2026 AWARD Leadership Program for Young African Women in Agricultural Sciences: Apply for the 9-Month Leadership Training

<p data-start="91" data-end="541">The <strong data-start="95" data-end="161">African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)</strong> has opened applications for the <strong data-start="194" data-end="282">2026 Leadership Training Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences</strong>. Funded by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, formerly Carnegie Corporation of New York, the initiative is designed to strengthen the leadership capacity, confidence, professional visibility and influence of young African women working in agricultural sciences.</p> <p data-start="543" data-end="905">The nine-month program seeks to develop a cohort of at least 40 talented African women under the age of 35 and their mentors. Through intensive, non-residential training, participants will develop practical leadership and career skills while strengthening their ability to contribute to agricultural science, gender equality and broader agricultural development.</p> <h2 data-section-id="18de3j" data-start="907" data-end="930">Opportunity Overview</h2> <ul data-start="932" data-end="1679"> <li data-section-id="1tucbiw" data-start="932" data-end="1037"><strong data-start="934" data-end="946">Program:</strong> 2026 AWARD Leadership Training Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences</li> <li data-section-id="1nxlyuz" data-start="1038" data-end="1117"><strong data-start="1040" data-end="1054">Organiser:</strong> African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)</li> <li data-section-id="mom6tj" data-start="1118" data-end="1202"><strong data-start="1120" data-end="1132">Funding:</strong> Andrew Carnegie Foundation, formerly Carnegie Corporation of New York</li> <li data-section-id="1rxc2rn" data-start="1203" data-end="1230"><strong data-start="1205" data-end="1218">Duration:</strong> Nine months</li> <li data-section-id="1en2ajf" data-start="1231" data-end="1301"><strong data-start="1233" data-end="1244">Format:</strong> Intensive, non-residential career transformation program</li> <li data-section-id="1xj9fc2" data-start="1302" data-end="1409"><strong data-start="1304" data-end="1315">Target:</strong> At least 40 young African women under 35, selected competitively, together with their mentors</li> <li data-section-id="wju933" data-start="1410" data-end="1497"><strong data-start="1412" data-end="1437">Application deadline:</strong> <strong data-start="1438" data-end="1497">20 September 2026 at midnight, East Africa Time (UTC+3)</strong></li> <li data-section-id="fs6rxw" data-start="1498" data-end="1547"><strong data-start="1500" data-end="1523">Application method:</strong> Online application form</li> <li data-section-id="risjl1" data-start="1548" data-end="1679"><strong data-start="1550" data-end="1573">Eligible countries:</strong> Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania and Zambia</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="arq865" data-start="1681" data-end="1727">About the AWARD Leadership Training Program</h2> <p data-start="1729" data-end="1939">The AWARD Leadership Training Program is intended to invest in the potential of young African women working in agricultural sciences and help them become more competent, confident and influential professionals.</p> <p data-start="1941" data-end="2266">The program recognises that women working in agricultural science can face institutional and professional barriers that affect their career progression. It therefore focuses on building the leadership, communication, networking and strategic skills participants need to navigate these challenges and advance in their careers.</p> <p data-start="2268" data-end="2573">The initiative also promotes greater awareness of <strong data-start="2318" data-end="2395">gender integration and gender equality in agriculture-related professions</strong>. Participants are expected to strengthen not only their individual careers but also their capacity to contribute to broader changes within agricultural research and development.</p> <p data-start="2575" data-end="2943">The selected participants will come from a range of disciplines within the <strong data-start="2650" data-end="2708">biophysical and social sciences applied to agriculture</strong>. The program is also designed to reflect the diversity of African institutions and professional environments, including universities, research centres, government institutions, NGOs, civil society organisations and the private sector.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1tbmeyk" data-start="2945" data-end="2975">What Participants Will Gain</h2> <p data-start="2977" data-end="3107">The program offers a broad professional and leadership development experience. Selected participants will have the opportunity to:</p> <h3 data-section-id="etvk18" data-start="3109" data-end="3144">1. Strengthen leadership skills</h3> <p data-start="3146" data-end="3330">Participants will explore different types of effective leadership and develop a stronger understanding of how leadership can be applied within professional and organisational settings.