The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has launched the Geospatial Leaders Fellowship, a 10-month program that will train young Africans to use mapping and data tools to protect wildlife and nature across the continent.
Africa is home to one-quarter of the world’s wildlife, providing essential resources for people and economies.
Yet wildlife populations have dropped 76% in the last 50 years, posing a threat to the environment and millions of people who depend on it.
More than 60% of rural Africans rely on forests, rivers, and other natural ecosystems for food, water, and income.
AWF says the fellowship will help young leaders use modern technology to make better decisions for both communities and wildlife.
The fellowship teaches participants how to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), tools that turn data and satellite images into maps and actionable insights.
Fellows will learn how to track deforestation, map wildlife corridors, prevent conflicts between people and animals, and plan land use in a way that protects the environment.
By applying these skills, participants will help ensure conservation and human development go hand in hand.
“GIS is no longer just a mapping tool; it’s a decision-making superpower for conservation,” said Kaddu Sebunya, AWF CEO.
“By investing in Africa’s brightest young minds, we are building a generation of leaders equipped to safeguard both nature and human well-being for the future.”
The fully funded fellowship is open to African citizens under 35 with relevant degrees and at least two years of experience in GIS or environmental work.
Applicants must work for an organization that can use GIS tools in its projects.
AWF will accept six fellows for the 2026 cohort.
The program includes online learning, a workshop in Nairobi, and a hands-on project to tackle a real conservation challenge.
Fellows will gain practical experience applying GIS to problems like deforestation, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict, ensuring their work has a real impact.
Applications are open now and will close at 5:00 PM East Africa Time on January 15, 2025.
Candidates must submit a CV, personal statement, employer recommendation letter, academic transcripts, and an optional portfolio through https://bit.ly/4qyaVAT.
Eligible countries include Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Senegal, Tunisia, and Kenya.
For full details on eligibility, program structure, and the fellowship journey, visit https://bit.ly/3L7JKO1.
AWF says the fellowship comes at a critical time for Africa.
The decline in wildlife and ecosystems affects rural livelihoods, national economies, and the future of communities across the continent.
By training a new generation of GIS leaders, AWF hopes to produce professionals who can use spatial data to solve conservation problems, guide sustainable development, and help communities thrive alongside nature.
About AWF
Founded in 1961, the African Wildlife Foundation works to protect Africa’s wildlife and wild lands while promoting development.
AWF combines science, policy, and community engagement to ensure conservation benefits both people and nature, demonstrating that healthy ecosystems are key to a prosperous Africa.
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