Internship
Kenya & Rwanda
Posted 3 days ago

The African Food Fellowship

Food Systems Leadership Fellowship – 80 Fellowships Available in Kenya & Rwanda 2025

ESSENTIAL JOB DETAILS

Position: Food Systems Leadership Fellow
Location: Kenya & Rwanda
Fellowship Openings: 80 (40 in Kenya, 40 in Rwanda)
Target Group: Mid-career professionals (ages 27-50)
Fellowship Duration: 10 months
Mode of Delivery: Online, with in-person meetups, assignments, and site visits
Time Commitment: 4 hours per week (average)
Certificate Awarding Institutions: Wageningen University & Research and Wasafiri Consulting
Participation Fee: USD 1000 (Payable in two installments)
Scholarships: Limited scholarships available
Application Deadline: 25th April 2025 (Midnight EAT)
Interview Process: Group interviews for shortlisted candidates
Start Date: September 2025

INTRODUCTION

The African Food Fellowship is calling on food system leaders in Kenya and Rwanda to apply for a transformative leadership fellowship. This opportunity is designed for mid-career professionals dedicated to driving impactful change within the food sector. Successful applicants will join a network of like-minded professionals, enhancing their leadership skills while actively shaping the future of sustainable food systems in Africa.

This program equips participants with leadership training, networking opportunities, and exposure to experts across various disciplines. If you are passionate about building sustainable food systems, this fellowship will provide the platform to amplify your impact and accelerate your career.

ABOUT THE AFRICAN FOOD FELLOWSHIP

The African Food Fellowship is a pioneering network of leaders collaborating to revolutionize food systems across the continent. This initiative nurtures professionals who are passionate about fostering food sustainability, inclusivity, and health in their respective countries. Through strategic partnerships with industry experts and institutions like Wageningen University & Research and Wasafiri Consulting, the fellowship equips leaders with the knowledge and connections needed to make lasting impacts in the food sector.

The African Food Fellowship goes beyond education—it fosters a movement of innovators and changemakers. The food systems space is evolving, and there is a need for forward-thinking professionals who can challenge conventional models and develop innovative solutions. This fellowship is an investment in the future of African food systems, empowering individuals with cutting-edge insights, peer collaborations, and access to influential networks.

ELIGIBLE IMPACT AREAS FOR FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS

For Rwanda, applicants must be working in:

Healthy and Nutritious Food
Climate-Smart Agriculture
Inclusive Markets and Trade

For Kenya, applicants must be working in:

Horticulture for Inclusive Markets
Blue Economy for Food
Agri-finance

These impact areas are crucial to Africa’s long-term food security and economic growth. Fellows will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive innovation in their respective fields. They will gain access to valuable insights, develop practical strategies, and collaborate with industry experts to implement sustainable solutions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF FELLOWS

Engage in an intensive 10-month leadership program to gain advanced knowledge on food systems.
Participate in online coursework, collaborative assignments, and field visits.
Leverage the African Food Fellowship’s network to enhance career growth and industry impact.
Collaborate with other Fellows and stakeholders to develop and implement food system solutions.
Apply learned strategies to influence policy, market structures, and sustainability practices in food systems.
Contribute to thought leadership by engaging in discussions, media initiatives, and public forums.
Work alongside decision-makers, organizations, and other professionals to push for regulatory and structural changes that benefit food systems.
Lead projects that focus on improving food production, distribution, and accessibility within Kenya and Rwanda.
Participate in hands-on workshops, learning labs, and strategic planning exercises to develop real-world solutions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Must be a mid-career professional (aged 27-50) with demonstrated experience in food systems.
Must be actively working in one of the designated impact areas in Kenya or Rwanda.
Strong leadership potential and a track record of influencing change within the food sector.
Ability to dedicate an average of 4 hours per week to the fellowship program.
Openness to collaborative learning and co-creating solutions with peers.
Commitment to engaging in structured learning, industry networking, and real-world problem-solving.
Prior experience in policy-making, research, or entrepreneurship within the food sector is an added advantage.
Strong communication, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
Demonstrated ability to work across different sectors, including agriculture, business, finance, and policy.

BENEFITS OF JOINING THE AFRICAN FOOD FELLOWSHIP

Connect:

Join a growing network of over 230+ food system leaders.
Collaborate with professionals from various industries and disciplines.
Gain access to mentorship from global experts in food sustainability.
Be part of a movement that is shaping the future of Africa’s food landscape.

Learn:

Enroll in a structured leadership program designed by leading industry experts.
Understand the challenges facing food systems and innovative ways to address them.
Develop critical leadership skills to drive systemic change.
Receive mentorship from industry leaders, researchers, and business executives.

Act:

Implement real-world solutions in partnership with fellow leaders.
Engage with policy influencers, industry experts, and funding organizations.
Gain opportunities to present your work in international forums and media platforms.
Take part in national and regional initiatives to drive food system transformation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Submit Your Application: Complete the official application form online.
Confirmation: Receive acknowledgment of application submission within one week.
Shortlisting: Selected candidates will be invited for a 90-minute group interview.
Interview Process: Interviews will be scheduled and communicated to shortlisted candidates.
Selection & Offers: Successful candidates will receive formal offers by the end of June 2025.
Program Commencement: The fellowship officially begins in September 2025.

Participation Fee: The cost for the Food Systems Leadership Programme is USD 1000, payable in two installments. Limited scholarships are available for candidates who require financial assistance. Applicants are encouraged to seek sponsorships from their employers or organizations.