Apply for the 2025 Young Impact Associates (YIA) Fellowship for Young Professionals in Ghana, Kenya, or Uganda
Applications are now officially open for the 2025 Young Impact Associates (YIA) in Agrifood Systems Fellowship! This unique year-long flagship program is specifically designed to empower young African professionals with the critical skills, knowledge, and networks needed to drive impactful change and shape the future of Africa’s agrifood systems.
The YIA Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for young people passionate about agriculture, food systems, and sustainable development to actively contribute to the transformation of one of Africa’s most important sectors. Agrifood systems are central to the continent’s economy, culture, and future, and the YIA Fellowship is here to nurture the next generation of leaders who will bring about innovative solutions for a sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system.
Why Apply for the YIA Fellowship?
If you’re passionate about agricultural transformation, youth empowerment, and the role of sustainable agrifood systems in Africa’s future, the YIA Fellowship is the perfect platform to unlock your potential and make a lasting impact. As a YIA Fellow, you will have the chance to:
- Enhance Employability: The YIA Fellowship equips young professionals with practical skills and hands-on experience, making you a highly competitive candidate in the growing agrifood sector. By working closely with key stakeholders and organizations, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the real-world challenges and solutions in Africa’s agrifood systems.
- Build Networks: The fellowship provides unparalleled networking opportunities, connecting you with fellow fellows, industry leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders from across Africa. These connections are not just about sharing knowledge, but also about creating meaningful relationships that can lead to future collaboration, mentorship, and career opportunities.
- Influence Evidence-Based Decisions: As a YIA Fellow, you will be involved in important research, policy dialogues, and community-based initiatives that contribute to evidence-based decision-making processes. Your involvement will help shape policies, strategies, and initiatives that impact Africa’s agrifood systems, with an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.
- Gain Practical Experience: Through a combination of fieldwork, training, and mentorship, the fellowship allows you to immerse yourself in Africa’s agrifood systems. Whether you’re interested in sustainable farming practices, agribusiness development, food security, or climate-smart agriculture, the YIA Fellowship offers real-world experience that can propel your career in agrifood systems.
- Make a Lasting Impact: This fellowship isn’t just about personal growth – it’s about using your skills and expertise to drive change across the continent. With the knowledge and tools gained from the fellowship, you’ll be well-positioned to influence policies, advocate for positive change, and contribute to innovative projects that improve food security, support sustainable farming, and transform the agrifood landscape in Africa.
Who Can Apply?
The 2025 Young Impact Associates Fellowship is open to passionate and driven young professionals between the ages of 18-35 who are based in Ghana, Kenya, or Uganda. The fellowship is designed for individuals who are eager to make a tangible difference in their communities and contribute to the broader transformation of Africa’s agrifood systems.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a citizen or resident of Ghana, Kenya, or Uganda.
- Be aged between 18 to 35 years.
- Have a strong interest in the agrifood systems, food security, or sustainable agriculture.
- Be motivated to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to drive impact.
- Be committed to learning, building new skills, and contributing to evidence-based decision-making that benefits agrifood systems.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a young professional looking to advance your career, or an activist passionate about sustainable agriculture, the YIA Fellowship is a stepping stone to becoming a changemaker in Africa’s agrifood systems.
Fellowship Details
The 2025 YIA Fellowship is a year-long program that includes:
- Training: Fellows will receive comprehensive training on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the agrifood sector. This training will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to lead transformative projects in your community and beyond.
- Fieldwork: Fellows will be assigned to work on hands-on projects, engaging directly with communities and stakeholders to implement innovative solutions for local agrifood systems challenges.
- Mentorship: Throughout the fellowship, you will be paired with mentors who are experts in the field of agrifood systems. These mentors will provide guidance, career advice, and practical insights to help you succeed and grow professionally.
- Networking Opportunities: Fellows will have the opportunity to interact with key industry players, policymakers, and other professionals who are leading the charge in Africa’s agrifood transformation.
How to Apply
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to shape the future of Africa’s agrifood systems! To apply, visit our application portal and submit your materials by April 30, 2025. The application process is straightforward, and we encourage all passionate individuals from Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda to apply.
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
- Fellowship Start Date: 2025
This is your chance to be part of something truly impactful. The agrifood sector is the backbone of Africa’s development, and through this fellowship, you will be equipped to play an instrumental role in its future. Apply today and become part of the 2025 YIA Fellowship cohort – help drive the change Africa needs!
