The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has officially launched the AWF Geospatial Leaders Fellowship, a 10-month professional development initiative designed to build an elite cohort of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialists. Africa currently faces a pivotal ecological crisis, with wildlife populations having declined by 76% over the last 50 years despite the continent hosting a quarter of the world's biodiversity.

Because more than 62% of rural Africans depend on these natural ecosystems for their survival, the fellowship aims to integrate nature directly into the continent’s development agenda by empowering young professionals with advanced spatial intelligence tools.

The fellowship focuses on transforming raw spatial data into actionable intelligence for critical tasks such as tracking deforestation, mapping wildlife corridors, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict. AWF CEO Kaddu Sebunya describes GIS as a "decision-making superpower" that allows conservationists to safeguard both biodiversity and human well-being. By equipping the next generation with these tools, AWF seeks to ensure that sustainable land-use planning becomes a cornerstone of African growth, balancing the needs of modern infrastructure with the preservation of vital wildlands.

This fully funded opportunity is open to African citizens under the age of 35 who possess at least two years of professional experience in the GIS or environmental sectors. The 2026 cohort will consist of six fellows from eligible nations, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and the DRC. Participants will engage in a blended learning journey featuring online modules, a technical workshop in Nairobi, and the implementation of a practical project within their home organizations.

Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses and access to industry-standard GIS software and specialized datasets. By the end of the program, these leaders are expected to serve as strategic advisors within their respective organizations, bridging the gap between high-level technology and on-the-ground conservation policy.

Applications are now open and will close at 5:00 PM East Africa Time on January 15, 2025. Interested candidates must submit a complete application via the designated online platform, including a CV, personal statement, employer recommendation letter, academic transcripts, and an optional portfolio. The application form can be found here. https://bit.ly/4qyaVAT

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AWF Launches Elite Geospatial Fellowship to Tackle Africa’s Biodiversity Crisis