Are you an African thinker, artist, or organizer ready to challenge colonial stories and create new knowledge from your roots? The Sawaba Fellowship 2026 offers funding, mentorship, and space for just that. This program supports people based in Africa to explore decolonial feminist ideas through research, art, and action.
Hosted by Liberation Alliance Africa, the Sawaba Fellowship brings together a small group of fellows from across the continent. It runs for three months and starts with an in-person meeting in May 2026 that covers all costs. Fellows work on projects that center African histories, memories, and real-life experiences.
Program Overview
The Sawaba Fellowship comes from the Sawaba Institute of Critical Consciousness Raising. It focuses on interdisciplinary work, blending research, storytelling, and creative projects. The goal is to build decolonial feminist futures by questioning old colonial views.
This year’s theme, “Not Pioneers of an Empty Land,” pushes back against the idea that African societies had no depth before colonizers arrived. Fellows look at indigenous histories, knowledge, and ways of leading. They highlight how African cultures have always been rich and connected.
The program includes a fully funded gathering at the start. After that, fellows spend three months developing their projects. Outputs can be essays, research papers, art pieces, shows, or public talks. Everyone collaborates and shares ideas in a supportive space.
Key Benefits for Fellows
Fellows get real support to focus on their work. Each receives a monthly stipend of USD 500. This helps cover living costs so they can dedicate time to their projects.
The in-person convening lets participants meet others from Africa. They build networks, get mentorship, and join discussions. This peer learning helps sharpen ideas and spark new partnerships.
Beyond money and meetings, the fellowship boosts visibility. Fellows create work that reaches wider audiences through publications or events. They leave with skills, connections, and confidence to keep pushing for change in decolonial and feminist spaces.
Who Should Apply
This opportunity fits individuals 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 the work ties to the theme.
Applicants need a clear passion for decolonial feminist ideas, sharp thinking, and social change. They must commit to the full program, including the May 2026 meeting and three months of active involvement. Strong candidates show how their project fits the theme and adds to group learning.
How to Apply
Start by preparing your application materials. You need a cover letter, project proposal, portfolio or CV, and a draft budget. The proposal should explain your idea, how it matches “Not Pioneers of an Empty Land,” and what you plan to produce.
Send everything by email. The deadline is 24 April 2026. Only shortlisted applicants hear back, so make your package stand out. Check the official description for full details.
Selected fellows must attend the in-person event and join all parts of the program. Apply soon to join this chance for funded growth and impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sawaba Fellowship 2026?
It is a three-month program hosted by Liberation Alliance Africa that funds African thinkers, artists, and organizers to create decolonial feminist projects based on the theme ‘Not Pioneers of an Empty Land’.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Individuals of African descent living in Africa from fields like academia, arts, activism, or community work who are passionate about decolonial feminist ideas and can commit to the full program.
What benefits do fellows receive?
Fellows get a USD 500 monthly stipend, a fully funded in-person meeting in May 2026, mentorship, networking, and visibility for their projects through publications or events.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Submit a cover letter, project proposal, portfolio or CV, and budget by email before 24 April 2026; check the official description for full details.