Are you a young African passionate about transforming the continent’s agrifood systems? The opportunity to become a change-maker in one of the most critical sectors for Africa’s development is here. The 2025 Young Impact Associates (YIA) Fellowship in Agrifood Systems is officially open for applications—a unique, year-long leadership journey that will shape the next generation of African impact measurement experts and leaders.
This immersive program, set to run from mid-June 2025 to the end of May 2026, is implemented by a powerful consortium of organizations working across research, policy, and development. These include CIFOR-ICRAF, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), and Akademiya2063. With support from the Mastercard Foundation, the YIA Fellowship is designed to prepare ambitious, mission-driven individuals to become agents of meaningful change across Africa’s agrifood landscape.
Fellows selected for this program will benefit from a monthly stipend throughout the 12 months, ensuring they can focus fully on their learning and contribution without financial distraction. In addition to financial support, the program offers access to valuable resources, training, and mentorship that will be outlined in detail upon the start of the fellowship. Once completed, fellows will join the global Mastercard Foundation alumni network a community of passionate changemakers with shared values and a commitment to Africa’s development.
This fellowship is calling on young leaders from Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda who are currently living in Africa and ready to commit to a full-time, year-long transformative journey. Applicants should be between the ages of 18 and 35 and can be students, professionals, self-employed, or currently seeking opportunities. What matters most is your commitment to making a difference. The program seeks individuals with a strong command of English, holding at least a diploma or bachelor’s degree in fields such as agriculture, economics, data science, social sciences, climate studies, international development, or related disciplines.
More than just qualifications, the YIA Fellowship values passion, particularly for data-driven solutions and impact measurement. If you are motivated to learn, eager to use data to drive social and environmental change, and ready to dedicate yourself to a journey of growth, this could be your next big step.
This is more than a fellowship, it’s a launchpad for those ready to step into leadership, innovate within Africa’s food systems, and shape a future grounded in sustainability and equity. If that sounds like you, now is the time to take action. Apply and be part of Africa’s transformation story.
Eligible Countries
The 2025 YIA Fellowship is open to nationals of Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda who are currently residing in Africa.
Program Benefits
Successful applicants to the 2025 YIA Fellowship will receive a monthly stipend for the entire 12-month duration, enabling them to fully dedicate their time and energy to the program without financial strain. In addition to the financial support, fellows will gain access to non-monetary benefits such as expert mentorship, skills development, and hands-on training in impact measurement all of which will be outlined at the start of the fellowship. Upon completing the program, fellows will also become part of the prestigious Mastercard Foundation alumni network, connecting them to a vibrant global community of changemakers and leaders who are passionate about driving positive change across Africa.
