African Food Fellowship Seeks New Leaders to Transform Food Systems

By Melisa Mong'ina 

The search for the next generation of food systems leaders in Africa is on. The African Food Fellowship has officially opened applications for its fifth cohort, looking to recruit 80 new Fellows, 40 from Kenya and 40 from Rwanda, who are afriready to drive change in how food is grown, distributed, and consumed across the continent.

This year’s cohort comes with a fresh focus, as the Fellowship expands its impact areas to align with Africa’s shifting priorities. Interested candidates have until April 25, 2025, to submit their applications.

In Kenya, the Fellowship is targeting leaders in horticulture for inclusive markets, the blue economy for food, and agri-finance. In Rwanda, the focus shifts to healthy and nutritious foods, climate-smart agriculture, and inclusive markets and trade. 

The decision to refine these impact areas follows a growing recognition of the urgent need for sustainable food systems that match government priorities and the broader vision for Africa’s agricultural future.

For African Food Fellowship Director Joost Guijt, the last four years of leadership development in food systems have set the stage for expansion. He points to the recently adopted Kampala Declaration as a key influence in redefining the Fellowship’s areas of focus, ensuring they align with the continent’s needs in the coming decade. 

Targeting leaders in climate-smart agriculture in Rwanda and the blue economy in Kenya, he says, is a step toward building a food systems leadership pipeline capable of driving real transformation.

“We now have an expanded focus on trade in both countries, a focus on climate-smart agriculture in Rwanda to match new government priorities, and an expanded focus on the blue economy in Kenya. Targeting leaders in these areas, while maintaining focus on other impact areas, ensures we can better support Africa’s food systems transformation agenda,” Guijt said.

With operations in Rwanda and Kenya, the Fellowship envisions growing its reach across Africa by 2030. The goal is to strengthen the leadership capacity of food systems actors so they can navigate challenges and implement long-term solutions. 

Anysie Ishimwe, African Food Fellowship Rwanda Lead, stresses that while much has been invested in solving food insecurity, leadership development has often been overlooked.

Rwanda Food Fellows exchange ideas during an interactive session at the cohort 4 graduation in 2024.

“A lot has been invested in ending hunger, tackling malnutrition, and improving food systems in Africa, but little has been done to build the leadership capacity of those responsible for delivering these ambitious goals. Africa needs strong leaders to create healthy, inclusive, and sustainable food systems,” Ishimwe said.

Brenda Mareri, African Food Fellowship Kenya Lead, echoes the call for diverse applicants, encouraging women, small-scale farmers, and individuals from marginalized areas to seize the opportunity. She highlights the Fellowship’s commitment to inclusivity, emphasizing the value of bringing together different perspectives.

“The Fellowship is a diverse and inclusive space where members contribute unique perspectives and networks. We especially encourage women and small-scale farmers to apply, as they are often left out of leadership opportunities,” she said.

Those selected will join an impact network of over 230 Fellows and begin their journey with the prestigious Food Systems Leadership Programme. The 10-month virtual program is designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze food systems and develop innovative solutions. 

The program requires a participation fee of USD 1,000, payable in two installments, with a limited number of scholarships available for those who can demonstrate financial need. Participants are also encouraged to seek organizational scholarships for additional support.

By bringing together government officials, entrepreneurs, scientists, financiers, educators, and community leaders, the Fellowship aims to influence policies, investments, and incentives that will shape Africa’s food future.