</p> <p data-start="3332" data-end="3520">The training is designed to help emerging women leaders become more confident in taking responsibility, influencing others and contributing meaningfully to their organisations and sectors.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1kgi1x9" data-start="3522" data-end="3560">2. Develop a strategic career path</h3> <p data-start="3562" data-end="3696">Participants will learn how to define their career direction and make strategic use of professional networks to advance their careers.</p> <p data-start="3698" data-end="3887">This focus can help participants better understand where they want to go professionally and how relationships, collaborations and networks can contribute to achieving their long-term goals.</p> <h3 data-section-id="17uemgs" data-start="3889" data-end="3925">3. Build a strong personal brand</h3> <p data-start="3927" data-end="3987">Another major component of the program is personal branding.</p> <p data-start="3989" data-end="4249">Participants will develop the confidence and practical skills required to communicate their expertise, ideas and achievements effectively. This includes preparing to present or propose promising ideas to funders, financing agencies and potential collaborators.</p> <p data-start="4251" data-end="4442">A stronger professional profile can help researchers and agricultural science professionals increase their visibility and make their work more accessible to potential partners and supporters.</p> <h3 data-section-id="y8cpxa" data-start="4444" data-end="4500">4. Improve team management and organisational skills</h3> <p data-start="4502" data-end="4576">The training will provide tools and skills for managing teams effectively.</p> <p data-start="4578" data-end="4757">Participants will explore how to understand organisational dynamics, develop alliances and make carefully considered decisions, including taking calculated risks when appropriate.</p> <p data-start="4759" data-end="4918">These skills are particularly relevant for emerging professionals who aspire to move into management, research leadership or other positions of responsibility.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1chketb" data-start="4920" data-end="4978">5. Strengthen gender leadership and negotiation skills</h3> <p data-start="4980" data-end="5042">The program also places significant emphasis on gender issues.</p> <p data-start="5044" data-end="5334">Participants will develop a better understanding of gender-related challenges and learn recognised strategies for addressing difficult situations. The training aims to help participants negotiate challenging circumstances and transform obstacles into opportunities for professional success.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1vg1eri" data-start="5336" data-end="5371">6. Expand professional networks</h3> <p data-start="5373" data-end="5501">The program brings together young women working across different agricultural science disciplines and professional environments.</p> <p data-start="5503" data-end="5675">This creates opportunities for participants to interact with professionals from universities, research institutions, government, NGOs, civil society and the private sector.</p> <p data-start="5677" data-end="5782">Such connections can contribute to future collaboration, knowledge exchange and professional development.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1xs0nyc" data-start="5784" data-end="5850">7. Increase research communication and professional visibility</h3> <p data-start="5852" data-end="5993">The program is intended to help participants improve their ability to communicate their research and professional ideas to diverse audiences.</p> <p data-start="5995" data-end="6205">This is particularly valuable for agricultural scientists whose work may need to reach policymakers, funders, development organisations, industry representatives and communities beyond the academic environment.</p> <p data-start="5995" data-end="6205"><a href="https://awardfellowships.org/news/lappel-a-candidatures-pour-ledition-2026-du-programme-de-formation-sur-le-leadership-dedie-aux-jeunes-femmes-africaines-dans-le-domaine-des-sciences-agricoles-est-ouvert-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Learn More HERE.</strong></a></p> <h2 data-section-id="13a30tu" data-start="6207" data-end="6224">Who Can Apply?</h2> <p data-start="6226" data-end="6369">The 2026 leadership training program specifically targets <strong data-start="6284" data-end="6368">young African women under the age of 35 who are engaged in agricultural sciences</strong>.</p> <p data-start="6371" data-end="6547">Applicants should be working or involved in fields related to agricultural science, including disciplines within the <strong data-start="6488" data-end="6546">biophysical and social sciences applied to agriculture</strong>.