Are you a thinker, artist, or activist passionate about challenging colonial myths and building feminist futures? The Sawaba Fellowship 2026 offers a unique chance for people of African descent to dive into reflection, research, and creative work. Hosted by Liberation Alliance Africa, this program selects four fellows to explore decolonial ideas through discourse and projects.
What Is the Sawaba Fellowship 2026?
The Sawaba Fellowship 2026 creates space for researchers, thinkers, artists, practitioners, activists, writers, journalists, and community organizers. It focuses on experience-based discussions, research, and knowledge production around decolonial feminist futures. Fellows will take part in scholarly work along with personal and group explorations of liberation, critical awareness, and anti-colonial feminist solidarity.
The program starts with a three-day residential retreat in an easy-to-reach spot on the African continent. Only those of African descent living on the continent can apply. This setup helps build connections and deep thinking in a supportive environment.
The 2026 Theme: Not Pioneers of an Empty Land
This year’s theme, “Not Pioneers of an Empty Land,” pushes back against old colonial stories. Those stories claimed the world was empty before Europeans arrived, using laws and mindsets to spread that lie. The theme calls for work that honors truth and rejects those false ideas.
Today, these myths appear in ways that block group knowledge and shared success. They lead to doubt and push people to act alone, like being the only expert or creating ideas from nothing. Social media makes this worse by turning human stories, attention, and respect into products for sale.
The theme reminds us of ancestors who kept memories, stories, family lines, and histories alive. It invites fellows to break free from colonial borders in thinking, politics, feelings, and psychology. Instead, reclaim shared lands, common goals, and care for nature that came long before maps of theft and forced countries.
Fellows can shape their projects around this theme. They might create art, write reports, or lead talks that highlight real histories and futures.
Key Benefits for Fellows
One big perk is financial support. Each fellow gets a monthly stipend of USD $500 for the whole program. This money covers project costs, making it easier to focus on the work.
The retreat offers time for in-person bonding and idea-sharing. Fellows also gain from a network of like-minded people rooted in decolonial politics. This can lead to ongoing collaborations and new opportunities in activism or creative fields.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The Sawaba Fellowship 2026 welcomes a wide range of people. You could be an artist, academic, journalist, filmmaker, thinker, playwright, poet, architect, urban planner, novelist, cultural worker, or expert in another area.
Applicants need to offer sharp, forward-looking views on topics like justice, equality, rights, climate, identity, and community. Go beyond common ideas to question limits in today’s talks. Strong candidates show deep ties to decolonial feminist politics, anti-imperialist teamwork, feminist world-building, and freedom in knowledge.
You must live on the African continent and have African roots. The program seeks voices ready to tackle local and worldwide issues with fresh insight.
How to Apply for the Fellowship
Applying is straightforward but requires care. Send your materials to [email protected].
You need these items:
- A cover letter that explains your interest and fit.
- A portfolio of past work.
- A project description, no more than three pages. Outline your idea, how it ties to the theme, and planned steps.
- A draft project budget to show how you’ll use funds.
Make sure everything is clear and tied to decolonial feminist goals. Review the full call for details in the official PDF from Liberation Alliance Africa.
Important Deadline and Next Steps
Applications close on April 24, 2026. Submit early to avoid last-minute issues. Check the host’s site for updates or questions.
This fellowship stands out for its focus on real change through reflection and creation. If your work aligns with fighting colonial legacies and building solidarity, it could be your chance to contribute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sawaba Fellowship 2026?
It is a program hosted by Liberation Alliance Africa for people of African descent on the continent to explore decolonial feminist futures through reflection, research, and creative projects. Fellows join a three-day retreat and work on theme-based projects.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be of African descent, live on the African continent, and include thinkers, artists, activists, journalists, or others with sharp views on justice, equality, and decolonial feminist politics.
What are the benefits for fellows?
Each fellow receives a $500 monthly stipend for project costs, attends a residential retreat for bonding and idea-sharing, and joins a network for future collaborations.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Send a cover letter, portfolio, project description, and budget to [email protected]. Applications close on April 24, 2026.