2026 AWARD Leadership Program for Young African Women in Agricultural Sciences: Apply for the 9-Month Leadership Training
The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development has opened applications for its 2026 leadership training program designed for emerging African women in agricultural sciences. Funded by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, the initiative seeks to support at least 40 young women and their mentors through a nine-month non-residential program.
Overview
The 2026 AWARD Leadership Training Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences is an initiative organized by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) and funded by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, formerly Carnegie Corporation of New York. The program is designed to strengthen the leadership capacity, professional visibility, confidence, and influence of young African women working in agricultural sciences.
The nine-month, intensive, non-residential career transformation program aims to develop a cohort of at least 40 talented African women under the age of 35 alongside their mentors. Participants will gain practical skills in effective leadership, strategic career planning, personal branding, team management, organizational dynamics, gender leadership, and research communication.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet specific target criteria for this edition of the program:
- Target Group: Young African women under the age of 35.
- Field of Work: Engaged in agricultural sciences, spanning biophysical and social sciences applied to agriculture across universities, research centers, government institutions, NGOs, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
- Eligible Countries: Nationals residing or working in Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Benefits
Selected participants will take part in a comprehensive professional and leadership development journey providing:
- Enhanced leadership capabilities and strategic career navigation tools.
- Improved personal branding and abilities to communicate ideas effectively to funders and stakeholders.
- Stronger team management, alliance building, and risk-taking skills.
- Expanded cross-disciplinary professional networks spanning diverse institutional sectors.
- Deeper awareness of gender integration and negotiation strategies in agricultural development.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official digital platform. Candidates should review the application guidelines and FAQs carefully before completing their submissions.
Apply through the official online form
Deadline
The application deadline is 20 September 2026 at midnight, East Africa Time (UTC+3).