Calling all Young Women Farmers in Africa! FAO-EYPA Empowerment of Young Women Farmers in Africa Mentorship Programme 2026 (phase 2)
EYPA Phase II: Empowering Young Women Farmers in Africa (FAO & PAFO, 2026)
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO), has launched Phase II of the Empowerment of Young Women Farmers in Africa through Inclusive Mentorship Programme (EYPA).
Building on the success of the pilot program, this phase specifically targets young women farmers across Africa to enhance their skills, confidence, and professional networks in agrifood systems.
Program Objectives
EYPA Phase II is designed to scale up the mentorship model from the pilot phase, focusing on:
- Gender-focused mentorship: Addressing the specific challenges young women face in agriculture
- Capacity-building activities: Enhancing technical, organizational, and financial competencies
- Networking opportunities: Connecting young women farmers with peers, mentors, and industry leaders
- Economic empowerment: Supporting women-led agribusinesses and closing gender gaps in African agrifood systems
The program aligns with the goals of the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026), promoting equitable access to skills, markets, and opportunities.
Who Can Participate
- Mentees: Up to 50 young women farmers from various African regions
- Mentors: Experienced professionals in agriculture and agribusiness willing to guide mentees
Applications were opened in February 2026, with the submission deadline for expressions of interest on 6 March 2026.
Program Structure
The EYPA Phase II mentorship journey will provide participants with:
- Tailored mentorship: Personalized guidance to address individual challenges and opportunities
- Skill-building sessions: Financial literacy, organizational management, marketing, and business planning
- Market access support: Tools and networks to enhance the reach of women-led agribusinesses
The program concludes with regional pitching sessions, where mentees present their agribusiness ventures, demonstrating the impact and sustainability of their projects.
Final Competition:
- Location: PAFO Headquarters, Kigali, Rwanda
- Activity: Top mentees showcase their businesses and compete for two cash prizes
- Outcome: Recognition of leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial excellence in agrifood systems
Why EYPA Phase II Matters
EYPA Phase II is more than a mentorship program—it is a strategic intervention to:
- Develop young women leaders in agriculture
- Promote gender equality and empowerment
- Transform African agrifood systems by fostering innovative and sustainable practices
- Build professional networks that support ongoing growth and collaboration
By equipping young women with essential competencies and mentorship support, the program amplifies their potential to become influential leaders and innovators in their communities and sectors.
FAO & PAFO Collaboration
Phase II reflects a strong partnership between FAO and PAFO, implemented under a Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration emphasizes:
- Shared commitment to youth and women empowerment in agriculture
- Creation of structured mentorship and capacity-building opportunities
- Long-term investment in agrifood leadership and innovation across Africa
Key Highlights at a Glance
- Program Name: Empowerment of Young Women Farmers in Africa (EYPA Phase II)
- Hosts: FAO & PAFO
- Target Participants: Young women farmers (mentees) and experienced agriculture professionals (mentors)
- Focus Areas: Mentorship, capacity-building, market access, financial literacy, and agribusiness development
- Final Event: Regional pitching sessions culminating in Kigali, Rwanda
- Deadline for Applications: 6 March 2026
Impact and Opportunities
EYPA Phase II provides young women farmers with:
- Access to mentorship from experienced professionals
- Opportunities to build business and financial skills
- Platforms to showcase innovation and entrepreneurship
- Increased visibility in regional and continental agrifood networks
- Empowerment to drive sustainable change in African agriculture
This initiative reinforces FAO and PAFO’s dedication to creating equitable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems while promoting youth leadership and innovation.
LEARN MORE & APPLY
By participating in EYPA Phase II, young women farmers in Africa can gain the tools, networks, and confidence to transform their agribusinesses and communities, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable agricultural future.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering that is offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
