African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK) 2026

The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) is pleased to announce the second cohort of the African Fellowships for Research in Indigenous and Alternative Knowledges (AFRIAK). This program is supported by the Mastercard Foundation as part of its commitment to advancing education and skills for young people in Africa.

📝 About the Fellowship

The AFRIAK fellowship program aims to support research and knowledge production activities that draw on Indigenous and alternative knowledge perspectives. It includes:

• A research, training, and mentorship fellowship program for young people.
• Policy convenings to discuss and promote Indigenous knowledge.
• An alumni and community of practice network focused on Indigenous and alternative knowledge.

🎁 Benefits

The AFRIAK fellowship offers the following benefits:

1. Participation in a research, training, and mentorship fellowship program.
2. Opportunities to engage in policy convenings.
3. Membership in an alumni and community of practice network for Indigenous and alternative knowledge.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

This fellowship is open to young African nationals aged 35 and below who reside on the African continent. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be engaged in research and knowledge production activities that draw, or aspire to draw, on Indigenous/local knowledge perspectives.
• Be based in formal research and knowledge institutions or Indigenous knowledge research centers in Africa.
• Practitioners aged 35 and below, with formal education qualifications, actively engaged in activities that apply Indigenous/local knowledge perspectives, are also encouraged to apply.

📋 Application Process

Individual Applications

Individual applicants are required to provide the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Key biographical and professional information.
• Concept Note: A structured concept note that includes:
  • Research topic.
  • Assessment of the body of knowledge related to the topic.
  • Methodology and expected outcomes.
• Reference Letters: Two signed reference letters (each limited to one page) from referees familiar with the applicant’s work.
  Note: Reference letters are assessed and contribute significantly to the success of the application.

Group Applications

Group applications must consist of 3 to 5 members, with at least 70% of the group being women. Groups must meet the following requirements:

• Eligibility Compliance: All group members must meet the eligibility criteria. Non-compliance by any member will result in disqualification of the entire group.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Key biographical and professional information for each group member.
• Concept Note: A structured concept note that includes:
  • Research topic.
  • Assessment of the body of knowledge related to the topic.
  • Methodology and expected outcomes.
• Reference Letters: Two signed reference letters (each limited to one page) from referees familiar with the group and endorsing the group as a whole.
  Note: Reference letters are assessed and contribute significantly to the success of the application.

📅 Application Deadline

15 February, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

For more details about the fellowship, visit the official CODESRIA AFRIAK page.
To apply, complete the application form available here.

This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for young African researchers and practitioners to advance their work in Indigenous and alternative knowledge systems. Don't miss the chance to be part of this transformative program!

• A research, training and mentorship fellowship programme for young people.
• Policy convenings.
• An alumni and community of practice in Indigenous and alternative knowledge network.