AWF GEOSPATIAL LEADERS FELLOWSHIP 2026 – AFRICAN CONSERVATION PROFESSIONALS | FULLY FUNDED 10-MONTH PROGRAM

Program Name: AWF Geospatial Leaders Fellowship 2026
Organizer: African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) in Partnership with ESRI
Target: Young African Geospatial Professionals (Aged 18–35) in Conservation
Duration: 10 Months
Number of Fellows: Not Specified (Multiple)
Application Opening: December 17, 2025 (12:00 PM)
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026 (11:59 AM)
Category/Department: Conservation / Geospatial / GIS / Environment
Funding: Fully Funded (Training, Mentorship, Project Support)

Introduction

African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), in partnership with ESRI, launches the AWF Geospatial Leaders Fellowship 2026 – a 10-month program empowering the next generation of African geospatial professionals dedicated to conservation. Fellows receive high-impact technical training in modern GIS tools, real-world project experience, and personalized mentorship to design innovative solutions for Africa’s environmental challenges: ecosystem mapping, climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development.

Open to citizens aged 18–35 from 11 specified African countries with relevant degree/experience and organizational affiliation, this fully funded fellowship prioritizes candidates/organizations working on landscape-level conservation projects. Ideal for passionate, action-oriented geospatial experts ready to drive impact, this opportunity aligns with Africa’s conservation priorities and global sustainability goals.

About African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) protects wildlife and wild lands across Africa through science-based conservation. Partnering with ESRI (global GIS leader), AWF equips fellows with cutting-edge tools for data-driven decisions.

AWF fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and impact, empowering African leaders in conservation. Fellows gain mentorship, networks, and skills for lifelong contribution.

Program Details

Duration: 10 Months
Focus: High-impact technical training, real-world projects, personalized mentorship.
Content: Modern GIS tools (ESRI), spatial data applications, innovative conservation solutions (mapping, climate adaptation, biodiversity).
Impact: Hands-on exposure designing solutions for urgent African challenges.

Eligibility

Age: 18–35 years.
Citizenship: Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda, DRC, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Senegal, Tunisia, Kenya.
Employment: Work with organization having clear GIS needs (government agency, NGO, conservancy, research institution).
Education: Degree in GIS, Geography, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related.
Experience: At least 2 years in GIS or environmental sector.
Commitment: Actively championing conservation (action/projects/research/policy).
Priority: Projects directly benefiting landscapes.