ISA announces the call for applications for the inaugural African Academy for Deep Sea Diplomacy

African Academy for Deep Sea Diplomacy

A Hybrid Training Programme for African Diplomats, Government Officials, and Policy Makers

Organized by the International Seabed Authority (ISA)
In collaboration with the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC)

Overview

The International Seabed Authority (ISA), in collaboration with the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC), is pleased to invite applications for the inaugural African Academy for Deep Sea Diplomacy. This innovative hybrid training programme is tailored to build the capacity of early to mid-career professionals (in particular diplomats, government officials, and policy makers) from African member States, on the legal, institutional,  and policy dimensions of the deep seabed regime under Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Implementation Agreement.

Through this initiative, ISA and IRIC aim to promote informed and active participation of African States in ISA-related processes and enhance regional leadership in ocean governance.

Programme Objectives

The training programme aims to:

• Enhance the knowledge of early to mid-career experts from African States in matters related to seabed resources in the Area based on their capacity development needs;
• Promote informed and balanced participation of African countries in ISA-related activities and processes;
• Support early to mid-career professionals (in particular diplomats, government officials and policy makers) with technical training in ocean governance.

Programme Structure

Phase 1 – Online Training (Self-paced, Mandatory Pre-requisite)
Delivered through ISA’s Deep Dive platform (https://deepdive.isa.org.jm/), this phase includes:

• 36 academic hours of self-paced learning;
• Expert video lectures;
• Reading materials, quizzes, and a final assessment;
• Certificate of completion required for participation in the in-person training.

Online training dates: 6th to 31st October 2025

Phase 2 – In-Person Training (Yaoundé, Cameroon)
Hosted at IRIC, this one-week immersive training will include:

• Interactive lectures and expert-led sessions;
• Simulations and case studies;
• Policy discussions with ISA Legal and Technical Commission experts and African regional stakeholders.

In-person training dates: Tentatively 17th to 21st November 2025 (Subject to confirmation)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be:

• Nationals of an African State;
• Early to mid-career professionals (in particular diplomats, government officials and policy makers) engaged in ocean, legal, environmental, or marine affairs.

Applicants must demonstrate interest or experience in international law or ocean governance.

Selection Process

A total of 16 fully funded participants will be selected by a joint ISA-IRIC Selection Committee, based on nominations submitted by African States. A limited number of self-funded participants may also be accepted. Applicants not selected for the 2025 cohort may be considered for future sessions.

 Other elements that will be taken into account in the selection process:

• Gender balance and regional diversity will be strongly considered;
• Consideration will be given to candidates from least developed countries (LDCs), land-locked developing countries (LLDCs), and small island developing States (SIDS).

Financial Support

Through financial support from the ISA Partnership Fund, selected participants will receive:

• Free access to the Deep Dive e-learning course.
• Round-trip economy-class airfare.
• Local accommodation, meals, and transport in Cameroon during the in-person training.

Applications by self-funded participants will be considered.

How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit:

• A completed application form accessible here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lPM-zNNN1kiRibEQop3bpLvHTACKHipNqa01IZd8SClUN1hLR01SREFXQzUyRUtDVUw2OEwwSFlHNy4u
• Please note that the form includes a section to enter a short motivation letter (max 300 words) highlighting interest and relevance of professional responsibilities.
• Upload (1) document with your full names as the document title. The document should include the following information:

1. Letter of nomination from your government or institution;
2. Bio page of passport and;
3. Resume

• The link to the upload folder is provided at the end of the application form.

Application Deadline – 19^th September 2025

For any further inquiries, contact Margaret Koli at isapf@isa.org.jm