Applications Open for the United Nations 2026 SDG Innovation Accelerator for Professionals

The United Nations Global Compact has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 SDG Innovation Accelerator for Professionals — a nine-month programme designed to empower young professionals to create business-driven solutions that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This initiative provides a unique opportunity for companies participating in the UN Global Compact to nurture in-house innovators capable of driving sustainability, transformation, and long-term business value.

About the Accelerator

The SDG Innovation Accelerator equips participants with tools and strategies to integrate sustainability into business models, develop innovative solutions, and build leadership capacity.
For African organisations, particularly those expanding their ESG and innovation strategies, the programme offers access to global expertise, collaborative learning, and practical frameworks to transform sustainability goals into measurable business results.

Programme Highlights

• Duration: February – September 2026

• Application Window: 15 October 2025 – 31 January 2026

• Eligibility: Young professionals aged 35 or below employed by companies that are members of the UN Global Compact

• Commitment: Minimum of 4 hours per month for coursework and attendance at 4 full-day workshops

• Tracks:

  • In-country cohorts

  • Africa Track (for companies in Egypt and the Indian Ocean region)

  • Global Track (for participants in countries without local Global Compact offices)

Participants are expected to be high-performing individuals with a strong interest in sustainability, business innovation, or emerging technologies.

Why It Matters for African Businesses

Across Africa, companies are under increasing pressure to deliver not just profits, but purpose. However, many organisations still lack the internal capacity to innovate around sustainability.

The SDG Innovation Accelerator bridges this gap by equipping young professionals to address real business challenges such as:

• Climate risk and resilience

• Circular economy and sustainable production

• Inclusive business growth

• Ethical and responsible sourcing

Through participation, companies can strengthen their brand reputation, prepare future leaders, and integrate the SDGs into corporate strategy. Alumni often return with actionable innovations that enhance product design, operational efficiency, and corporate responsibility.

Benefits for Participants

• Access to global case studies and innovation frameworks

• Expert-led workshops and hands-on coaching

• Collaboration with peers from leading international companies

• Mentorship on sustainability, technology, and leadership

• Opportunity to develop and pitch real-world business solutions

Benefits for Companies

• Tailored SDG-focused solutions to key business challenges

• Strengthened innovation and sustainability culture

• Structured professional development for emerging leaders

• Enhanced global recognition through UN Global Compact participation

Tips for a Successful Application

• Nominate employees already contributing to innovation or sustainability projects

• Choose candidates capable of representing company priorities and challenges

• Ensure management support for nominated participants

• Encourage nominees to identify a sustainability challenge relevant to their company before applying

How to Apply

Only UN Global Compact participant companies are eligible to apply.

To submit an application:

1. Visit the official SDG Innovation Accelerator Programme page

2. Indicate interest during the application window (15 October 2025 – 31 January 2026)

3. Submit nominee details, including professional background and company endorsement

4. Attend the information session on 2 December 2025

5. Await confirmation and onboarding before the programme launch in February 2026

Source: United Nations Global Compact – SDG Innovation Accelerator for Professionals

Sino-Africa Green Finance Alliance (SAGFA) Fellowship – Fully Funded

The Sino-Africa Green Finance Alliance (SAGFA) Fellowship is a fully funded professional development program aimed at cultivating African leadership in green finance and sustainable development.

Led by the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA) and supported by the African Climate Foundation (ACF), this fellowship equips professionals in policy, research, and industry with the knowledge and tools to drive sustainable economic transformation across the continent.

About the Fellowship

The SAGFA Fellowship provides specialized training in green finance, climate policy, and sustainable industrial development.
The pilot edition is delivered fully online, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for professionals across Africa. Future cohorts may include in-person residencies and industry immersion as the program expands and attracts additional funding.

Why This Fellowship Matters

As Africa navigates the twin challenges of climate change and industrial transformation, expertise in green finance is increasingly vital. This fellowship bridges the gap by empowering professionals to design, implement, and scale financial mechanisms that promote climate resilience and low-carbon growth.
It nurtures a new generation of leaders who go beyond advocacy to deliver real, finance-driven solutions for sustainable progress.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship targets mid- to senior-level professionals, including:

• Policymakers and government officials

• Researchers and think-tank analysts

• Development practitioners and program advisors

• Finance, energy, manufacturing, and agribusiness leaders

• Sustainability and investment officers

Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to applying green finance principles within their organizations or national contexts.

Program Benefits

• Fully funded 8-week virtual fellowship

• Expert-led training and case-based learning

• Africa-China knowledge exchange and collaboration

• Capstone project addressing national or sectoral challenges

• Access to a vibrant alumni network shaping Africa’s climate policy

How to Apply

Professionals passionate about advancing Africa’s green economic transformation are encouraged to apply through the official application portal below:

Apply Here

Source: Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA)

Qatar Airways Recruitment for Sales Manager

Job Title: Sales Manager
Job ID: 227008
Location: Abuja
Job Family: Corporate & Commercial

Job Description

Qatar Airways is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Sales Manager to join our team in Lagos, Nigeria. The successful candidate will lead dynamic sales teams across multiple territories, driving growth through strategic account management, new business development, and optimization of resources to exceed commercial targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for sales teams in assigned territories, defining approaches to maximize revenue through partnerships and commercial actions.

• Design and execute sales plans to strengthen Qatar Airways’ market presence in collaboration with regional and head office stakeholders.

• Align distribution channels with Qatar Airways’ distribution strategy for optimal impact.

• Develop and implement B2B sales strategies to grow revenue from existing clients and secure new business opportunities.

• Create and execute local sales incentive strategies aligned with short- and medium-term business objectives.

• Review market intelligence, data, and trends to identify tactical revenue opportunities.

• Act as the Customer Champion in assigned territories, ensuring customer service excellence and enhanced sales through value-added partnerships.

• Negotiate B2B agreements, including commissions, corporate contracts, PLBs, and JMFs.

• Deliver sales targets and KPIs while managing expenditure budgets for maximum ROI.

• Strengthen Qatar Airways’ brand presence by working closely with digital and marketing teams.

• Build and maintain high-level relationships with key stakeholders, including governments, diplomatic missions, airports, and industry bodies.

• Ensure compliance with company policies and represent Qatar Airways legally in assigned markets.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.

• Minimum of 7 years’ sales experience, with extensive commercial knowledge of the Nigerian market.

• Strong background in airline sales, including use of airline business tools and product selling.

• Proficiency in preparing reports on sales performance and market trends.

• Excellent knowledge of GDS systems, ticketing, and travel industry sales.

• Proven experience in planning, budgeting, and achieving revenue targets.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide sales teams.

• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining client and partner relationships.

• Ability to analyze market and competitor activity to inform strategy.

Why Join Us?

At Qatar Airways, your ambition, skills, and imagination have no limits. We offer infinite opportunities to grow, tackle exciting challenges, and shape the future of global aviation. With us, the impossible is only the beginning.

Application Deadline: 5th October, 2025

How to Apply:
Interested and qualified candidates should click the link below to apply.

[Click here to apply]