The 2026 AWARD Leadership Program is now open to applications from young African women in agricultural sciences. The deadline is 20 September 2026 at midnight, East Africa Time (UTC+3). This nine-month, non-residential program is implemented by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD).
The fellowship is designed to strengthen leadership capacity, communication, visibility, and professional networks. In addition, it supports mentoring and gender integration in agricultural research and related sectors.
Application Deadline: 20 septembre 2026, à minuit, heure d’Afrique de l’Est (UTC +3)
Eligible Countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia
Program Duration: 9 months (non-residential)
Program Location: Non-residential; participants based in the specified Sub-Saharan African countries
Funding/Benefits: Leadership skill development; improved research communication; increased visibility and professional networks; mentoring; career transformation support; training on gender integration in agricultural sciences and organizational leadership.
Award Provider: African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)
About this Program
This fellowship targets African women under 35 who are engaged in agricultural sciences. It covers both biophysical and social disciplines applied to agriculture.
The program aims to help participants grow as leaders in research and related sectors. Moreover, it focuses on communication, visibility, and networking so fellows can present their work more effectively to different audiences.
According to the provided information, at least 40 participants will be selected. The program is funded by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation and implemented by AWARD.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be female.
- Applicants must be under 35 years old.
- Applicants must be working or engaged in agricultural sciences.
- Applicants must be from one of the targeted countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, or Zambia.
- Applicants may be affiliated with governments, NGOs, universities, research centres, civil society, or the private sector.
- Applicants must submit their application through the online form before the deadline.
What Fellows Receive: Leadership development training, communication skills enhancement for presenting research to diverse audiences, increased professional visibility, networking opportunities, mentoring support, and training on gender integration and negotiating organizational challenges.
Program Components Leadership training, mentoring, research communication support, visibility development, networking, and training on gender integration in agricultural sciences and organizational leadership.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application on the official AWARD page. Before applying, review the official guidance carefully to confirm the full requirements and application process.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
