Sawaba Fellowship 2026: Funding and Mentorship for African Decolonial Projects

Are you an African thinker, artist, or organizer ready to challenge old colonial stories? The Sawaba Fellowship 2026 offers funding, mentorship, and space to create new ideas based on African roots. This program supports people across the continent who want to build decolonial feminist futures through research, art, and action.

Hosted by Liberation Alliance Africa, the fellowship gathers a small group of fellows for three months of deep work. It focuses on interdisciplinary projects that draw from African histories, memories, and daily lives. If you have a passion for critical thinking and social change, this could be your chance to make a real impact.

About the Sawaba Fellowship 2026

The Sawaba Fellowship comes from the Sawaba Institute of Critical Consciousness Raising. It targets African-based individuals who blend thinking, creativity, and organizing. The program runs for three months and starts with a fully funded in-person meeting in May 2026.

Fellows work on projects that push back against colonial views. They explore ways to center African knowledge and experiences. Outputs can include essays, research papers, art pieces, exhibitions, or public events. The goal is to create work that shifts how people see history and justice.

This setup lets participants connect with others from different parts of Africa. They share ideas, get feedback, and build lasting networks. The fellowship values practice-based work over just theory, so real-world impact stays front and center.

The 2026 Theme: “Not Pioneers of an Empty Land”

This year’s theme questions the idea that African societies had no depth before colonialism. It asks fellows to highlight indigenous histories, knowledge, and leadership that colonizers ignored. Fellows unpack these myths and bring forward stories of cultural strength and continuity.

Projects under this theme might look at forgotten governance systems or ancestral practices. They could use art to revive suppressed memories or writing to reshape public debates. The focus is on collective wisdom, not individual fame.

By tackling this theme, fellows help build epistemic justice. That means fair ways to produce and share knowledge from African perspectives. The program encourages bold, creative responses that fit each person’s strengths.

Benefits for Participants

Fellows get practical support to focus on their work. Each receives a monthly stipend of USD 500 for three months. This covers living costs so they can dedicate time to their projects.

The in-person convening in May 2026 is fully funded, including travel and stay. It kicks off the fellowship with workshops, talks, and group sessions. After that, fellows continue online with regular check-ins and peer support.

Mentorship from experts helps sharpen ideas and skills. Fellows also gain visibility for their outputs through publications or events. Many leave with new partnerships that last beyond the program.

On a deeper level, the fellowship builds confidence in decolonial work. It creates a space for honest talks about challenges and wins. Participants often say it changes how they approach their careers and activism.

Who Can Apply

The Sawaba Fellowship 2026 is for people of African descent living on the African continent. Backgrounds can include academia, arts, journalism, activism, or community work. No single field is required, as long as your approach is interdisciplinary.

Applicants need a clear commitment to decolonial feminist ideas. They should show critical thinking skills and a drive for change. Readiness to join group learning and the in-person event is key.

The program seeks diverse voices, especially those rooted in lived experiences. If you have stories or practices from your community to share, you fit well. Past work in similar areas strengthens your case.

Application Process and Deadline

Applying is straightforward but competitive. Send your materials by email with these items:

• A cover letter explaining your interest and fit.
• A project proposal tied to the theme.
• A CV or portfolio of past work.
• A simple budget draft.

The deadline is 24 April 2026. Only shortlisted applicants hear back. Selected fellows commit to the full program, including the May convening.

Check the official PDF for full details on requirements. Prepare early to make your application stand out. This is a chance to turn your ideas into funded action.

Frequently Asked Questions