AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences

The AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences (implemented by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development – AWARD and funded by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation) is a 9-month customized leadership training initiative designed to equip early-career African women scientists with the skills, confidence, and networks to lead in agricultural innovation.

• Cost: 100% Free / Non-Dilutive (all training modules, virtual workshops, and mentoring resources are provided at zero cost).

• Leadership & Skill Development: Training modules covering effective leadership styles, personal branding, research communication, grant writing, and gender integration in agricultural science.

• Mentorship Architecture: Structured 1-on-1 and peer mentoring pairing participants with senior agricultural leaders and expert advisors.

• Format: 9-month non-residential virtual program (allows fellows to participate without relocating or disrupting their current professional roles).

To qualify for the 2026/2027 cohort, applicants must meet all of the following parameters:

1. Gender & Age: High-potential female applicants aged 35 or younger at the time of application.

2. Education & Sector Experience: Must hold at least a B.Sc. degree or equivalent in an agricultural science discipline (biophysical or social sciences applied to agriculture) and have at least 5 years of full-time agricultural sector experience.

3. Target Countries (Sub-Saharan Africa): Must be citizens residing and actively working in one of the 11 targeted countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, or Zambia.

4. Institutional Affiliation: Open to researchers and professionals working across universities, government research institutes, NGOs, civil society, or the private sector.

5. Prior AWARD Engagement: Must NOT be a past Fellow or Laureate of any previous AWARD fellowship.