Deadline: 15 October 2025
Description
The AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences aims to build a new generation of capable, confident, and influential women leaders driving transformation across Africa’s agrifood systems. Managed by the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), this non-residential nine-month program offers structured training, mentorship, and peer engagement activities to strengthen participants’ leadership, communication, mentoring, and gender-integration skills. By investing in young women scientists, the initiative seeks to catalyze more inclusive and effective agricultural research and innovation
Eligibility
The program is open to women scientists aged 35 or younger who hold at least a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences or related fields and have a minimum of five years’ professional experience in the sector. Applicants must be nationals of and residing in one of the 11 eligible countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia. Applicants must currently live in Africa and actively engage in agriculture-related work. Past fellows of AWARD programs are not eligible, but junior mentees may apply.
Benefits
Participants join a nine-month virtual program designed to complement ongoing careers or studies. Benefits include:
- Structured virtual training workshops and masterclasses in leadership, mentoring, communication, and gender integration.
- Monthly one-on-one mentoring sessions with senior professionals.
- Peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities with fellow emerging leaders.
- Guidance to design and conduct role-modeling activities to inspire future women in science.
All program costs, including training and mentoring, are fully covered. Please note that the program does not provide stipends, allowances, or financial subsidies.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online by 15 October 2025 at 23:59 EAT. Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria, complete the application form, and provide supporting documents such as proof of citizenship, academic certificates, and endorsement from their institution’s supervisor. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered
Contact information
For more information, applicants can contact AWARD by email at awardprograms@cifor-icraf.org.
For more information, visit the official website.
