Build practical, career-relevant skills through real projects, collaboration and expert-led learning. The Fellowship helps people across Africa gain the experience, networks and confidence to thrive in a changing world of work, and to take part in the shift to a regenerative, nature-positive economy.
About the Fellowship
The Applied Learning Fellowship is a six-month, flexible learning programme for aspiring professionals, career-transitioning individuals, entrepreneurs, community leaders and changemakers across Africa. Through real-world projects, team-based learning and expert-led masterclasses, fellows gain hands-on experience they can apply across employment, entrepreneurship, consulting, freelancing and community-based initiatives.
The Fellowship is part of how Unearthing Insights Africa builds human capital across the continent: equipping young leaders with the skills and networks to strengthen a connected, Pan-African innovation ecosystem.
Who is it for
Why this Fellowship
Across Africa, many people create livelihoods through entrepreneurship, self-employment, consulting, freelancing, community enterprises and other forms of informal economic activity. As economies evolve, people need to identify opportunities, mobilise resources, communicate effectively, collaborate and adapt to changing contexts.
The Fellowship equips participants to pursue opportunities across both formal and informal pathways, while contributing to a more resilient, inclusive and nature-positive future.
What You Gain
The Fellowship puts fellows into real work from the start. Fellows contribute to live projects, learn alongside peers and practitioners, and build a record of what they can do. Over six months, fellows:
Contribute to real organisational projects and initiatives
Develop a portfolio of work and demonstrable experience
Build practical and transferable skills through applied learning
Explore opportunities emerging in the transition to a nature-positive economy
Collaborate with peers and practitioners across African
Strengthen professional networks and relationships
Meet The Fellows
The inaugural cohort of the Unearthing Insights Applied Fellowship Programme. Bringing together emerging leaders, researchers, storytellers, and changemakers from Benin, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Through our Research & Insights, Facilitation & Resource Mobilisation, and Storytelling Labs, we look forward to supporting and learning alongside this exceptional group as they embark on this journey together.
Bassey Effiong
As a conservation professional my career has been shaped by a deep connection with forests, wildlife, and the people who depend on them. Over the past 15 years, I have worked across protected areas in Nigeria, combining field based conservation with law enforcement, biodiversity monitoring, community engagement, and forest restoration. My current interests lie at the intersection of conservation practice and research, particularly forest restoration, biodiversity monitoring, insect ecology, and building stronger conservation systems and communities.
Tafadzwa Mabgazara
I am a dedicated psychology scholar and mental health advocate from Zimbabwe, deeply committed to creating inclusive educational environments. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Educational Psychology at Great Zimbabwe University, where I also serve as class representative. My academic journey focuses on the intersection of human behavior and equitable learning, building upon the strong foundation I established during my Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Psychology from Midlands State University.
ADJIMOTI Wilfrid
I am an agroecologist and forestry specialist from Benin with an academic and professional background focused on biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and knowledge management for development. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Monitoring and Conservation of Biodiversity at the University of Parakou, where my research focuses on ecosystem services, traditional ecological knowledge, food security, sustainable livelihoods, and community-based conservation. I hold an MSc in Agronomy and Sustainable Environment from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, and a BSc in Natural Sciences from the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin. Professionally, I have worked with international organizations and development initiatives, including FAO’s World Food Forum, the Global Landscapes Forum, UNDP/UN Volunteers, CIRAD, and biodiversity conservation projects.
Malerotholi Lerotholi
I am a sociologist from Lesotho with an MSc in Health and Medical Sociology and experience in research, community engagement, programme coordination, youth facilitation. My experience includes conducting qualitative research, analysing programme data, community-based projects, facilitating youth programmes. I am interested in understanding social issues, particularly those affecting young people, participation, and access to opportunities. I am particularly interested in how research can help us understand people’s experiences and inform better programmes and decisions.
Cynthia Umeh
Cynthia Nnenna Umeh is a communications and programmes professional with over five years of experience working across civic participation, community engagement, youth development, mental health advocacy, gender equality, peacebuilding, and social change. She holds a B.Sc. in International Relations and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution. Cynthia has supported programmes that engage young people and communities in conversations around mental health, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, civic participation, and community development. Cynthia is particularly passionate about amplifying community voices and creating opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in issues that affect their lives.
