2026 AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences: Applications Open

Deadline: October 15, 2025 (23:59 East Africa Time, GMT+3)

Overview

The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), with funding from The Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY), has opened the call for the 2026 Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences. This nine-month, virtual, non-residential program invests in up to 40 high-potential early-career African women scientists under 35, equipping them with leadership, mentoring, communication, and gender-integration skills to thrive in agricultural science and influence agrifood systems across the continent.

Why Apply

• Build practical leadership capabilities tailored to agricultural research and innovation

• Strengthen communication, visibility, and personal brand to secure collaborators and funding

• Learn proven strategies to navigate gender dynamics, negotiate effectively, and solve complex problems

• Expand your professional network across government, academia, NGOs, civil society, research institutes, and the private sector

• Receive structured mentorship from senior professionals aligned to your goals

• Earn a certificate of completion upon successfully finishing the program

Program Structure

• Duration: 9 months (January–September 2026)

• Format: 100% virtual, non-residential

• Core Components:

  • Interactive leadership and mentoring workshops and masterclasses

  • Communication and personal branding for research impact

  • Gender integration in agricultural sciences

  • Monthly mentor–mentee sessions with goal setting and progress tracking

  • Peer learning, documentation of lessons, and networking activities

• Time Commitment: Typically twice weekly sessions of about 2.5 hours; monthly mentoring meetings

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following:

• Age: 35 years or younger at the time of application

• Education: At least a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in an agricultural science discipline from a recognized university

• Experience: Minimum five years of experience in the agricultural sector

• Citizenship: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, or Zambia

• Residence: Residing in Africa and currently active in agriculture-related professional work

• Prior AWARD Status: Not a Fellow or Laureate of any other AWARD Fellowships

Target Disciplines and Sectors

Mentees are drawn from the full spectrum of biophysical and social science agricultural fields and organizations, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, research organizations, civil society, and the private sector.

What You Will Learn

• Leadership styles and practices for research and program delivery

• Defining a clear career path and leveraging networks for advancement

• Personal branding and confident pitching of research ideas to funders and collaborators

• Team management, organizational navigation, alliance-building, and risk-taking

• Applying gender-integration strategies and negotiating effectively

Key Dates

Important: Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility by reviewing the criteria above.

2. Read the supporting documents, including the application guidelines and FAQs.

3. Complete the online application form and submit all required information before the deadline.

Required Pre-Conditions for Participation

Successful applicants must:

• Provide details of their institutional head or supervisor to endorse participation

• Submit documentation (e.g., proof of citizenship and academic certificates) consistent with the application

• Accept AWARD’s code of conduct

• Communicate acceptance within the stipulated timelines and acknowledge participation in any other capacity-building programs

Selection and Cohort Size

Up to 40 competitively selected applicants will join the 2026 cohort, each paired with a mentor selected from AWARD’s established mentor database to match disciplinary focus and career goals.

Program Costs and Support

• No stipends or sitting allowances are provided

• Training materials, mentorship, and program activities are offered at no cost to participants

Expectations of Selected Participants

• Attend all virtual training sessions and webinars

• Engage actively in mentoring and peer-learning activities

• Complete assignments and contribute to group discussions and knowledge-sharing

• Conduct at least one role-modeling activity to inspire future women in science

Frequently Asked Questions (Quick Answers)

• Who manages the program? AWARD, leveraging 15+ years of experience in women-in-science leadership and capacity building

• Can I apply if I live outside Africa? No. Residency in Africa during the program is required

• Eligible if I’m a national of an eligible country but living in another African country? Yes, as long as you reside in Africa

• Can I keep my job or studies? Yes. The non-residential, virtual design accommodates professional and academic commitments

• Previously participated in other AWARD Fellowships? Fellows/Laureates are not eligible; junior mentees may apply

• Find out more here https://awardfellowships.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/EN-FAQs_-Emerging-Leaders-in-Agricultural-Science-Cohort-final.pdf

Download the frequently asked questions

Application for the Fellowship is via an online registration form.

Apply here

For more information about AWARD, the programs, and training, visit our website: www.awardfellowships.org

Contact

For questions, email: awardprograms@cifor-icraf.org
Organization: African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)
Host: World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Phone: +254 (0)20 722 4000 (Switchboard)
Website: www.awardfellowships.org