Leaders interested in agricultural development and social impact can now apply for the Future Leaders Program 2026 at One Acre Fund, a 12-month leadership program designed for emerging professionals across Africa.
The Future Leaders Program by One Acre Fund is a 12-month leadership and professional development program designed for high-potential professionals with 2–5 years of experience. Participants will work on high-impact projects supporting smallholder farmers across East Africa while receiving mentorship, leadership training, and hands-on experience within one of Africa’s leading social enterprises.
Leaders Development Through the Future Leaders Program
The Future Leaders Program is an intensive 12-month leadership development initiative offered by One Acre Fund, a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to helping smallholder farmers grow more food and earn more income.
Agriculture remains one of Africa’s largest sources of employment, engaging approximately 46% of the population, while smallholder farmers produce 80% of the continent’s food supply. One Acre Fund works to improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods for farming communities across Africa, with a goal of serving over 10 million farmers by 2030.
The Future Leaders Program is designed to identify and develop the next generation of leaders who will contribute to solving Africa’s agricultural and rural development challenges. The program offers participants the opportunity to gain hands-on operational experience while developing leadership, problem-solving, and strategic management skills.
Through direct engagement with senior leaders and participation in critical projects across multiple country programs, fellows will gain exposure to the systems and strategies that support hundreds of thousands of farm families across Africa.
Participants in the Future Leaders Program will work in one of One Acre Fund’s country programs, including Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Burundi, or Malawi.
Benefits
Participants in the Future Leaders Program will receive several professional development benefits including:
- Direct mentorship from senior leadership within One Acre Fund
- Hands-on experience working on high-priority operational and strategic initiatives
- Leadership development and professional training
- Exposure to large-scale agricultural and social enterprise programs
- Opportunities to build strong networks within the development sector
- Potential pathway to permanent employment opportunities within One Acre Fund after completing the program
This program provides a unique opportunity for professionals who want to develop leadership capabilities while contributing to meaningful social impact across Africa.
Program Structure
The Future Leaders Program follows a structured process designed to support leadership growth and professional development.
Interviews and Matching
Applicants go through a rigorous interview process. Successful candidates are matched with One Acre Fund country programs based on their skills and organizational needs.
Onboarding
Selected participants begin the program with a two-week induction alongside other fellows, where they gain foundational knowledge of the organization and its operations.
Secondment
Participants are then seconded to a host country program where they will work closely with program leadership.
Project Assignments
During the secondment period, fellows will work on two to three critical projects that contribute to the organization’s strategic and operational priorities.
Learning and Development
Participants dedicate approximately 10% of their weekly schedule to professional development activities, mentorship sessions, and leadership training.
Program Closeout
At the end of the program, participants will have the opportunity to interview for permanent roles within One Acre Fund.
Eligibility
Applicants interested in the Future Leaders Program must meet the following requirements:
- Have the legal right to work in one of the program countries (Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Burundi, or Malawi)
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Have 2–4 years of relevant professional experience
- Demonstrate strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills
- Have proficiency in English
- Knowledge of local languages such as Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Amharic, Chichewa, or French is an advantage
Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical thinking, leadership potential, and the ability to translate strategy into structured project plans.
Duration & Location
The Future Leaders Program runs for 12 months.
Participants will be placed in One Acre Fund programs located in:
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Ethiopia
- Burundi
- Malawi
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through the official One Acre Fund application portal.
Applicants should ensure they meet the eligibility requirements and demonstrate leadership potential, professional experience, and commitment to social impact in their application.
Apply through the official application portal below.
Deadline
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Final Note
The Future Leaders Program offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging professionals who want to build leadership careers while contributing to agricultural development and poverty reduction in Africa.
If you are passionate about social impact, leadership, and agricultural development, consider applying to become part of the next generation of leaders supporting Africa’s smallholder farmers.
More Opportunities
For more global opportunities including scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, and grants,
click here
