The Mawazo Institute is currently inviting applications for its 2025 Mawazo Fellowship Programme, designed specifically for African women pursuing PhD studies at accredited universities across Africa. This non-residential fellowship aims to create a strong network of African women experts, empowering them to influence policy, research, and public discourse. The focus is on increasing the application of evidence-based ideas that will foster Africa’s development.
In the 2025 cohort, the Mawazo Fellowship Programme will support up to 40 women from various fields of study. Applicants who are pursuing their PhD in the following thematic areas are especially encouraged to apply:
- 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
About Mawazo Institute
The Mawazo Institute is a women-led organization that supports early-career African women researchers. Their goal is to foster the development of practical, evidence-based solutions that address pressing challenges in Africa. Through their fellowship, they provide tools and platforms that empower women to lead in academia and beyond.
Benefits of the Mawazo Fellowship Program
Fellows in the Mawazo Institute Fellowship Program enjoy a range of benefits, including:
- Participation in the Mawazo Learning Exchange (MLEx), a virtual training and professional development program.
- Access to expert and peer mentors through a structured mentorship program.
- Connections to leaders in academia, government, industry, and other sectors.
- Funding for research activities and grants.
- A stipend of $500 for personal use.
- Data bundles worth $150 to help with access to the MLEx platform.
- Research and editorial support from Mawazo’s team and partners.
- Public visibility through Mawazo Voices, a platform focused on public policy and engagement.
Eligibility Criteria for Mawazo Institute Fellowship
To be eligible for the Mawazo Fellowship Programme, applicants must:
- Identify as a woman.
- Be a national of an African country (including refugees or stateless individuals).
- Have strong written and spoken English skills. Francophone applicants are also welcome, although the application process will be in English.
- Be enrolled in a PhD program at an accredited African university.
- Have completed coursework and passed the proposal defense stage, meaning they are in the dissertation phase of their PhD.
- Show that their PhD research relates to Africa’s development and addresses a critical policy issue.
- Have a “Big Idea” to positively impact Africa through their research.
- Show leadership potential both in and outside of academia, with a desire to create societal impact.
- Commit to fully participating in the programme from 2025-2026, dedicating at least 5-10 hours weekly.
- While there is no age limit, applicants under the age of 35 are strongly encouraged to apply.
Required Documents for Application
Applicants need to submit the following documents:
- A completed online application form.
- A letter confirming their current enrollment in a PhD program.
- A letter confirming completion of coursework and passing of their departmental defense.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is November 10, 2024. For more details and to apply, visit the Mawazo Institute website.
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