</p> <p data-start="6549" data-end="6638">The program can attract women working across different types of organisations, including:</p> <ul data-start="6640" data-end="6925"> <li data-section-id="1ctjo8l" data-start="6640" data-end="6688">Universities and higher education institutions</li> <li data-section-id="1db1md6" data-start="6689" data-end="6734">Research centres and research organisations</li> <li data-section-id="9wuz0a" data-start="6735" data-end="6760">Government institutions</li> <li data-section-id="ew9xdf" data-start="6761" data-end="6793">Non-governmental organisations</li> <li data-section-id="dbv7xq" data-start="6794" data-end="6823">Civil society organisations</li> <li data-section-id="1my2q6t" data-start="6824" data-end="6854">Private-sector organisations</li> <li data-section-id="13icslt" data-start="6855" data-end="6925">Other institutions involved in agricultural research and development</li> </ul> <p data-start="6927" data-end="6985">Applicants are selected through a <strong data-start="6961" data-end="6984">competitive process</strong>.</p> <p data-start="6987" data-end="7386">The source specifically identifies the target group as young African women under 35 working in agricultural sciences and lists the eligible countries. It does not provide additional detailed academic degree, employment-duration or nationality requirements in the supplied announcement; applicants should therefore consult the official application guidelines and FAQ before submitting an application.</p> <h2 data-section-id="c73q4u" data-start="7388" data-end="7409">Eligible Countries</h2> <p data-start="7411" data-end="7546">For this particular 2026 call, applications are specifically targeted at women from the following <strong data-start="7509" data-end="7545">11 sub-Saharan African countries</strong>:</p> <ol data-start="7548" data-end="7675"> <li data-section-id="1v6rxas" data-start="7548" data-end="7556">Benin</li> <li data-section-id="jfonhm" data-start="7557" data-end="7572">Burkina Faso</li> <li data-section-id="1aih759" data-start="7573" data-end="7589">Côte d’Ivoire</li> <li data-section-id="1u9bes8" data-start="7590" data-end="7601">Ethiopia</li> <li data-section-id="1arskgv" data-start="7602" data-end="7610">Ghana</li> <li data-section-id="1v24oit" data-start="7611" data-end="7619">Kenya</li> <li data-section-id="1i9ru77" data-start="7620" data-end="7629">Malawi</li> <li data-section-id="wfvn9o" data-start="7630" data-end="7640">Nigeria</li> <li data-section-id="1p27k4l" data-start="7641" data-end="7651">Senegal</li> <li data-section-id="bfax3g" data-start="7652" data-end="7664">Tanzania</li> <li data-section-id="1o910lz" data-start="7665" data-end="7675">Zambia</li> </ol> <p data-start="7677" data-end="7862">Therefore, applicants from other African countries should not assume that they are eligible for this particular edition simply because the program is described as an African initiative.</p> <h2 data-section-id="97p2q9" data-start="7864" data-end="7897">Program Structure and Duration</h2> <p data-start="7899" data-end="8018">The selected participants will take part in an <strong data-start="7946" data-end="8017">intensive, non-residential nine-month career transformation program</strong>.</p> <p data-start="8020" data-end="8126">The program will cover several interconnected areas of professional and leadership development, including:</p> <ul data-start="8128" data-end="8505"> <li data-section-id="190g2qk" data-start="8128" data-end="8150">Effective leadership</li> <li data-section-id="1ntgimv" data-start="8151" data-end="8168">Career planning</li> <li data-section-id="q5ugu" data-start="8169" data-end="8191">Strategic networking</li> <li data-section-id="i9rhcb" data-start="8192" data-end="8211">Personal branding</li> <li data-section-id="l70293" data-start="8212" data-end="8237">Professional confidence</li> <li data-section-id="8kboff" data-start="8238" data-end="8293">Communicating ideas to funders and financing agencies</li> <li data-section-id="1lburye" data-start="8294" data-end="8311">Team management</li> <li data-section-id="1uj52lt" data-start="8312" data-end="8337">Organisational dynamics</li> <li data-section-id="12nvbz3" data-start="8338" data-end="8357">Alliance building</li> <li data-section-id="n764c8" data-start="8358" data-end="8382">Calculated risk-taking</li> <li data-section-id="7urd98" data-start="8383" data-end="8401">Gender awareness</li> <li data-section-id="1g2oaln" data-start="8402" data-end="8415">Negotiation</li> <li data-section-id="7ja1ar" data-start="8416" data-end="8447">Managing difficult situations</li> <li data-section-id="145wt3w" data-start="8448" data-end="8505">Transforming professional challenges into opportunities</li> </ul> <p data-start="8507" data-end="8666">The program will also involve mentors alongside the selected participants, with the overall initiative planning to support at least 40 women and their mentors.</p> <h2 data-section-id="7ypx0z" data-start="8668" data-end="8695">Application Requirements</h2> <p data-start="8697" data-end="8804">Applicants should carefully review the official application instructions before beginning their submission.</p> <p data-start="8806" data-end="8923">The announcement makes clear that applications must be submitted <strong data-start="8871" data-end="8922">exclusively through the online application form</strong>.</p> <p data-start="8925" data-end="9057">Applicants should also review the official FAQ because it provides additional information about the program and application process.