Top Chefs
Culinary artists who, through creativity and innovative cooking, are changing narratives about African food.
LAWFF / 2026
Leadership is already here.
A continental fellowship for women shaping food
Leadership is already here.
We make it visible.
LAWFF backs the women changing Africa's food systems with training, mentorship, community and recognition.
LAWFF Fellows Convening · Lagos, Nigeria
6-month programme
Intensive training, mentorship and peer learning.
5 award categories
Honouring women leaders across the food system.
Mentors across Africa
From chefs to scientists, investors to storytellers.
One powerful network
A community that collaborates, champions and scales impact.
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Five ways to
Lead change
Five categories. Five ways to change a continent — nominate a woman in the one that fits her impact.
Disruptors
Creators of adaptive tools, models and approaches that solve challenges within the food system.
Trailblazers
Change agents who have made ground-breaking contributions to the ecosystem and paved the way for others.
Ecosystem Enablers
Leaders who introduce and scale innovative products, ideas and opportunities for a more inclusive food system.
Narrative Changers
Storytellers and digital media gurus creating content that amplifies positive change in the food ecosystem.
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The fellowship in motion
Stories. Impact. Evidence.
Impact documentary · 04:32 (opens in a new tab)
When one woman advances, an entire food system moves with her.
— LAWFF Fellow
Words from our fellows
“Thank you, ladies, for making our stay in Tanzania. Thank you, Ndidi, for all you do and still doing for us.”
Amaka ChukwudumAmicable Mondiale Farms
“A heartfelt gratitude cannot fully be expressed. I'm totally out of my comfort zone and ready to tackle the world.”
Chantelle de BruynButtercup Farmhouse
“I've had food businesses in Dar Es Salaam reaching out to me for paid promotions. The fact that I got people reaching out is amazing.”
Ugonna EjioguMiya's Food Diary
What nominees ask us
Clear answers. Confident nominations.
African women, ages 25–40, with at least three years’ experience in the agri-food sector, demonstrable impact, and citizenship and residence in an African country at the time of application.
We accept nominations from across the African continent. Our goal is to be inclusive and celebrate the diversity of women in the food industry.
Through our website’s Submit Nomination link. Follow the instructions to provide the necessary information about your outstanding nominee.
After the nomination period, our team carefully reviews all submissions. Shortlisted candidates are contacted for further assessment.
Absolutely. We welcome multiple nominations from individuals who recognise the outstanding contributions of more than one woman in food and agriculture.
Our expert panel assesses nominees on their impact, innovation and dedication to advancing the food and agriculture sector.
Top Chefs, Disruptors, Trailblazers, Ecosystem Enablers and Food/Beverage Narrative Changers each recognise a unique contribution within the industry.
Quality over quantity. Multiple nominations can highlight impact, but a well-detailed and compelling nomination carries the most weight.
Our nomination form guides each category. Choose the one that best aligns with the nominee’s achievements and contributions.
They are industry experts, leaders and advocates for women in food and agriculture. Their diverse perspectives ensure a fair, thorough review.
Past fellows are ineligible for re-nomination, but we encourage their continued engagement in the LAWFF alumni community.
Put an exceptional woman on the map.
Your nomination can open doors, resources and recognition for a woman shaping Africa's food future.
Nominate now