Deadline for Applications: 6 March 2026
Building on the success of the pilot program, this phase specifically targets young women farmers across Africa to enhance their skills, confidence, and professional networks in agrifood systems.
Program Objectives
EYPA Phase II is designed to scale up the mentorship model from the pilot phase, focusing on:
Gender-focused mentorship: Addressing the specific challenges young women face in agriculture.
Capacity-building activities: Enhancing technical, organizational, and financial competencies.
Networking opportunities: Connecting young women farmers with peers, mentors, and industry leaders.
Economic empowerment: Supporting women-led agribusinesses and closing gender gaps in African agrifood systems
The program aligns with the goals of the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026), promoting equitable access to skills, markets, and opportunities.
Who Can Participate
Mentees: Up to 50 young women farmers from various African regions
Mentors: Experienced professionals in agriculture and agribusiness willing to guide mentees
Applications were opened in February 2026, with the submission deadline for expressions of interest on 6 March 2026.
Call for Mentees
Call for Mentors
Program Structure
The EYPA Phase II mentorship journey will provide participants with:
Tailored mentorship: Personalized guidance to address individual challenges and opportunities.
Skill-building sessions: Financial literacy, organizational management, marketing, and business planning
Market access support: Tools and networks to enhance the reach of women-led agribusinesses.
The program concludes with regional pitching sessions, where mentees present their agribusiness ventures, demonstrating the impact and sustainability of their projects.
Final Competition:
Location: PAFO Headquarters, Kigali, Rwanda.
Activity: Top mentees showcase their businesses and compete for two cash prizes.
Outcome: Recognition of leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial excellence in agrifood systems.
Why EYPA Phase II Matters
EYPA Phase II is more than a mentorship program—it is a strategic intervention to:
Develop young women leaders in agriculture.
Promote gender equality and empowerment.
Transform African agrifood systems by fostering innovative and sustainable practices.
Build professional networks that support ongoing growth and collaboration
By equipping young women with essential competencies and mentorship support, the program amplifies their potential to become influential leaders and innovators in their communities and sectors.
FAO & PAFO Collaboration
Phase II reflects a strong partnership between FAO and PAFO, implemented under a Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration emphasizes:
Shared commitment to youth and women empowerment in agriculture.
Creation of structured mentorship and capacity-building opportunities.
Long-term investment in agrifood leadership and innovation across Africa.
Key Highlights at a Glance
Program Name: Empowerment of Young Women Farmers in Africa (EYPA Phase II)
Hosts: FAO & PAFO
Target Participants: Young women farmers (mentees) and experienced agriculture professionals (mentors).
Focus Areas: Mentorship, capacity-building, market access, financial literacy, and agribusiness development.
Final Event: Regional pitching sessions culminating in Kigali, Rwanda.
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