The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) has opened applications for the second cohort of its Women in Agriculture Leadership Program Fellowship 2027, offering mid-career African women agricultural scientists an opportunity to strengthen their leadership and research capabilities.

The two-year, non-residential fellowship focuses on climate-responsive agricultural research, agrifood systems and leadership development. The programme is open to eligible women based in Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Senegal.

Applications close on 6 November 2026 at 23:59 East Africa Time (GMT+3).

The programme combines mentoring, specialised training and professional networking to help fellows strengthen their confidence, influence and ability to contribute to agricultural research and development.

Participants will receive training in leadership and negotiation, gender integration in climate adaptation, science communication and research proposal development. Fellows will also be matched within a mentoring programme and gain access to a professional community of African women scientists.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be mid-career African women agricultural scientists working in national agricultural research institutions, government ministries, universities or international research organisations.

Candidates must be based in one of the six eligible countries and hold at least a master’s degree in a relevant discipline.

Applicants must also have a minimum of seven years of professional experience in agriculture and agrifood systems, including experience related to gender in agricultural research and programming.

The fellowship is particularly aimed at professionals whose work contributes to climate-responsive agriculture and stronger agrifood systems.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will participate in structured leadership and negotiation training while receiving guidance through the programme’s mentoring component.

Additional training will cover gender-responsive approaches to climate adaptation, science communication and research proposal writing. Fellows will also have opportunities to expand their professional networks and engage with experienced women scientists across Africa.

The programme is designed to help participants strengthen both their technical and leadership capabilities while increasing their ability to influence agricultural research, policy and practice.

Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official AWARD programme portal and carefully review the eligibility requirements and application instructions before the deadline.

The programme provides an opportunity for experienced African women scientists to develop leadership skills while contributing to more climate-responsive and inclusive agricultural research across the continent.