Deadline: March 12, 2026
The Africa Institute Global Africa Translation Fellowship 2026–2027 invites applications from scholars and translators from the Global South to support the translation of significant works from Africa and its diaspora into English or Arabic. Administered by The Africa Institute, this fellowship is part of the African Languages and Translation Programme, aimed at promoting the translation and global dissemination of important African texts.
About the Fellowship
The Global Africa Translation Fellowship provides financial support to scholars and translators working to make important African works available to a wider international audience. The programme focuses on translations of creative, theoretical, and literary works that hold cultural, historical, or scholarly significance.
Projects may include:
- Translations of literary works (novels, poetry, drama, etc.)
- Translations of scholarly and theoretical texts
- Retranslations of classic works where new linguistic, cultural, or historical insights enhance understanding
Through this initiative, The Africa Institute seeks to deepen global engagement with African knowledge production, creative expression, and intellectual history.
Funding Information
The Global Africa Translation Fellowship 2026–2027 offers non-residential fellowships, allowing recipients to complete their projects remotely.
- Grant amount: up to $5,000
- Funding range: typically between $1,000 – $5,000, depending on the project’s scope and quality
The fellowship does not require physical residency at The Africa Institute, giving awardees the flexibility to work from their home countries or institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to scholars, researchers, and translators from the Global South. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to undertake and complete a high-quality translation project within the fellowship period.
While translations into English or Arabic are prioritised, The Africa Institute may consider proposals involving other target languages, provided they contribute meaningfully to African and diaspora studies.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete application package, including the following materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A two-page CV or résumé detailing academic background, translation experience, and relevant publications.
- Project Summary: A two-page summary describing the proposed translation project, including its significance, rationale, timeline, and justification (especially for retranslations).
- Translation Sample: A 4–5-page sample of the original text and its translation, demonstrating linguistic and stylistic proficiency.
- Copyright Documentation: Evidence confirming the copyright status of the work (if it is not in the public domain).
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submissions for the Global Africa Translation Fellowship 2026–2027 is 12 March 2026. Applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their proposals well in advance of the deadline.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through The Africa Institute’s application platform. All required documents should be uploaded as part of a single submission.
Successful applicants will be notified directly by The Africa Institute after the review process.
Programme Goals
The Global Africa Translation Fellowship seeks to:
- Support linguistic and cultural diversity across Africa and its diaspora.
- Encourage new translations and retranslations of significant African works.
- Foster cross-cultural understanding through academic and literary exchange.
- Contribute to global scholarship on African literature, theory, and intellectual history.
By funding high-quality translations, the fellowship ensures that African voices and perspectives are represented in global discourse.
Important Links
👉 Click here to apply for the Global Africa Translation Fellowship 2026–2027
👉 Click here to read more about the programme
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.