</p> <h3 data-section-id="16vayau" data-start="9059" data-end="9094">Important application documents</h3> <p data-start="9096" data-end="9140">The official announcement provides links to:</p> <ul data-start="9142" data-end="9234"> <li data-section-id="1ym4mgh" data-start="9142" data-end="9179">Application submission instructions</li> <li data-section-id="8i0ecy" data-start="9180" data-end="9208">Frequently Asked Questions</li> <li data-section-id="1q397qj" data-start="9209" data-end="9234">Online application form</li> </ul> <p data-start="9236" data-end="9407">Applicants should read the instructions carefully and make sure they understand the eligibility requirements and application procedure before submitting their application.</p> <h2 data-section-id="4qnxhx" data-start="9409" data-end="9432">Application Deadline</h2> <p data-start="9434" data-end="9462">The application deadline is:</p> <p data-start="9464" data-end="9524"><strong data-start="9464" data-end="9524">20 September 2026 at midnight, East Africa Time (UTC+3).</strong></p> <p data-start="9526" data-end="9585">No applications will be accepted after the stated deadline.</p> <p data-start="9587" data-end="9805">Applicants are strongly encouraged to avoid waiting until the final day to submit their applications. Preparing the required information early can help prevent technical or documentation problems close to the deadline.</p> <h2 data-section-id="13dq7ve" data-start="9807" data-end="9822">How to Apply</h2> <p data-start="9824" data-end="9963">Interested candidates should follow the official application instructions and submit their applications through the designated online form.</p> <p data-start="9965" data-end="10043"><strong data-start="9965" data-end="10005">Application submission instructions: <a href="https://awardfellowships.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/French-Application-Guidelines-C5.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="contents" data-content-reference-start="10006" data-content-reference-end="10149"><span class="" data-state="closed">Download the official application guidelines</span></span></a></strong></p> <p data-start="10045" data-end="10114"><strong data-start="10045" data-end="10076">Frequently Asked Questions:</strong> <a href="https://awardfellowships.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/French-FAQs_-Emerging-Leaders-in-Agricultural-Science-C5.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="contents" data-content-reference-start="10183" data-content-reference-end="10331"><span class="" data-state="closed"><strong>Download the official FAQ</strong></span></span></a></p> <p data-start="10116" data-end="10182"><strong data-start="10116" data-end="10144">Online application form:</strong> <a href="https://form.jotform.com/262103516789966" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="contents" data-content-reference-start="10362" data-content-reference-end="10447"><span class="" data-state="closed"><strong>Apply through the official online form</strong></span></span></a></p> <p data-start="10184" data-end="10314">Applicants can also visit <span class="contents" data-content-reference-start="10475" data-content-reference-end="10537"><span class="" data-state="closed">the <a href="https://awardfellowships.org/news/lappel-a-candidatures-pour-ledition-2026-du-programme-de-formation-sur-le-leadership-dedie-aux-jeunes-femmes-africaines-dans-le-domaine-des-sciences-agricoles-est-ouvert-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Official AWARD Website</strong></a></span></span> for information about AWARD&#8217;s programs and training opportunities.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1wthqm1" data-start="10316" data-end="10343">Why This Program Matters</h2> <p data-start="10345" data-end="10587">Agriculture is closely connected to food security, livelihoods, environmental sustainability and economic development across Africa. Women working in agricultural research and development play an important role in addressing these challenges.</p> <p data-start="10589" data-end="10745">However, professional advancement can be affected by institutional barriers, limited access to leadership opportunities and unequal professional visibility.</p> <p data-start="10747" data-end="10954">The AWARD leadership training program seeks to address some of these challenges by combining leadership development, career planning, communication, networking, personal branding and gender-related training.</p> <p data-start="10956" data-end="11123">By supporting young women at an early stage of their professional careers, the program aims to help build a stronger pipeline of women leaders in agricultural science.</p> <h2 data-section-id="qox3in" data-start="11125" data-end="11147">Tips for Applicants</h2> <p data-start="11149" data-end="11264">Applicants should approach the application strategically rather than treating it as a routine training application.</p> <h3 data-section-id="10bjikn" data-start="11266" data-end="11313">1. Read the official instructions carefully</h3> <p data-start="11315" data-end="11497">Before completing the application, study the application guidelines and FAQ. Pay particular attention to the eligibility requirements and instructions for submitting the application.</p> <h3 data-section-id="2wafjj" data-start="11499" data-end="11565">2. Clearly demonstrate your connection to agricultural science</h3> <p data-start="11567" data-end="11719">Your application should make it easy for reviewers to understand how your academic, professional or research activities relate to agricultural sciences.