The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has launched the Geospatial Leaders Fellowship 2026, a transformative program designed to empower young African professionals who are passionate about conservation and geospatial innovation. This fellowship is more than just training, it is a launchpad for future leaders who want to harness the power of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to protect biodiversity and guide sustainable development across Africa.
Program Overview
The fellowship is a 10-month immersive experience that combines technical training, mentorship, and real-world project implementation. In partnership with ESRI, a global leader in GIS technology, AWF ensures that fellows gain access to cutting-edge tools and knowledge.
Key highlights of the program include:
- High-impact technical training on modern GIS tools and applications.
- Hands-on project experience addressing urgent environmental and development challenges.
- Personalized mentorship from conservation and geospatial experts.
- Exposure to innovative solutions for mapping ecosystems, supporting climate adaptation, and advancing sustainable development.
This fellowship is not only about learning, it is about creating tangible impact in African landscapes and communities.
Fellowship Objectives
The AWF Geospatial Leaders Fellowship is crafted to achieve several core objectives:
- Empower African geospatial professionals to become leaders in conservation.
- Bridge the gap between technology and sustainability, ensuring GIS applications directly benefit biodiversity and local communities.
- Foster innovation by encouraging fellows to design creative solutions for pressing environmental challenges.
- Strengthen institutional capacity by supporting organizations that rely on GIS for conservation, research, and policy-making.
By the end of the program, fellows are expected to emerge as changemakers who can integrate geospatial data into decision-making processes that shape Africa’s future.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure the fellowship reaches the right candidates, AWF has outlined clear eligibility requirements. Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Hold citizenship in one of the following African countries:
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Ethiopia
- Uganda
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- Cameroon
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
- Senegal
- Tunisia
- Kenya
- Work with an organization that demonstrates clear needs and opportunities for GIS applications, such as:
- Government agencies
- NGOs
- Conservancies
- Research institutions
- Possess a degree in GIS, Geography, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
- Have at least two years of professional experience in GIS or the environmental sector.
- Be actively engaged in conservation efforts, whether through projects, research, policy initiatives, or direct action.
Priority consideration will be given to candidates and organizations working on projects that directly benefit landscapes.
Application Process
Applying for the fellowship is straightforward and designed to be accessible:
- Create an account on the application portal using your official name and a valid email address.
- Log in to begin your application.
- Save your progress at any time and return later using your email and password.
- Submit your completed application before the deadline.
Important Dates:
- Opening Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM
- Deadline: Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 9:59 AM
Applicants are encouraged to start early to ensure they have enough time to prepare strong submissions.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Africa faces urgent environmental challenges, from climate change to habitat loss. GIS technology offers powerful tools to:
- Map ecosystems and track biodiversity.
- Support climate adaptation strategies.
- Guide sustainable development planning.
- Strengthen conservation policies with data-driven insights.
By equipping young professionals with these skills, AWF is investing in a new generation of leaders who can balance development with conservation.
Impact Beyond Training
The fellowship is not just about individual growth, it is about collective impact. Fellows will:
- Contribute to real-world projects that benefit African landscapes.
- Strengthen the capacity of their organizations to use GIS effectively.
- Build a network of geospatial leaders across Africa.
- Inspire future generations by demonstrating how technology can serve conservation.
This ripple effect ensures that the fellowship’s benefits extend far beyond the 10-month program.
The AWF Geospatial Leaders Fellowship 2026 is a rare opportunity for young African professionals to combine their passion for conservation with advanced technical skills. By joining, fellows will not only enhance their careers but also contribute to safeguarding Africa’s rich biodiversity for generations to come.
If you are driven by innovation, conservation, and leadership, this fellowship could be your next big step.Apply now.