Deadline: Unspecified
The One Acre Fund Future Leaders Programme 2026 is a 12-month professional leadership development opportunity designed for emerging professionals passionate about driving agricultural transformation and social impact across Africa. The programme offers participants a chance to gain hands-on experience working with the globally recognised One Acre Fund, an organisation dedicated to supporting smallholder farmers to grow more food, increase their income, and improve their livelihoods.
Through the One Acre Fund Future Leaders Programme 2026, participants will receive a unique blend of practical experience, mentorship, and professional development that accelerates their leadership journey while contributing to meaningful, real-world change.
About the One Acre Fund Future Leaders Programme 2026
This flagship programme is structured to empower early-career professionals with the tools, exposure, and network to thrive in the development and agricultural sectors. Over 12 months, participants will take on high-impact projects, engage with cross-functional teams, and develop essential leadership skills that prepare them for senior roles within and beyond the organisation.
The One Acre Fund Future Leaders Programme 2026 aims to cultivate a new generation of purpose-driven leaders committed to serving rural communities and strengthening food security systems across Africa.
Programme Structure and Benefits
Selected participants will:
- Work on critical, high-impact projects that directly contribute to One Acre Fund’s mission of serving smallholder farmers.
- Receive targeted mentorship and professional development training designed to enhance leadership capacity.
- Participate in a structured onboarding and cohort induction, ensuring a strong start and collaborative learning experience.
- Gain the opportunity to be seconded to a host country programme, depending on the nature of their assigned work.
- Be eligible for consideration for permanent roles within One Acre Fund upon successful completion of the programme.
The experience combines strategic leadership exposure with hands-on field experience, making it ideal for professionals looking to build a long-term career in development, agriculture, or social enterprise.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the One Acre Fund Future Leaders Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Legal right to work in one of the countries where One Acre Fund operates (Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Burundi, or Malawi). Please note: work permit sponsorship is not available.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
- Possess 2–4 years of professional experience, ideally in project management, development, agriculture, business, or related areas.
- Have proficiency in English (written and spoken). Fluency in a local language such as Swahili, Kinyarwanda, or Amharic is an added advantage.
- Demonstrate skills in stakeholder engagement, systems design, data-driven decision-making, and problem solving.
These criteria ensure that each participant is equipped to contribute effectively to impactful agricultural initiatives while developing their leadership potential.
What You’ll Gain
Participants in the programme will gain:
- Exposure to large-scale development operations across multiple African countries.
- Practical leadership experience within a global, mission-driven organisation.
- Access to mentorship from seasoned professionals and a strong alumni network.
- A transformational learning journey that blends strategic insight with practical problem-solving.
Graduates of the One Acre Fund Future Leaders Programme 2026 often emerge as agile, innovative leaders with a strong foundation in agricultural and social impact leadership.
Application Timeline
Applications for the One Acre Fund Future Leaders Programme 2026 are currently open and ongoing. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure their place in the inaugural cohort.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can apply through the official One Acre Fund recruitment portal. The application process involves completing an online form and submitting relevant documentation that showcases your qualifications and motivation for joining the programme.
To learn more about the programme, its structure, and what makes it an exceptional career-building opportunity:
Read more about the One Acre Fund Future Leaders Programme
Final Note
The One Acre Fund Future Leaders Programme represents a remarkable opportunity for ambitious professionals seeking to make a tangible impact in African agriculture and rural development. With its focus on mentorship, growth, and leadership, this programme provides the perfect platform for those ready to shape the future of sustainable farming and food security across the continent.
📩 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