Kenneth Zindondo
Kenneth Zindondo is a final-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Cultural Studies at the University of Malawi (UNIMA). An accomplished writer and researcher, he is the Undergraduate Winner of the 2025 Global Social Harm Essay Competition (University of Bristol, UK) and a runner-up in the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) 12th Continental Essay Competition. He is an Art4Change Fellow, a 2026 World Literacy Foundation Ambassador, and a member of the World Food Forum Malawi Chapter. He is also a CNN Academy Fellow (2025) and an African Liberty Writing Fellow (2026). He works as a freelance journalist for the BBC, The Daily Times (The Times Group), and The Nation, which are Malawi’s leading daily national newspapers.
Tracy Fullard
After attained my Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Cape Town, I began my career in Advanced Process Control (APC) engineering, spending six years in the downstream petroleum industry. This role allowed me to apply STEM skills to develop real-time solutions that improved plant performance, while growing into project leadership and training roles. Completing a Foundations in IT programme in 2025 reignited my passion for mathematics, particularly in AI and machine learning, and inspired my transition toward data science. As an aspiring Data Scientist, I continue to expand my technical capabilities while broadening my industry exposure. Alongside this, I founded a nature-based women’s adventure community, creating experiences that promote wellbeing, connection, movement, and personal growth through nature.
Linda Nkutha
I am a communications graduate from the University of the Free State, where I completed a BA in Integrated Organisational Communication. I have always been interested in how people communicate, share ideas and connect with one another. Through my studies and practical experiences, I developed an interest in storytelling, research, marketing and working with people. During university, I worked as a Student Assistant on the Communicating Social Justice project, where I was involved in research, storytelling, multimedia projects and student engagement. I also worked as a Student Marketing Assistant with ABSIP, where I supported event promotion and engaged with students. These experiences have helped me become a better communicator, team player and problem-solver. I would describe myself as curious, open-minded and willing to learn. I enjoy meeting new people, exploring new ideas and taking on opportunities that allow me to grow both personally and professionally.
Mariam Mapunda
My name is Mariam Mapunda, am from Tanzania and am a graduate in IT also am working with NGO as a digital Business Facilitator, I hope I will gain a lot from this program and learn new skills.
Gibson Mphemvu
I am a Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Specialist and Public Health Researcher with over five years of experience designing and leading data-driven social development initiatives in Malawi. My journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of Livingstonia, where I developed a foundational commitment to evidence-based interventions that improve community well-being. I have since specialized in MEL, earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management and a Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation Fundamentals, with an Implementation Research certification currently in progress. My professional experience spans roles at African Alliance, where I contributed to the development of Malawi’s national pandemic preparedness strategy, and FEED the Children Malawi, where I managed a rapid-assessment survey of over 2,000 participants. I have also worked at various health centers, designing and evaluating programs that reduced STI rates, achieved open-defecation-free certifications, and improved preventive health literacy. Currently serving as Administrative Officer at Ambassadors Charity Trust (a youth-led organization), I bring expertise in mixed-methods research, stakeholder engagement, program administration, and translating complex data into actionable policy recommendations that center the needs of marginalized communities.
Koheleth Chacha Sunguro
I am Eng. Koheleth Chacha Orren Sunguro, a Tanzanian telecommunications engineer, entrepreneur, innovator, and development practitioner committed to advancing inclusive economic and social transformation in Africa. My professional journey combines engineering, technology, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, innovation, and community development, with a strong interest in applying practical and evidence-informed approaches to African challenges. I am the Founder and CEO of Scientific World Conglomerates LLC (SWC LLC) and a leader within the African Philanthropists Organization (APO), where I work on initiatives that strengthen youth entrepreneurship, skills development, innovation ecosystems, strategic partnerships, and sustainable livelihoods. My broader professional interests include African innovation, technology and digital transformation, youth economic participation, entrepreneurship, climate and nature solutions, social impact, and locally led development. I am passionate about connecting knowledge with action and contributing to solutions that are scalable, inclusive, and relevant to African communities.
Claytos Chimoto
Claytos Chimoto is a Zimbabwean development researcher, enterprise practitioner and resource mobilisation professional who works where promising ideas meet a harder question: what makes an opportunity worth backing? His perspective has been shaped by lived experience spanning humanitarian response, disaster-risk management, disability-inclusive development, agribusiness and enterprise support. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Clasmael Radical Innovators, his work has contributed to engagements with 35+ micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, 50+ agripreneurs and 30+ funding and business-development assignments. Claytos holds a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Disaster and Management Studies and has completed the academic requirements for a Master of Science in Project Management, with formal certification pending financial clearance. In 2026, he was selected as a Contributor and Virtual Presenter to the Africa Youth Economic Forum Knowledge & Policy Series for his work on Africa’s enterprise-readiness gap.