AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences

Deadline: 20-Sep-2026

The AWARD Leadership Program provides intensive leadership and career development training for young African women working in agricultural sciences. The nine-month, non-residential programme aims to strengthen leadership, communication, career planning, networking, and professional influence while helping participants navigate institutional and gender-related barriers in agricultural careers. Up to 40 women scientists under the age of 35, together with their mentors, will be competitively selected. Eligible applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in an agricultural science discipline, have five or more years of agricultural-sector experience, and be citizens and residents of eligible African countries. Overview of the AWARD Leadership Program The AWARD Leadership Program is a professional development initiative implemented by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) with support from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. The programme addresses the underrepresentation of women in agricultural science and research leadership across sub-Saharan Africa. It is designed to help young women scientists become: More confident leaders. Effective research communicators. Stronger professional networkers. Influential agricultural professionals. Better prepared for career advancement. The programme also addresses institutional and workplace barriers that can affect women’s participation and advancement in agricultural professions. Purpose of the Program The programme aims to build a strong cohort of young African women scientists capable of contributing to agricultural research, innovation, and development. They must also be actively working in an agriculture-related professional role. Who Is Not Eligible?

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AWARD Fellows. AWARD Laureates. are not eligible for this programme. Applicants who do not meet the age, academic, professional experience, citizenship, residency, or agricultural-sector employment requirements are also ineligible. Why the AWARD Leadership Program Matters Women remain underrepresented in many agricultural science and research leadership roles. The AWARD Leadership Program addresses this challenge by combining: Because research communication is an important component of the programme, applicants should clearly explain how they communicate scientific knowledge to professional or wider audiences. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applying Without Five Years of Experience The programme requires a minimum of five years’ experience in the agricultural sector. Ignoring the Age Requirement Applicants must be 35 years old or younger. Applying From an Ineligible Country Applicants must be citizens of one of the specified countries. Applying Without an Agricultural Science Degree At least a bachelor’s degree in an agricultural science discipline is required. Applying as a Previous AWARD Fellow or Laureate Previous AWARD Fellows and Laureates are not eligible. Focusing Only on Academic Qualifications The programme is specifically designed around leadership and career development. Applicants should demonstrate professional potential, not only academic achievement. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What is the AWARD Leadership Program? The AWARD Leadership Program is a nine-month professional development programme designed to strengthen leadership and career skills among young African women scientists in agricultural sciences. Who implements the programme? The programme is implemented by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) with support from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. How many women will be selected? Up to 40 African women scientists, together with their mentors, will participate. What is the age limit? Applicants must be 35 years old or younger. What educational qualification is required? Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in an agricultural science discipline. How much professional experience is required? Applicants need a minimum of five years of experience in the agricultural sector and must currently be engaged in agriculture-related professional work. Which countries are eligible? Citizens of Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia are eligible, provided they also meet the other requirements. Conclusion The AWARD Leadership Program provides young African women scientists with an opportunity to strengthen their leadership capabilities, advance their careers, and expand their professional influence in agricultural sciences. Through a nine-month non-residential programme, participants receive training in leadership, career planning, personal branding, communication, team management, alliance building, and navigating gender dynamics. Women aged 35 or younger who meet the academic, professional, citizenship, residency, and agricultural-sector requirements can consider this programme as an opportunity to develop the skills and networks needed for greater leadership in African agriculture.