Africa University Selects 10 Candidates for TAGDev 2.0 Scholarships for the 2026/2027 Academic Year

By Evaline Acan

Africa University in Zimbabwe has selected 10 candidates for the TAGDev 2.0 scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year, following a competitive and multi-stage application, screening, and validation process.

The scholarships are offered under the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development (TAGDev 2.0) programme, implemented by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. The programme seeks to expand access to inclusive and transformative higher education, equip young Africans with relevant skills, and empower them to contribute to agricultural transformation and sustainable development across the continent.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, Africa University received 214 applications, of which 207 met the eligibility requirements. A total of 106 applicants had applied for scholarships and secured admission. Following the screening process, 10 candidates were selected for the scholarships.

Of the 10 candidates selected for scholarship, seven are female (70%) and three are male (30%). Notably, the selection includes four refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), representing 40% of the selected candidates, as well as one candidate with a disability.

Through the TAGDev 2.0 programme, Africa University is strengthening its role as a catalyst for youth empowerment, agricultural transformation and sustainable community development. Beyond providing access to higher education, the programme offers young people an opportunity to acquire practical, entrepreneurial and leadership skills that enable them to translate academic knowledge into real-world solutions. Unlike conventional scholarships that primarily focus on financial support and academic achievement, TAGDev 2.0 integrates experiential learning, community engagement, mentorship and enterprise development, preparing students to become innovators, job creators and agents of change. By connecting university education with the needs of farmers, local communities and the wider agricultural sector, Africa University is helping to nurture a generation of graduates who are not only academically qualified but also equipped to address pressing development challenges, create economic opportunities and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s sustainable transformation.

Below is a listing of the 2025 Awardees and Congratulations to the selected candidates!