At just 26 years old, Victoria Kadet is already breaking barriers. All the way from Côte D’Ivoire, Victoria is the youngest woman in the 2025 Cohort of the prestigious Mawazo Institute Fellowship. A platform supporting African women in science and policy research.

Currently in her final year of a PhD at Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Victoria is not only making strides in academia but also redefining the future of agriculture in Africa.

Victoria’s research focuses on enhancing the quality of cocoa beans, a crucial crop in her home country. By improving bean quality, she aims to boost farmers’ incomes and elevate the competitiveness of Africa’s cocoa on the global market. “It’s about changing lives,” she told TV47 during the launch of Mawazo Institute’s 4th cohort on Thursday, May 22.

But the journey hasn’t been without challenges. “Being a woman in science is tough,” she admits. What keeps her going is the deep belief in herself, an unshakable passion for her work, and a great support system, especially from her parents.

To fellow African women aspiring to reach higher in education, Victoria offers powerful advice: “Lean into your support system in order to succeed and never underestimate the power of passion. With it, you can achieve anything.”

In a world where African women are still underrepresented in STEM and Social Sciences, Victoria Kadet is not just pursuing a PhD, she’s paving the way for the next generation of young African scholars.