AWARD Leadership Program 2026/2027 for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences

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Applications are open for AWARD Leadership Program 2026/2027. 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 underrepresentation of women in leadership roles ultimately affects progress toward sustainable development and achieving global sustainable development goals. To ensure women’s effective participation in leadership, women must access learning opportunities to gain skills that will equip them to lead effectively.

The AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Science is tailored to address some challenges that impede young women’s growth into leadership in science.

The program, funded by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, formerly Carnegie Corporation of New York, 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.

AWARD Leadership Program structure

The Program comprises highly interactive training sessions on leadership, mentoring, proposal writing, communication skills, and one-on-one coaching sessions. Participants will get a deeper understanding of:

Effective leadership styles and developing their leadership potential
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

AWARD Leadership Program Benefits

The initiative seeks to invest in up to 40 competitively selected African women under 35 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:

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
How to navigate gender dynamics and apply proven strategies to be effective negotiators and problem solvers.

Eligibility Criteria

The program is available to high-potential female applicants under 35 years old who work in science and agriculture and have at least five years of full-time sector experience.
Education qualification: Applicants must have a minimum of a B.Sc. degree or equivalent in any agricultural science discipline from a recognized university.
Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to growth, clearly articulate their career goals, and demonstrate their ability to take on leadership responsibility.
Applicants must reside in Africa and be currently actively engaged in agriculture-related professional work
Applicants must not be a Fellow or Laureate of any other Fellowships offered by AWARD.
The program is targeting applications from the following sub-Saharan African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Program Details

Each cohort participates in a 9-month immersive leadership program. The selected candidates will also engage in peer and group mentoring, attend webinars with expert speakers, and receive support from experienced mentors.
All training sessions will be delivered virtually.
All training materials and mentorship provided will be at no cost.

Participant Expectations

Participants are expected to:

Attend all virtual training sessions and webinars
Engage actively with mentors and peers
Complete assignments and contribute to group discussions
Participate in knowledge-sharing and feedback exercises
Carry out at least one role-modeling activity to inspire future women in
science