In an era where climate change threatens livelihoods and food systems across the globe, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, the AWARD Climate Action (ACA) Fellowship stands as a beacon of transformative leadership. The 2025 call for the second cohort of this prestigious initiative is now officially open—and it promises to be bigger, better, and even more impactful., better, and even more impactful.
Empowering African Women Through AWARD Climate Action Fellowship Opportunities
The AWARD Climate Action Fellowship isn’t just another training program—it’s a mission. Designed to uplift high-potential African women working in climate change adaptation, it focuses on developing gender-responsive solutions that directly serve smallholder farmers, particularly women.
The Fellowship is aligned with AWARD’s broader commitment to closing the gender gap in agricultural research and innovation. But this time, it goes further. By emphasizing climate leadership, the program catalyzes contextually relevant interventions that are not only inclusive but also scalable and sustainable.
Who Should Apply? Eligibility for The Award of Climate Action Fellowship Opportunities
The 2025 ACA Fellowship targets emerging women leaders from the following countries:
- Benin
- Cameroon
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Senegal
Applicants should be actively involved in climate change adaptation work and passionate about shaping solutions that are gender-equitable and context-driven. Eligible institutions include government agencies, civil society, academia, research organizations, and the private sector.
What Makes the Unique?
This is a non-residential, one-year career accelerator tailored to high-achieving professionals. AWARD Climate Action Fellowship Opportunities Participants will embark on an intensive program that includes:
- Leadership Development Modules
- Gender Integration Training
- Mentorship by Experts
- Peer-to-Peer Learning
- Mini Collaborative Research and Innovation Projects (CRIPs)
These carefully curated components foster not just professional growth, but a profound mindset shift—one that positions African women as frontline architects of climate resilience.
Benefits of Becoming an AWARD Climate Fellow
Selected candidates will join an elite network of AWARD Climate Fellows, a pan-African ecosystem of professionals, mentors, and institutions. This network is dedicated to catalyzing gender-transformative change in climate policy and implementation.
Here’s what Fellows gain:
- Recognition as a continental climate leader
- Access to cutting-edge research platforms
- Invitations to high-level policy dialogues
- Opportunities to implement innovative projects
- Lifelong mentorship from industry pioneers
Application Deadline and Process
Applications close at midnight on June 30, 2025 (East Africa Time, GMT+3). Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstance.
Applicants for the AWARD Climate Action Fellowship Opportunities are encouraged to:
- Download and study the application guidelines
- Review the Fellowship brochure
- Read the comprehensive FAQ
- Apply through the official application portal
Links to all resources are available on the AWARD Fellowship Website.
About the ACA Fellowship’s Broader Mission
The ACA Fellowship is implemented under the CLARE program, which aims to bridge critical gaps between science and action. CLARE is about more than capacity building; it promotes Southern-led, socially inclusive, and sustainable climate action. The program receives support from the UK government and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), among others.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Climate Leadership
The urgency of climate change requires not only technological solutions but also transformational leadership. And there’s no better way to create that leadership than by empowering women, who are both disproportionately affected by climate change and uniquely positioned to drive adaptation strategies that work.
The ACA Fellowship is a clear reflection of this belief. Its success lies in its ability to tap into local knowledge, amplify underrepresented voices, and reshape systems from within.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACA Fellowship?
It is a non-residential, one-year leadership and technical capacity-building program for African women in climate change adaptation.
Who funds the ACA Fellowship?
It is part of the CLARE program, co-funded by the UK government and the IDRC.
Can I apply if I don’t live in one of the target countries?
Unfortunately, only women from Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Senegal are eligible at this time.
Is the Fellowship conducted online or in person?
It includes a blend of virtual and face-to-face components.
What are CRIPs?
CRIPs are mini Collaborative Research and Innovation Projects that allow Fellows to apply their learning in real-world scenarios.
What happens after the Fellowship?
Graduates become part of a continent-wide alumni network with ongoing opportunities for collaboration and professional development.
Conclusion
If you’re a woman climate leader in Africa with a passion for justice, innovation, and gender equity, this is your moment.
Apply for the AWARD Climate Action (ACA) Fellowship and join a dynamic community transforming Africa’s response to climate change. Don’t let this chance pass by. The deadline is June 30, 2025.
For further information, visit awardfellowships.org or contact the team at [email protected].
