Application Deadline: October 15, 2025, East Africa Time (GMT+3)
Applications are now open for the 2026 AWARD Leadership Program. The AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Science is a customized learning experience for young African women in science under 35. The program will equip participants with the skills and confidence to lead and innovate in the scientific world.
The program funded by The Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY) and implemented by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) seeks to build a pool of capable, confident, influential young women scientists equipped to excel in agricultural sciences, thrive in leadership roles, and champion gender integration in agriculture.
Requirements
In this call, the leadership program is targeting applications from the following sub-Saharan African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia.
- Aged 35 years or younger at the time of application
- Have at least a bachelors degree or equivalent in any agricultural science discipline from a recognized university
- Have at least five years agricultural sector experience
- Be a citizen of the following countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia
- Reside in Africa and be currently actively engaged in agriculture-related professional work
- Not a Fellow or Laureate of any other Fellowships offered by AWARD
The initiative seeks to invest in up to 40 competitively selected African women under 35 years of age and their mentors. Selected candidates will participate in an intensive, non-residential career transformative program spanning nine months. They will be equipped in a range of areas, including:
- How to navigate gender dynamics and apply proven strategies to be effective negotiators and problem solvers.
- Effective leadership styles
- How to define their career path and leverage networks to advance their careers
- How to develop personal brands to build confidence in pitching their research ideas to potential funding agencies and collaborators
- The necessary tools and skills to successfully manage teams, navigate organizational dynamics, build alliances, and take risks
Timeline
- Call for Applications open- September 9, 2025
- Call for Applications close- October 15, 2025
- Selected Participants notified- Mid-December 2025
- Leadership Program begins- January 2026
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the AWARD Leadership Program
