For over 10,000 years, women have been the backbone of agriculture – not just as laborers but as innovators, market influencers, and climate strategists (FAO, 2011). Yet, their economic and strategic power remains underutilised due to systemic barriers such as restricted land ownership, exclusion from policymaking and limited access to capital (World Bank, 2021).
The Leading African Women in Food Fellowship (LAWFF) is more than an initiative amplifying women’s voices; it is a strategic intervention reshaping the future of Africa’s food economy. By equipping women with tools, networks, and visibility, LAWFF ensures they are not seen merely as beneficiaries but as key architects of food security, economic resilience and innovation. As part of this mission, LAWFF proudly announces the 2025 cohort alongside the launch of the Leading AgriWomen Voices (LAV) Book, a groundbreaking publication amplifying the narratives of African women shaping the food ecosystem.
Women’s Role in Agriculture: Beyond the Fields
Women’s contributions to agriculture extend far beyond smallholder farming. They play critical roles as agricultural economists, innovators, and climate strategists, shaping markets, pioneering sustainable practices and leading adaptation efforts (UN Women, 2023; FAO, 2011; World Bank, 2021). However, financial exclusion, outdated policies and a lack of representation in leadership continue to undermine their ability to drive large-scale transformation.
Shifting the Narrative: From Recognition to Investment
Empowering women in agriculture is not just about equity; it is an economic necessity. Equal access to resources could increase global agricultural output by 30 per cent, feeding an additional 150 million people (FAO, 2011). However, financial institutions and policymakers continue to marginalise women. Addressing this imbalance requires:
Developing gender-first agricultural policies to ensure female-led land ownership, targeted financing, and market integration (UN Women, 2023).
Breaking funding barriers by moving beyond microloans to high-capital investments for women-led agribusinesses (World Bank, 2021).
Innovating with agricultural technology tailored for women, addressing labour dynamics and access challenges (FAO, 2011).
Repositioning women as decision-makers, ensuring their leadership in agricultural ministries, agribusinesses, and climate resilience initiatives (UN Women, 2023).
Women have long been the silent architects of agriculture, but their silence can no longer be tolerated. The future of agriculture demands systemic shifts that recognise and restore their agency.
LAWFF’s Impact & 2025 Cohort Announcement
In 2023, LAWFF selected 25 fellows from 640 nominations across 12 African countries, providing expert-led training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Fellows gained global recognition through speaking engagements and media features. In 2024, the fellowship expanded to 30 participants from 639 nominations across 10 countries. The programme included targeted mentorship, a close-out event at the AGRF Summit in Rwanda, and the launch of an Alumni Network to sustain impact and collaboration.
In 2025, LAWFF awarded fellowships to 32 outstanding women agripreneurs from 11 African countries. Out of 1,154 nominations, these women will leverage the fellowship’s training, mentorship and alumni support to build a sustainable and inclusive food ecosystem, showcasing the diversity and brilliance of African women.
The official launch of LAWFF 2025 took place on Monday, March 10, 2025, in commemoration of International Women’s Day. The virtual event featured renowned speakers such as Ndidi Nwuneli and Agnes Konde, aligning with this year’s IWD theme: “Accelerate Action.”
Categories recognising excellence included “Disruptors,” “Trailblazers,” “Food/Beverage Narrative Changers,” “Top Chefs in Africa,” and “Ecosystem Enablers.”
LAV Book: Testament to Women’s Leadership in Agriculture
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Leading AgriWomen Voices (LAV) Book, a powerful collection of strategies and insights from women leading Africa’s food revolution. The book serves as a blueprint for gender inclusivity, resilience and innovation in agriculture.
Copies are available for download on the LAWFF website and will be distributed to policy influencers, investors and agrifood stakeholders across the continent.
A Future Where African Women in Agriculture Shine
LAWFF represents the latest effort by African Food Changemakers to support agri-food entrepreneurs in Africa. Since 2019, the organisation has successfully implemented programmes impacting over 4,350 young entrepreneurs across the agriculture value chain. The LAWFF programme is a transformative force, recognising outstanding achievements and shaping a future where African women in agriculture take centre stage.
Imafidor is the program lead at the Leading African Women in Food Fellowship.
