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Accommodation & Meals for the duration of the 5-day training.
Note: Visa costs must be covered by the participant’s organisation.
How to Apply & Selection Criteria
Before you click “Apply Now,” ensure you have the required documentation and understand the selection framework.
Required Documents (Must be ready to upload)
- A summarized Organisational Strategy demonstrating alignment with the SADC WBE Strategy or National Biodiversity Economy priorities.
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A copy of the applicant’s valid passport.
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A contactable reference (email & telephone) from a credible organisation or government official in the country of operation.
Selection Criteria Composition
Candidates will be selected based on the following preference:
Relevance & Alignment (40%): A proven track record and ability to amplify the WBE concept in-country and align with national strategic frameworks.
Diversity & Inclusion: Representation of women and youth is prioritised.
Motivation & Prior Knowledge: Candidates must be self-motivated to learn outside their home country and show prior knowledge of the SADC WBE strategy.
Apply Now:
Only application forms completed correctly, in full, and accompanied by the required supporting documents will be considered.
Click the link to apply by 28 April 2026 at 16:00 SAST.
Enquiries only:
For enquiries regarding the program (not applications), please contact:
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