The Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) is excited to announce its Advanced Leadership Programme, an innovative, hands-on, and customized experience designed for senior and emerging leaders in Africa’s agriculture sector. Targeted at individuals who are leading and executing specific country-level agricultural initiatives, this program is initially open to participants from eight African countries.
The CALA Advanced Leadership Programme aims to support food security champions and leaders by enabling them to:
- Gain recognition as collaborative, results-driven leaders who drive tangible change at the national level.
- Advance flagship programs and policies to promote agricultural transformation.
- Foster cross-sector collaboration to enhance sustainability and achieve food security goals.
- Develop leadership skills in environmental sustainability, including agro-ecological principles, climate change adaptation, and environmental and social management, all of which contribute to sustainable farming, food production, and resilient food systems in the face of climate change.
Benefits of CALA Advanced Leadership Programme
Thanks to the generous support of the German Development Cooperation through KfW Development Bank, participants’ fees, including travel costs for all Leadership Forums and graduation events, are fully sponsored. However, participants will need to cover their internet access costs for virtual leadership forums, and no per diems will be provided for in-person events.
Graduates of the program will receive a certificate in Advanced Leadership for Africa’s Food Security & Sustainability and will be recognized as delivery champions on AGRA’s prestigious continental platforms and national events. They will also join an esteemed network of transformative leaders who offer peer support to continuously achieve national priorities.
Requirements and Selection Process
Eligible candidates are established or emerging leaders working in government, private firms, associations, or civil society organizations who are responsible for driving agricultural flagships and priority programs. They must be actively employed in the public sector, private sector, or civil society. Participants will be drawn from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, with special consideration given to women, youth, and individuals advancing agro-ecological practices.
The 16-month program includes a unique learning approach that enhances leadership, collaboration, and management skills through:
- Virtual and in-person learning events
- Action Learning Projects tied to job and country transformation objectives
- On-the-job and in-country coaching
- Regular peer accountability sessions
- Participation in bi-annual leadership forums and the Africa Food Systems Forum
- Exposure to case studies of ‘Game-changers’ in African agriculture
- Peer-learning and networking opportunities with cohorts from across the continent
Application Process
Applications for Cohort 4 open on May 13 and close on July 2, 2024. Successful candidates will be notified by August 2024, with the program set to commence in the same month.
Interested and qualified individuals can apply by visiting the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) application portal at ami.smapply.io. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and contribute to the transformation of Africa’s agriculture sector!
