The Code4FoodSecurity Fellowship Program 2025, developed through a partnership between Blossom Academy and the World Food Programme (WFP), is a transformative five-month initiative designed to empower young professionals with advanced skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). The program aims to strengthen agricultural innovation and promote food security by training a new generation of data-driven problem solvers. A total of 70 fellows will be selected for this fully funded opportunity, which especially encourages participation from women and persons with disabilities to ensure inclusive access to technology and innovation.
Purpose of the Fellowship
Agriculture remains a central driver of economic growth and food security across Africa. However, the sector continues to face challenges such as climate unpredictability, supply-chain inefficiencies and limited access to data-driven tools. The Code4FoodSecurity Fellowship Program addresses these challenges by equipping young professionals with technical and practical skills needed to create digital solutions for agriculture and food systems.
Through expert-led training, hands-on projects and collaboration with industry and development partners, fellows will explore how AI and ML can improve food production, enhance supply chains, support decision-making and strengthen agricultural resilience. The fellowship is designed not only to develop technical competence but to contribute directly to real-world impact.
Program Structure and Duration
The Code4FoodSecurity Fellowship Program runs for five months, from January to May 2026, and is delivered through a hybrid learning model. Virtual sessions take place from Monday to Wednesday, while in-person sessions are held every Thursday. This structure allows participants to benefit from flexible online learning while also gaining essential face-to-face engagement during practical sessions, peer collaboration, and project development activities.
This hybrid design ensures that participants receive comprehensive training that blends theoretical understanding with applied learning a necessity for solving real agricultural challenges with AI and ML.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Code4FoodSecurity Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Be a resident of Accra, Ghana
- Possess a functional laptop capable of supporting the software tools used in the program
- Demonstrate availability and commitment to attend all virtual and in-person sessions
These requirements ensure that selected fellows are equipped and prepared to fully participate in the program’s intensive learning and project components.
What Fellows Will Gain
Participants will benefit from a rich and immersive curriculum that combines technical training, project work, and mentorship. Key outcomes include:
- Advanced technical skills: Fellows will learn to apply AI and Machine Learning models to agricultural datasets, develop predictive analytics tools, and explore real-time data monitoring techniques.
- Practical project experience: Participants will work on real-world challenges affecting agriculture and food systems, allowing them to build a portfolio of impactful, data-based solutions.
- Collaboration and mentorship: Fellows will engage with experts from WFP, agricultural stakeholders, and the broader innovation ecosystem, gaining professional exposure and networking opportunities.
- Career and leadership readiness: By the end of the fellowship, participants will be better positioned for careers in data science, agri-tech, development work, and other technology-driven fields.
- Contribution to food systems transformation: Fellows will have the unique opportunity to create meaningful social impact by contributing directly to projects that strengthen food security efforts.
Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity
A defining feature of the Code4FoodSecurity Fellowship is its commitment to inclusive participation. The program strongly encourages applications from women and persons with disabilities groups that have historically been underrepresented in tech and innovation fields. This commitment ensures that the solutions developed reflect a wide range of perspectives and experiences, contributing to more effective and equitable food systems.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2025 cohort are currently open. All interested and eligible candidates must submit their applications by 8 December 2025. Given the competitive and fully funded nature of the fellowship, early application is encouraged.
