African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY), has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences.

This transformative initiative is designed to empower African women under the age of 35 working in agricultural sciences. The program aims to nurture a new generation of capable, confident, and influential women scientists who can lead in their fields, strengthen gender integration in agriculture, and contribute to building sustainable food systems across Africa.

Program Overview

The AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences is a nine-month, intensive, non-residential career development program that focuses on equipping participants with:

• Leadership skills tailored to agricultural sciences.

• Enhanced capacity to communicate their research and scientific work effectively.

• Greater visibility and expanded professional networks.

• Strategies to overcome barriers to women’s career progression in agriculture.

• A deeper understanding of the importance of gender equality and gender integration in agriculture.

By investing in young women scientists, AWARD aims to inspire and retain female talent in agricultural sciences while building a network of women leaders who will influence change at institutional, national, and regional levels.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications are open to women under the age of 35 who are working in agricultural sciences in specific Sub-Saharan African countries.

Eligible countries include:

• Benin

• Burkina Faso

• Côte d’Ivoire

• Ethiopia

• Ghana

• Kenya

• Malawi

• Nigeria

• Senegal

• Tanzania

• Zambia

Applicants should be engaged in biophysical or social science agricultural disciplines and may be affiliated with:

• Government agencies

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

• Universities and academic institutions

• Research organizations

• Civil society organizations

• The private sector

Program Benefits

Up to 40 competitively selected young women scientists and their mentors will be admitted into the 2026 program. Participants will gain:

• Effective leadership training – exposure to diverse leadership styles tailored to agricultural science careers.

• Career path development – guidance on defining career goals and leveraging professional networks.

• Personal branding and confidence building – tools to pitch research ideas effectively to funders and collaborators.

• Team and project management skills – knowledge to manage teams, navigate organizational dynamics, and build alliances.

• Negotiation and problem-solving skills – proven strategies to handle gender dynamics in professional settings.

• Increased visibility – opportunities to present work to international audiences and strengthen professional recognition.

Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion recognizing their achievement.

Application Details

• Application Deadline: October 15, 2025 (Midnight EAT, GMT+3)

• Mode of Application: Applications must be submitted through the official online registration form.

• Important Documents:

  • Application guidelines (available for download)

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document (available for download)

🔗 Apply here: Application Portal

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are strongly advised to read the eligibility criteria and program guidelines carefully before applying.

About the Leadership Program

AWARD is a career-development program dedicated to investing in African women agricultural scientists. Its initiatives strengthen the scientific skills, leadership capacity, and professional visibility of women in the agricultural sector. By supporting women scientists at critical career stages, AWARD works to ensure that agricultural research and innovation in Africa is more inclusive, gender-responsive, and impactful.

The Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences is one of AWARD’s flagship initiatives, supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY), and is aligned with the broader mission of empowering African women scientists to drive agricultural innovation and contribute to food security, climate resilience, and rural development.

Key Dates

• Call for Applications Opened: September 9, 2025

• Application Deadline: October 15, 2025, at midnight (EAT, GMT+3)

• Program Duration: 9 months (non-residential)

How to Apply

1. Review the eligibility requirements carefully.

2. Download and read the Application Guidelines and FAQs.

3. Submit your application using the online registration form before the deadline.

4. Ensure all supporting documents and information are complete.

5. Apply HERE

For full program details, application materials, and resources, visit the AWARD website: www.awardfellowships.org

Conclusion

The 2026 AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences represents an important opportunity for young African women scientists to enhance their leadership, advance their careers, and contribute meaningfully to agricultural transformation in Africa. By equipping emerging leaders with critical skills and networks, AWARD is building a future where women scientists are central to addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges and driving innovation for sustainable development.

Apply today to be part of this transformative journey.

For more Information and Applications:

Visit HERE

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