</p> <h3 data-section-id="l7we6r" data-start="11721" data-end="11763">3. Highlight your leadership potential</h3> <p data-start="11765" data-end="11944">Since this is a leadership-focused program, applicants should clearly demonstrate their existing leadership experiences, responsibilities, initiatives or potential for leadership.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1w0l7tb" data-start="11946" data-end="11986">4. Demonstrate your career ambitions</h3> <p data-start="11988" data-end="12151">Explain how the program could contribute to your professional development and how you intend to use the knowledge, networks and skills gained through the training.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1ihtr52" data-start="12153" data-end="12212">5. Pay attention to gender and agricultural development</h3> <p data-start="12214" data-end="12480">The program places strong emphasis on gender integration and equality in agriculture. Applicants should therefore demonstrate an understanding of how their work or professional interests connect with broader agricultural and gender-related challenges where relevant.</p> <h3 data-section-id="5tamxs" data-start="12482" data-end="12515">6. Submit before the deadline</h3> <p data-start="12517" data-end="12669">Do not wait until the final hours of <strong data-start="12554" data-end="12575">20 September 2026</strong>. Early submission provides additional time to address any issues with the online application.</p> <h2 data-section-id="itc6zd" data-start="12671" data-end="12734">About African Women in Agricultural Research and Development</h2> <p data-start="12736" data-end="12863">African Women in Agricultural Research and Development, commonly known as <strong data-start="12810" data-end="12819">AWARD</strong>, is the organisation behind the initiative.</p> <p data-start="12865" data-end="13037">The organisation focuses on supporting women working in agricultural research and development and strengthening their capacity to contribute to agricultural transformation.</p> <p data-start="13039" data-end="13179">The 2026 leadership training initiative is funded by the <strong data-start="13096" data-end="13126">Andrew Carnegie Foundation</strong>, formerly known as Carnegie Corporation of New York.</p> <p data-start="13181" data-end="13282">AWARD is hosted by the World Agroforestry Centre, with its listed contact location in Nairobi, Kenya.</p> <p data-start="13181" data-end="13282">Visit <a href="https://awardfellowships.org/news/lappel-a-candidatures-pour-ledition-2026-du-programme-de-formation-sur-le-leadership-dedie-aux-jeunes-femmes-africaines-dans-le-domaine-des-sciences-agricoles-est-ouvert-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HERE</strong></a> to learn more about the AWARD Leadership Program for Young African Women in Agricultural Sciences.</p> <h2 data-section-id="8dtpi" data-start="14464" data-end="14477">Conclusion</h2> <p data-start="14479" data-end="14781">The <strong data-start="14483" data-end="14577">2026 AWARD Leadership Training Program for Emerging African Women in Agricultural Sciences</strong> presents an opportunity for young women in agricultural science to strengthen their leadership capabilities, expand professional networks and develop skills that can support long-term career advancement.</p> <p data-start="14783" data-end="15160">Through its nine-month non-residential structure, the program combines leadership development, career planning, personal branding, team management, networking, gender awareness and professional communication. It also seeks to strengthen the participation and influence of women in agricultural science and promote greater gender equality within agriculture-related professions.</p> <p data-start="15162" data-end="15408">Young African women under 35 working in agricultural sciences in <strong data-start="15227" data-end="15335">Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania or Zambia</strong> should carefully review the official requirements and consider applying.</p> <p data-start="15410" data-end="15586" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">The deadline is <strong data-start="15426" data-end="15484">20 September 2026 at midnight East Africa Time (UTC+3)</strong>, and applications must be submitted through the official online application form before the deadline.</p> <p data-start="15410" data-end="15586" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><strong>Discover more global <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=fellowship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fellowship</a> and <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=leader" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership Development</a> opportunities on OFY.</strong></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/08/24/call-for-applications-2026-award-leadership-program-for-emerging-african-women-in-agricultural-sciences/">2026 AWARD Leadership Program for Young African Women in Agricultural Sciences: Apply for the 9-Month Leadership Training</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>