Tana Malinga

Thirty exceptional young women scientists from 18 Sub Saharan African countries have been honoured at the 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Awards. Selected from over 550 applicants, the group includes 25 PhD candidates and 5 postdoctoral researchers whose work tackles Africa’s biggest challenges, from cancer research to climate resilience and food security.

Chaired by Professor Priscilla Baker from the University of the Western Cape, the scientific jury recognised laureates working across life sciences, environmental science, engineering, technology, material sciences, and formal sciences. Their research directly supports solutions in public health, sustainable development, and digital transformation.

Examples include Margaret Murage’s work on new cancer treatments and Ramal Cyrielle Ndougonna’s genomic studies to develop cassava varieties that are disease-resistant, drought-tolerant, high-yielding, and nutrient-rich.

Across the continent, progress is visible. According to UNESCO, Kenya increased its share of women researchers from 25.7% in 2013 to 38.4% in 2023. Women now make up 58% of graduates in Namibia and 60% in South Africa, though they still represent only one in three researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

For more than 15 years, the Young Talents programme has supported over 270 African women scientists from 35+ countries, offering grants of €10,000 for PhD candidates and €15,000 for postdoctoral researchers, plus leadership and communication training. Laureates also join a global community of 4,700+ women scientists supported since 1998.

Leaders praised the programme’s impact. Pauline Avenel-Lam, Executive Director of the Fondation L’Oréal, said the awards highlight women “pioneering sustainable change for Africa and the world.” Lidia Brito, UNESCO Assistant Director-General, added that celebrating these researchers strengthens Africa’s path toward an inclusive, science driven future.

The Fondation L’Oréal continues its mission to uplift women through science and beauty, while UNESCO, with 194 Member States, remains a global leader in education, science, culture, and knowledge cooperation.