African Food Fellowship 2026: Fully Transform Your Leadership in Food Systems Across Kenya, Rwanda, and Zambia

The African Food Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious leadership development initiative designed to empower mid-career professionals working within Africa’s food systems. This transformative program is currently recruiting 120 food systems leaders across Kenya, Rwanda, and Zambia, with 40 fellows selected per country.

As Africa faces increasing challenges related to food security, climate change, nutrition, and market access, the need for innovative and collaborative leadership has never been greater. The African Food Fellowship responds to this need by equipping professionals with the knowledge, networks, and tools required to drive sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems.

About the African Food Fellowship

The African Food Fellowship is more than just a program—it is a dynamic, pan-African leadership network focused on driving systemic change in food systems.

Participants become part of a growing network of over 230+ Fellows, collaborating across sectors to address pressing challenges in agriculture, food access, sustainability, and economic inclusion.

The Fellowship includes participation in the Food Systems Leadership Programme (FSLP)—a 10-month structured learning experience delivered online with in-person engagements.

Objectives of the Fellowship

The African Food Fellowship is designed to:

1. Develop transformational leaders within Africa’s food systems.

2. Foster collaboration across sectors and countries.

3. Equip fellows with practical tools to influence policy, markets, and systems.

4. Strengthen sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient food systems.

5. Support fellows in designing and implementing impactful solutions.

Country-Specific Focus Areas

Applicants must align their work with the impact areas defined for their country:

Rwanda

• Access to Healthy and Nutritious Food

• Climate Smart Agriculture

• Inclusive Markets and Trade

Go to the application form for Rwanda

Kenya

• Horticulture for Inclusive Markets

• Blue Economy for Food

• Access to Finance

Go to the application form for Kenya

Zambia

• Access to Healthy and Nutritious Food

• Resilient Food Systems

• Inclusive Markets and Trade

Go to the application form for Zambia

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the African Food Fellowship:

• Applicants must be mid-career professionals aged 27–50 years

• Must be actively working within food systems or related sectors

• Must demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to impact

• Must be based in Kenya, Rwanda, or Zambia

• Work should align with country-specific impact areas

Program Structure and Journey

The Fellowship follows a structured and immersive journey:

1. Application Phase

• Submit your application before the deadline

• Receive confirmation within one week

2. Shortlisting & Interviews

• Selected applicants invited to 90-minute group interviews

3. Offer Stage

• Successful candidates receive offers by June 2026

4. Programme Start

• Fellowship begins in September 2026

5. Learning Phase (10 Months)

• Delivered primarily online

• Includes:

  • Weekly learning sessions

  • Peer collaboration

  • Assignments and field engagement

• Time commitment: Approximately 4 hours per week

6. In-Person Module

• A 3-day in-person session in January 2027 within participants’ countries

7. Certification

• Fellows receive certification from:

  • Wageningen University & Research

  • Wasafiri Consulting

8. Post-Fellowship Engagement

• Continued participation in country and regional networks

Program Benefits

Participants gain access to a wide range of transformational benefits:

1. Networking Opportunities

• Connect with 230+ fellows across Africa

• Build long-term professional relationships

2. Leadership Development

• Participate in a 10-month structured leadership program

• Learn from industry experts and practitioners

3. Practical Learning

• Understand how food systems operate

• Identify systemic challenges and solutions

4. Collaboration and Action

• Work with peers to design and implement impactful initiatives

5. Access to Experts and Decision-Makers

• Engage with policymakers, researchers, and investors

6. Visibility and Influence

• Showcase your work across media, policy, and funding platforms

Financial Information

• Programme Fee: USD 1,000 (payable in two installments)

• Enrollment Fee: USD 100 (mandatory)

Scholarships

• A limited number of scholarships are available

• Applicants are encouraged to:

  • Demonstrate financial need

  • Seek sponsorship from their organizations

Why You Should Apply

Joining the African Food Fellowship positions you at the forefront of Africa’s food systems transformation. The program equips you with leadership skills, connects you with influential networks, and empowers you to create meaningful, scalable impact.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the African Food Fellowship 2026 is:

26 April 2026 (midnight EAT)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early due to the high volume of applications expected.

Click HERE to learn more about the African Food Fellowship 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a degree in agriculture or food systems?

No. Applicants from diverse professional backgrounds within the food system are welcome.

Must I currently work in food systems?

Yes, applicants should be actively engaged in food systems or related sectors.

Do I need to be a specialist in the listed impact areas?

Not necessarily, but your work should align with at least one focus area.

Is fluency in English required?

Yes, as the program is delivered in English.

Must I live in the country of application?

Yes, applicants must reside and work in Kenya, Rwanda, or Zambia.

Does the Fellowship provide a stipend?

No, but scholarships are available to support participation.

How much time is required weekly?

Approximately 4 hours per week.

What happens after graduation?

You will join an active alumni network and continue contributing to food systems transformation.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes, from Wageningen University & Research and Wasafiri Consulting.

To discover more other Fellowship opportunities, visit OFY HERE.