AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Science 2026

The AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Science 2026 is a funded leadership development programme designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of young African women working in agricultural sciences. Organised by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), the programme equips participants with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to become influential leaders in science, research, and innovation across Africa.

The 2026 cohort will support up to 40 outstanding women scientists under the age of 35 through a nine-month, non-residential learning programme. Participants will receive leadership training, mentoring, coaching, networking opportunities, and career development support that will help them advance professionally while contributing to sustainable agricultural development on the continent.

About AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Science

The AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Science was created to address the underrepresentation of women in scientific leadership across Africa. While many women contribute significantly to agricultural research and innovation, they often face barriers to career progression, leadership opportunities, and access to professional networks.

The programme provides a structured learning experience that combines leadership development with practical career support. Rather than focusing solely on technical scientific knowledge, AWARD helps participants strengthen skills that are essential for leadership, including communication, mentoring, proposal writing, negotiation, personal branding, and strategic networking.

Throughout the programme, fellows participate in highly interactive training sessions, one-on-one coaching, mentoring activities, and peer-learning opportunities. They also develop strategies for managing research teams, navigating institutional environments, attracting research funding, and building collaborations.

Programme Benefits

Selected participants will receive a range of professional development benefits, including:

• Participation in a fully funded nine-month leadership programme.
• Advanced leadership training.
• One-on-one coaching sessions.
• Professional mentoring.
• Proposal writing training.
• Communication and public speaking development.
• Personal branding support.
• Networking opportunities with women scientists across Africa.
• Career planning and leadership development.
• Skills for managing research teams and collaborations.
• Membership in the growing AWARD alumni network.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Be female.
• Be under 35 years of age.
• Be a national of an African country.
• Have at least five years of full-time experience in the science or agriculture sector.
• Hold a minimum of a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc. or equivalent) in an agricultural science discipline from a recognised university.
• Demonstrate strong leadership potential.
• Clearly articulate career goals.
• Show commitment to professional growth.
• Demonstrate the capacity to take on leadership responsibilities within their institutions and communities.

Applicants should also demonstrate enthusiasm for contributing to agricultural development and scientific innovation across Africa.

Available Areas Of Study

The programme is open to women working in agricultural sciences and related fields, including:

• Agriculture
• Agricultural Economics
• Agronomy
• Animal Science
• Crop Science
• Food Science
• Plant Science
• Soil Science
• Environmental Science
• Agricultural Biotechnology
• Agricultural Engineering
• Forestry
• Natural Resource Management
• Climate-Smart Agriculture
• Related Agricultural Disciplines.

Women working in interdisciplinary agricultural research are also encouraged to apply.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:

• Completed online application form.
• Academic qualification details.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Employment information.
• Statement describing career goals.
• Responses explaining how the programme will benefit their career.
• Information on previous leadership or professional development activities.
• Any additional supporting information requested in the application portal.

Applicants should ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete before submitting their application.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Academic qualifications.
• Professional experience.
• Leadership potential.
• Commitment to agricultural sciences.
• Career aspirations.
• Motivation for joining the programme.
• Ability to influence positive change within the scientific community.
• Potential to become a future leader in African agricultural research.

How To Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official AWARD Leadership Program application portal.
2. Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
3. Create or access the online application.
4. Complete all personal, academic, and professional information.
5. Provide responses to the leadership and career development questions.
6. Upload any required supporting documents.
7. Review your application thoroughly.
8. Submit your application before the closing date.

Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications well before the deadline to avoid technical issues during submission.