Deadline: January 15, 2026
The AWF Geospatial Leaders Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious, fully structured professional development programme designed to empower emerging African geospatial professionals with advanced technical and leadership skills. The fellowship focuses on applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis to conservation, sustainable development, and landscape-level decision-making across Africa.
The AWF Geospatial Leaders Fellowship 2026 brings together early-career professionals who are actively working at the intersection of technology, environment, and conservation, providing them with hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to real-world challenges.
About the Fellowship
The AWF Geospatial Leaders Fellowship is a 10-month intensive programme aimed at strengthening Africa’s conservation workforce by equipping fellows with cutting-edge geospatial skills. The fellowship blends virtual learning, applied project work, and in-person engagement to ensure participants gain both technical expertise and practical experience.
Fellows are trained to use geospatial tools to address pressing challenges such as biodiversity protection, climate resilience, land-use planning, ecosystem mapping, and sustainable development.
Programme Duration
- Length: 10 months
- Format: Combination of online learning, applied project work, and a physical workshop
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
Age Requirement
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old
Nationality
- Must be a citizen of one of the following African countries:
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Ethiopia
- Uganda
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- Cameroon
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
- Senegal
- Tunisia
- Kenya
Educational Background
- Hold a degree in:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Geography
- Environmental Science
- Natural Resource Management
- Or a closely related field
Professional Experience
- Minimum of two years’ experience in GIS, environmental management, conservation, or related work
Organisational Affiliation
- Must be working with an organisation where geospatial tools can be applied, such as:
- Government agencies
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Conservancies
- Research institutions
- Environmental or conservation-focused organisations
Conservation Engagement
- Actively involved in conservation through:
- Professional work
- Research
- Project implementation
- Policy development
- Priority is given to applicants working on projects with clear landscape-level impact
What the Fellowship Offers
Participants selected for the fellowship will benefit from:
- Advanced hands-on training in modern GIS and spatial analysis tools
- Applied project experience addressing real conservation and sustainability challenges
- Personalised mentorship from experienced professionals throughout the programme
- Opportunities to use geospatial data to:
- Support conservation planning
- Inform policy and decision-making
- Map ecosystems and landscapes
- Strengthen climate adaptation strategies
Key Fellowship Activities
The fellowship is structured around the following core components:
- Online technical training modules covering GIS and spatial data applications
- A physical, in-person workshop, typically hosted in Nairobi, Kenya
- A major applied project focused on generating practical outcomes for the fellow’s organisation or landscape of work
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Applications must be submitted before the stated deadline to be considered
Application Requirements
Applicants should be prepared to submit:
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A personal statement outlining motivation and experience
- An employer recommendation letter
- Academic transcripts
- An optional portfolio showcasing relevant GIS or conservation work
Why Apply for the AWF Geospatial Leaders Fellowship 2026?
This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to strengthen technical expertise, expand professional networks, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s conservation and sustainability agenda through data-driven solutions. It is ideal for young professionals seeking to scale their impact using geospatial technologies.
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