Are you an African thinker, artist, or activist ready to challenge colonial narratives? The Sawaba Fellowship 2026 offers a unique chance to explore decolonial feminist ideas. Hosted by Liberation Alliance Africa, this program supports creative projects that build on Africa’s rich history.
What is the Sawaba Fellowship?
The Sawaba Fellowship brings together researchers, thinkers, artists, practitioners, activists, writers, journalists, and community organizers. It focuses on reflection, discourse, research, and knowledge production. The goal is to pursue decolonial feminist futures through scholarly work and personal explorations of liberation, critical consciousness, and anti-colonial feminist solidarity.
This fellowship creates space for bold voices. Fellows engage in projects that question old ideas and build new ones. It runs for three months and includes both online and in-person activities.
2026 Fellowship Theme: Not Pioneers of an Empty Land
The theme for 2026 is “Not Pioneers of an Empty Land.” It calls on applicants to show that emotional, physical, psychological, and epistemological lands in Africa were never empty. Instead, they held sophisticated indigenous governance, ecological stewardship, and cultural continuity.
Projects should honor individual and collective journeys toward radical awakening. Fellows propose original work that aligns with this theme and contributes to decolonial feminist liberation. Outputs can include essays, books, journals, podcasts, plays, exhibitions, public events, or lectures.
Program Details
Four fellows of African descent who live on the African continent will be selected. The program starts with a three-day residential retreat in an accessible location on the continent. This retreat happens in May 2026 and is fully supported by Liberation Alliance Africa.
Fellows must attend in-person and online gatherings. They will connect with other scholars, practitioners, and organizers in the Liberation Alliance Africa collective and beyond. The fellowship runs in English and expects active participation to raise critical consciousness on anti-colonial world-building.
Who Should Apply?
Applicants can be artists, academics, journalists, documentarians, thinkers, playwrights, poets, architects, urban planners, novelists, cultural workers, or others. They need to offer deep analysis of topics like justice, equality, rights, climate, identity, and community. Successful candidates go beyond current thought patterns.
Key qualities include roots in decolonial feminist politics, anti-imperialist solidarity, feminist world-building, and epistemic liberation. Knowledge of regional and global issues is essential. The selection prioritizes projects that bridge disciplines and show past work on decolonization or historical justice.
Benefits and Stipend
Fellows receive a USD 500 monthly stipend for three months. This covers project expenses. The Liberation Alliance Africa also supports travel and participation in the in-person retreat.
Beyond money, the fellowship offers community, reflection time, and a platform for impact. Fellows complete their projects during the term and share them through various media. This builds networks and advances anti-colonial ideas.
Application Requirements
To apply, submit these items:
- Project Proposal (1,500 words): Describe your methodology and how it connects at least two distinct disciplines. Tie it to the theme and decolonial feminist goals.
- Portfolio or CV: Show previous work related to decolonization or historical justice.
- Personal Statement (one page max): Explain why “Not Pioneers of an Empty Land” fits your practice.
Also include a cover letter, portfolio, project description (up to three pages), and a draft project budget.
How to Apply
Send your full application to [email protected]. Make sure all parts are complete and clear. Due to high interest, only shortlisted candidates will hear back.
For questions, email the same address. Check the official webpage for the full call details: Visit the Official Webpage of the Sawaba Fellowship.
Application Timeline
Applications close on April 24, 2026. Shortlisted applicants will get contact by April 30, 2026. The in-person gathering follows in May 2026.
Start preparing now to join this vital space for African creativity and thought. The Sawaba Fellowship 2026 waits for projects that reclaim Africa’s true story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sawaba Fellowship?
The Sawaba Fellowship is a three-month program for African thinkers, artists, activists, and others to create projects on decolonial feminist ideas. It includes online and in-person activities to build critical consciousness and anti-colonial solidarity.
What is the 2026 theme?
The theme ‘Not Pioneers of an Empty Land’ shows that Africa’s emotional, physical, and cultural lands were never empty. It calls for projects that honor indigenous governance and radical awakening.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Applicants of African descent living on the continent, such as artists, academics, journalists, or cultural workers, with projects on decolonization, justice, and feminist world-building. They need past work in these areas.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Send a project proposal, CV, personal statement, and other items to [email protected]. Applications close on April 24, 2026.