Deadline: February 15, 2026
The African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK) 2026 is a prestigious research fellowship programme designed to support young Africans conducting research grounded in indigenous, local, and alternative knowledge systems. The programme aims to strengthen Africa-centred research approaches while bridging indigenous knowledge holders and academic scholarship.
This fellowship provides a unique platform for early-career researchers and practitioners to contribute to knowledge production that is community-based, culturally rooted, and policy-relevant.
Overview of the AFRIAK Fellowship 2026
The African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK) 2026 is organised by the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) with support from the Mastercard Foundation.
The programme seeks to:
- Promote research rooted in African indigenous and alternative knowledge systems
- Encourage collaboration between academic researchers and indigenous knowledge holders
- Strengthen the visibility, legitimacy, and application of indigenous knowledge in research and policy spaces
- Build a new generation of African researchers committed to decolonised knowledge production
Fellowship Components and Structure
The AFRIAK Fellowship is structured around three core pillars:
1. Research, Training, and Mentorship
Selected fellows will undertake a structured research fellowship that combines:
- Independent and collaborative research
- Capacity-building training
- Ongoing mentorship from academic experts and indigenous knowledge holders
2. Policy and Knowledge Convenings
Fellows will participate in policy-focused engagements aimed at:
- Translating research findings into practice
- Engaging stakeholders on indigenous and alternative knowledge systems
- Contributing to discussions on knowledge policy in Africa
3. Alumni Network and Community of Practice
After completion, fellows become part of a wider alumni network, enabling:
- Continued collaboration
- Knowledge exchange
- Long-term engagement in indigenous knowledge scholarship and practice
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The fellowship is open to young Africans who meet the following criteria:
- Must be African nationals
- Must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application
- Must be resident on the African continent
- Must be actively engaged in research or knowledge-production related to indigenous or alternative knowledge systems
- Practitioners applying must possess formal education and be involved in applying indigenous or local knowledge in their work
Group Applications
- Group applications are allowed with 3–5 members per group
- At least 70% of group members must be women
Application Requirements
For Individual Applicants
Applicants must submit:
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing biographical and professional information
- A structured concept note outlining the proposed research, methodology, and expected outcomes
- Two reference letters, each not exceeding one page, from referees familiar with the applicant’s academic or professional work
For Group Applicants
Group applications must include:
- CVs for all group members
- A jointly authored concept note
- Two reference letters endorsing the group as a collective research team
Key Dates to Note
- Application Deadline: 15 February 2026 (23:59 GMT)
Late applications will not be considered.
Why Apply for the AFRIAK Fellowship?
The African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK) 2026 offers a rare opportunity to:
- Conduct meaningful, community-engaged research
- Receive mentorship from leading scholars and indigenous knowledge practitioners
- Contribute to Africa-centred knowledge systems
- Join a growing continental network of researchers and changemakers
Need Support With Your Application?
We provide professional support for:
- Proposal drafting
- Proposal refining
- Proposal review
Contact us to strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.
