The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) has opened applications for the second cohort of its Women in Agriculture Leadership Fellowship.
However, this two-year, non-residential programme supports African women scientists who want to lead climate-smart agricultural research and agrifood development.
Women Agriculture Leadership Fellowship 2026 benefits
Selected Fellows will gain practical leadership and research skills through:
- Leadership and negotiation training.
- A structured mentoring programme.
- Gender integration in climate adaptation training.
- Science communication courses.
- Research proposal writing support.
- A network of African women professionals.
- Stronger confidence and influence in agriculture.
- Opportunities to contribute to climate-responsive agrifood systems.
In addition, the programme is funded through the Africa Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture. It is delivered by AWARD with support from ACIAR and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Also, Applicants looking for more professional development opportunities can explore fellowship opportunities on OpportunityLab, including programmes focused on leadership, research, technology, and social impact.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must:
- Be an African woman.
- Live and work in Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, or Senegal.
- Hold at least a master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Have at least seven years of experience in agriculture or agrifood systems.
- Work in a national agricultural research institution, government ministry, university, or international research organisation.
- Show leadership potential and an interest in climate-responsive agriculture.
Furthermore, Relevant experience may include gender-focused agricultural research and programmes.
Programme activities
Successful Fellows will take part in several development activities. These include mentoring, leadership training, negotiation skills, climate adaptation, science communication, and research proposal development.
In addition, Fellows will join a growing professional network of African women working across agricultural research and development.
How to apply for the Women Agriculture Leadership Fellowship
Applications must be submitted online:
Also, Applicants can also review the English fellowship brochure or the French brochure before applying.
Information webinar
AWARD will hold an information webinar on October 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. East Africa Time. Interested applicants can register for the webinar.
Application deadline for the Women Agriculture Leadership Fellowship
Submit your application by November 6, 2026, at 23:59 EAT (GMT+3). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Therefore, Applicants who need reasonable adjustments during the process can contact [email protected]. For further details, visit the official AWARD announcement.
