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African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) is excited to launch the inaugural African Women in Data Science Fellowship. This timely initiative responds to the growing demand for data-driven leadership to address food insecurity and climate change challenges across Africa. The Fellowship aims to enhance the leadership and technical capabilities of African women professionals using data science to drive inclusive, evidence-based innovation in agrifood systems and climate resilience. Building on AWARD’s proven track record, the program adapts its Fellowship model to meet the demands of today’s evolving data and technology landscape.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all the following criteria:
1. Be a female citizen of Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, or Malawi.
2. Hold at least a Master’s degree in:
- Applied Statistics
- Biostatistics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Biosystems Engineering
- Agricultural Economics
- Data Science
- Bioinformatics or related disciplines.
3. Have 5 to 10 years of professional experience in a data-related role, ideally within agriculture, climate, or development sectors.
4. Demonstrate intermediate English proficiency (reading, writing, speaking).
5. Be committed to full participation in the 12-month program (online and in-person).
6. Be a resident in an African country during the Fellowship period.
7. Must not be a current Fellow in any other AWARD Fellowship.
Target Participants
This program targets African women with demonstrated experience in data-related roles across various sectors, including:
* Government
* Academia
* Research institutions
* Civil society organizations
* Development agencies
* Private sector
Program Timeline and Activities
Program Duration: November 2025 – November 2026
As a Fellow, you will engage in the following core activities:
- November 2025:
7-day in-person Women’s Leadership Course (build confidence, influence, and leadership skills).
- February 2026:
2-week Data Science Bootcamp covering Python, machine learning, data wrangling, visualization, and statistical analysis.
- April – May 2026:
2-month Virtual Data Science Course applying tools to real-world challenges in agrifood systems and climate.
- February – September 2026:
Capstone Project: Design and implement a data-driven project (with seed funding and technical guidance).
- May – September 2026:
Advanced Science Training (AST): 1–3 month institutional placement within your home country.
- March – November 2026:
Mentorship: Receive structured support and career guidance from senior data science professionals.
Throughout the Fellowship:
Fellows will engage in knowledge-sharing sessions, storytelling activities, and networking opportunities within the AWARD community.
Important Dates
* Applications Open: June 10, 2025
* Applications Close: July 31, 2025
* Selected Fellows Notified: October 2025
* Fellowship Begins: November 2025 (in-person training in Kenya)
Key Selection Criteria
Applicants will be assessed on:
* Technical Proficiency: Use and understanding of data science tools
* Motivation & Career Goals: Alignment with fellowship objectives
* Use-Case Proposal: Relevance, feasibility, and impact
* Practical Data Exercise: Ability to interpret data and communicate insights
Contact and Support
For questions or support:
Email: awardinfo@cifor-icraf.org
More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the AWARD’s African Women in Data Science Fellowship
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