Selected from more than 550 applications, the laureates were chosen by a jury of 10 scientists, chaired by Professor Priscilla Baker, chemistry professor at Western Cape University in South Africa, who received herself the 2025 International L’Oréal?UNESCO For Women in Science Award. The awardees represent diverse fields, including life and environmental sciences, material sciences, engineering and technology, and formal sciences.

Their research contributes directly or indirectly to addressing key continental and global challenges such as food security, public health, sustainable development, and inclusive digital transformation.

Progress towards gender parity in scientific research in Sub?Saharan Africa

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, several countries are making meaningful progress toward a more inclusive scientific ecosystem. According to UNESCO’s latest report, Kenya for example has made remarkable progress, increasing the proportion of women researchers by 12 percentage points in 10 years — from 25.7% in 2013 to 38.4% in 2023¹. This positive trend demonstrates growing momentum for women scientists.

Women are also increasingly represented in higher education, representing 58% of graduates in Namibia and 60% in South Africa.

Despite this progress, women scientists still make up only 1 in 3 researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa, as it is the case globally. It is therefore crucial to continue taking action to help foster a new generation of young African women scientists.

Young Talents Award: A renewed commitment to advancing excellence among women scientists

In the face of the challenges facing Africa, this year’s Young Talents laureates contribute actively to placing science at the heart of development models across the continent. For example, Margaret Murage is recognized for her work on new cancer treatments, while Ramal Cyrielle Ndougonna is awarded for using genomic data to identify cassava varieties that are disease?resistant, high?yielding, drought?tolerant, and nutritionally enhanced, all crucial for food security in Africa.

Breaking the glass ceiling and shaping the future of science

“We believe that the future of science in Sub?Saharan Africa relies on recognizing and supporting women scientists. Through the L’Oréal?UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talents Awards, we showcase women scientists who are pioneering sustainable change and delivering solutions for Africa and the world,” said Pauline Avenel?Lam, Executive Director of The Fondation L’Oréal.

"UNESCO champions women researchers at the heart of Africa’s scientific transformation. The L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talents Awards show how partnership can open doors, amplify voices, and accelerate impact. By celebrating these remarkable young researchers, we reaffirm our commitment to their success and to Africa’s sustainable and equitable future," added Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences at UNESCO.

A growing community of more than 270 African women scientists

For over 15 years, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa programme has supported more than 270 women scientists from over 35 countries.

Laureates receive financial grants (€10,000 for PhD candidates, €15,000 for postdoctoral researchers) and trainings in leadership, scientific communication, and career development.

They also join a global network of more than 4,700 women scientists since the international programme’s creation in 1998.