Call for Applications for the African Women in Data Science Fellowship
Call for Applications now open for the African Women in Data Science Fellowship. African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) is delighted to announce the commencement of the inaugural African Women in Data Science Fellowship. This timely initiative addresses the increasing need for data-driven leadership to confront the urgent issues of food insecurity and climate change throughout Africa. We welcome ambitious African women who possess foundational experience in data-related fields and a strong desire to enhance their skills and utilize data science for transformative effects in agrifood systems and climate resilience.
The Fellowship is designed to improve the leadership and technical skills of African women professionals who are employing data science to promote inclusive, evidence-based innovation in agrifood systems and climate resilience. Building on AWARD’s established success in nurturing African women leaders in agricultural research and development, the program modifies our Fellowship model to align with the requirements of a changing data and technology environment.
The program is aimed at African women from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Malawi who have proven experience in data-related positions and a dedication to using data for development. Fellows will be selected from a variety of sectors, including government, academia, research, civil society, development agencies, and the private sector.
A Transformative Learning Experience – African Women in Data Science Fellowship
Inspired by the AWARD Fellowship model, the African Women in Data Science Fellowship provides a comprehensive 12-month career-enhancing journey for African women engaged at the intersection of data science, agriculture, and climate resilience.
As a Fellow, you will partake in the following essential activities:
- Engage in a 7-day, in-person women’s leadership course aimed at bolstering your confidence, influence, and ability to lead data-driven solutions (November 2025).
- Participate in a 2-week immersive in-person data science training course that encompasses Python programming, machine learning, data wrangling, visualization, and statistical analysis (February 2026).
- Complete a 2-month virtual course centered on the application of data science tools to address real-world challenges in agrifood systems and climate resilience (April – May 2026).
- Develop and execute a data-driven capstone project that tackles a practical issue in agriculture or climate. You will be provided with modest seed funding and technical support for project implementation (February – September 2026).
- Engage in a competitive short-term institutional placement (1–3 months), referred to as Advanced Science Training (AST), within your home country. This placement offers a chance to apply your skills in a practical environment and further enhance your technical expertise (May – September 2026).
- Receive continuous support from senior data science professionals through structured mentoring relationships, which include orientation, regular check-ins, and goal setting (March – November 2026).
- Participate in knowledge-sharing sessions, storytelling activities, and professional engagement opportunities through AWARD’s network (Throughout the fellowship).
- By the end of the Fellowship, participants will be better equipped to lead data-driven initiatives, advocate for inclusive innovation, and serve as visible role models in Africa’s growing data science and development ecosystem.
African Women in Data Science Fellowship – Apply Here
- Application Deadline: July 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM East Africa Time (GMT+3). applications will NOT be accepted after this deadline.
- Applicants should carefully read the application guidelines for more information on eligibility criteria and the application process.
- Download the Application Guidelines
- Download the Fellowship brochure
- Download the Frequently Asked Questions
- For more details visit the official website
