In a groundbreaking stride toward gender equity in agriculture, the Leading African Women in Food Fellowship (LAWFF) has announced its Call for Nominations for the 2025 cohort. This initiative, which has already empowered over 50 dynamic women leaders in food and agriculture, continues to chart new paths for women changemakers across Africa.

As the brainchild of African Food Changemakers (AFC) and supported by the Skoll Foundation, the LAWFF program is dedicated to elevating women’s voices in the African food ecosystem. By bridging the gender gap, it empowers women to take center stage as disruptors, trendsetters, and innovators in a sector critical to Africa's development.

A Fellowship Designed to Transform

LAWFF goes beyond traditional capacity-building. Its six-month program provides awardees with cutting-edge training, access to influential mentors, and a thriving community of peers. Fellows also benefit from unparalleled visibility on global platforms, positioning them as leaders and catalysts for sustainable growth in their fields.

The fellowship celebrates women in five distinct categories:

1. Top Chefs: Culinary experts transforming food culture.
2. Disruptors: Entrepreneurs driving innovation in agribusiness.
3. Trailblazers: Visionaries leading impactful agricultural initiatives.
4. Ecosystem Enablers: Women fostering networks and partnerships for sustainable development.
5. Food & Beverage Narrative Changers: Storytellers reshaping the narrative of African food.

Why You Should Nominate or Apply

The LAWFF fellowship is more than an award; it is a springboard for women ready to challenge the status quo. Fellows emerge with not only the tools to scale their businesses or initiatives but also the confidence to champion African food narratives on the global stage.

Selected fellows will gain:

1. Intensive training in leadership, business acumen, and sustainable practices.
2. Tailored mentorship from seasoned professionals.
3. Global exposure through speaking engagements and media opportunities.
4. A vibrant network of like-minded women and key stakeholders in the food system.

Celebrating the 2024 Success Stories

This year’s cohort of LAWFF fellows showcased remarkable achievements, from launching innovative agri-tech solutions to driving impactful advocacy for gender-inclusive policies. The 2025 fellowship promises to build on this momentum, amplifying voices and driving change at even greater scales.

How to Nominate

Nominations are open from November 18, 2024, to January 19, 2025. Nominators can visit the LAWFF portal (https://lawff.afchub.org/nomination) on the African Food Changemakers website to submit their entries. Self-nominations are welcomed, as are nominations from peers, mentors, and organizations that recognize the extraordinary potential of African women in food.

Join the Movement

LAWFF invites you to be part of this transformative journey. Whether you are an innovator ready to redefine the African food system or know someone whose work deserves the spotlight, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.

Let’s continue to break barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable future. The African food system needs your voice; loud, proud, and leading the charge.

For more information and to submit nominations, visit African Food Changemakers (https://lawff.afchub.org/nomination).