Mawazo Fellowship Program 2025 For African Women PhD Students: Apply Now!

About the Mawazo Fellowship Program 2025

The Mawazo Fellowship Program 2025 is a prestigious initiative to empower African women scholars to play a pivotal role in shaping policy and public discourse across the continent. By fostering a strong network of women in academia, the fellowship seeks to promote the application of research-based, innovative ideas to solve Africa’s most pressing challenges. This 15-month, non-residential fellowship provides comprehensive support to women scholars, enabling them to focus on research that drives sustainable development across the continent.

The fellowship is more than just an opportunity for academic advancement—it is a platform for African women to leverage their expertise and contribute to the transformation of Africa. Scholars selected for the program will have the chance to expand their academic networks, gain valuable mentorship, and enhance their leadership skills. The ultimate goal is to create a generation of women leaders in academia who can influence policy decisions at national, regional, and global levels.

Eligible Fields of Study

The fellowship is open to PhD students in a wide range of academic disciplines, with an emphasis on fields that are crucial for Africa’s development. The program is particularly keen on applications from students working in the following areas:

Agriculture and Food Security
Business, Trade, and the Economy

Climate Change, Natural Resources, and the Environment
Education and Pedagogy
Energy and Engineering

Gender, Rights, and Governance
Information and Technology
Life and Health Sciences

Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Mawazo Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a woman (this includes cisgender women, transgender women, and AFAB non-binary individuals, as well as others historically excluded from leadership roles).
Be a national of an African country, whether born in Africa, originating from the continent, a refugee, or stateless.
Have proficiency in English (applicants from Francophone countries are encouraged to apply, but the process will be conducted in English).

Be enrolled in a PhD program at an accredited university within an African country.
Have completed coursework (if applicable) and passed their departmental or graduate school proposal defense. Proof of these milestones will be required during the application process.
Demonstrate that their PhD research contributes to Africa’s development and is relevant to global, regional, national, or subnational policy priorities.

Have a “Big Idea” that addresses one of Africa’s emerging challenges through an innovative, research-driven solution.
Show potential for leadership within and beyond academia, with a strong passion to apply their research for societal impact.
Be available to fully participate in the fellowship program between 2025 and 2026.

Be willing to dedicate 5 to 10 hours per week to the program once selected.

Although the program has no official age limit, applicants under the age of 35 are strongly encouraged to apply.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Mawazo Fellowship Program is highly competitive. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of expert reviewers from various academic fields. Successful candidates will be those who demonstrate:

Eligibility for the program by meeting all application requirements.
The ability to identify a research problem that has significant implications for Africa’s development and that is aligned with global, regional, or national policy priorities.
That their PhD research addresses a unique gap in their chosen field of study and that it is academically rigorous and well-designed.

A clear and accessible summary of their research that can be understood by scholars outside their specific academic discipline.

The Mawazo Institute is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent selection process, with a strong emphasis on non-discrimination.

Required Documents

Applicants will need to submit the following materials as part of their application:

A completed online application form.
A letter of enrollment confirming their current status as a PhD student at an accredited African university.
A letter confirming completion of coursework (if applicable) and passing of the departmental defence.

Benefits of the Mawazo Fellowship Program

The fellowship offers a wide range of benefits aimed at supporting both the academic and professional development of its participants. These include:

Virtual training and professional development: Fellows will gain access to training through the Mawazo Learning Exchange (MLEx), an e-learning platform designed to build professional skills.
Structured mentorship: Fellows will be connected with expert and peer mentors, as well as leaders from academia, industry, government, and other sectors. This mentorship will help them navigate their research and career paths.

Funding for research activities: Fellows will have access to research grants to support their academic work.
A $500 stipend to cover personal expenses.
Data bundles worth $150 to help fellows access the MLEx platform and other digital resources.

Research and editorial support: Mawazo and its partners will provide guidance on research and communication strategies, helping fellows refine their work for publication or presentation.
Visibility through Mawazo Voices: Fellows will have the chance to engage in public policy and communications work, increasing the visibility of their research and ideas through strategic partnerships and platforms.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their applications via the online application portal. Applications will not be accepted by email or in hard copy. It is essential to complete all application steps accurately and to submit all required documents by the deadline.

The application deadline for the Mawazo Fellowship Program 2025 is 11:59 pm EAT on November 10, 2024. Ensure you submit your application on time and monitor your email for updates on the application status.

The Mawazo Fellowship Program offers a transformative experience, providing African women PhD students with the tools and networks they need to become changemakers on the continent. By participating in this program, fellows will be better positioned to drive innovation and policy decisions that will shape the future of Africa.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY